Stripey Thing has decided he is only going to answer to Tony and
Mattie's names.  He still knows his name, he just won't come to it as
often anymore.  But it is a guarantee that if I call Mattie I will get
not only Mattie, but Stripey Thing as well.  In fact, I might even get
Stripey Thing before Mattie manages to show up.  He's figured out that
if someone's name is being called it probably means good things - even
if it is only pettin's and he wants in on it.  The other cats aren't so
bright.  They only come when their name is called.

I had to open the front door to air out the place because the smoke
detectors were going off this afternoon because my oven was making too
much smoke - I hate sensitive smoke detectors - and I had to leave the
room to turn on fans and such.  When it was all over to make sure I had
all three cats I did a head count and Stripey Thing was missing.  I
checked outside and he wasn't there, so I called for him and he didn't
come, so I called for Mattie - who was mightily confused when I kept
calling for her after she showed up. And who should show up  a couple of
calls later but Stripey Thing.  They both got lots of snuggles for
surviving the loud beeping monster.  And I will reward Stripey Thing for
showing up however he wants to show up because I want him to show up
when I call SOME name. :)

Bridget