Well, spring is surely and definitely here.

In honor of the season, Molly has announced a new order for our home.

She is now officially mistress of all She surveys.  Jake has not so much
been demoted as shifted to elder statesman.

Jake has finally worked out how to control Kayla, and is willing to sleep on
the bed and go for long walks and naps in the sun.  As long as his shrimp
arrives minced at exactly 7pm.  He has learned that Kayla gets in trouble
for harassing him.  And he's decided that getting her in trouble is worth
it.  She will charge the kitchen counter when ever he gets up to eat.  (She
doesn't bother Molly).  So Jake makes extra sure Kayla is watching before he
jumps up, especially if Charlie is in the room to scold Kayla.

The game as it is played.  Make sure Charlie is watching.  Make sure Kayla
is watching.  Jump on counter.  Watch Kayla charge and get scolded.  Preen a
bit as you take a few bites of kibble and a small sip of water.  Give the
dog a dirty look.

Molly has gradually gained the upper hand.  For one thing, Kayla has never
ruffled her fur like she does Jake's.  Molly gives Kayla head butts, nose
touches, walks across her, and generally shows who she thinks is boss.  In
return Kayla is allowed to chase her across the back yard and up Molly's
favorite tree.  Kayla never bothers her without being allowed.

Once a day, Molly smacks Jake gently just to show that she is now the Queen.

Her duties include control of the humans and general cat like behavior as
suits her whims.  She insists on being last one in the house at night.  Or
to put it another way, she won't come inside for us.  Only for her special
"hooman".  Eighteen year old grandson who is the light of her life.  She
waits up for him every night.  And she is the first one up in the morning.
I'm quite sure Kayla is the first one awake as once Molly gets me up, Kayla
is sitting up in her crate quite anxious to get to the out.  Molly has her
convinced that she is the one who arranges for Kayla to be let out.  It
takes a little longer to get me up than it used to.  She started out just
pawing at me a tiny bit and touching my eyelids.  But in the last few weeks
she has learned that kneading a hooman is a pleasure in and of itself.

Once Kayla is out and back in, Molly must be let out and back in each door
in turn.  Have to check the weather in all three outs.  Periodically she
will check to see if I'm alert by asking for 'her' treats, or fresh water,
or a refill on dry food.

And now that she is in charge, she allows herself to play.  Last night she
played chase and throw the mousie, hide in the cat bed, climb through the
cat tree, walk on the dog, etc for almost fifteen minutes.  This girl never
used to play.

http://tinyurl.com/ytzsob

or

http://pets.webshots.com/photo/2705145860031164080PqDXBW

for Molly's favorite place to nap.

Jo