Stella spends more time laying in the sun these days. It undoubtedly feels good on her eleven year old self. though still pretty spry she’s a step slower, sleeps a little more. We all age and a part of the bargain of having dogs is that we watch them age and almost always have to let go of them before we ourselves go. I’m very rarely sad about her aging. It’s the way of things, the way of life and I accept it.
taken and posted with the PlayBook
Achilles and Stella have been partners for eight years since I adopted him from the shelter. Treasured companions.
Stella, the ever-vigilant one
Overexposed, yes. Yet the colour richness of the green iris leaves, the colour and the angularity of the red planter, and (look closely) the way a scent pulled Stella’s nose pulled to the right all made for a keeper of a photo.
Watching Stella’s ears rotate, monitoring sounds, often moving independently, is fascinating.
I’m not a fan of cats being allowed to roam in urban situations for several reasons – caterwauling cats disturb my sleep and serenity, the appalling toll they take on urban bird life, the cats that are run over by vehicles.
This cat found its way into our backyard without my knowledge. I took a break from computing and let the cattle dogs out. Achilles almost immediately saw or scented, then cornered it. Chili is pretty cagey, while he kept it cornered he maintained a healthy distance. After about 20 minutes I lost interest and went inside. All remained quiet outside. After another hour or so Achilles lost interest and scratched at the door, asking to come inside.
I took this photo almost four years ago and as far as I can determine this cat has never returned to our backyard. Smart kitty.
Stella, seen through the trellis netting.
Several years ago Achilles and I participated in a fund-raising walk for the local chapter of the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA). It was a natural thing to do since I adopted him from a shelter. It was a warm and humid day which made the stroll, largely out in the sun, less than easy. We took a break when we got in the shade of some tall trees. What a good boy he was that day, and is to this day.
Taken with and posted on the PlayBook.
Achilles at rest.
Taken with and posted by the PlayBook
Our challenging, sweet Stella.
previouslytexan 