Mid-Atlantic Gardening: Mid Atlantic Forum pet pics, 1 by ViburnumValley

ViburnumValley wrote:
Marianne and I felt we had reached a pinnacle - three happy cats as companions.

Then came the post winter holiday period in January 2001, when we had a visitor at the doorstep. A little black cat was loitering about, so Marianne and I set about trying to collect it. Obviously street-smart (or at least country lane-wise), this one would have none of it and promptly headed up a tree.

Of course, the tree selected was the old American Elm - tallest tree on the property - which was resplendent in a cloak of Toxicodendron radicans. Fortunately, the crotch where the main trunks divided was within reach of an 8 foot ladder and 6 foot plus husband. Rescued from her perch and brought indoors, she never again strayed from the safety of the homestead.

We recognized this one's lineage as belonging to a roaming male down the lane (solid black, close set eyes, short legs projecting a stocky form) - but this was a little girl.

Thus we were joined by Nyssa sylvatica (born 2000; resident 2001 - 2013). The boy cats were chivalrous as they enthusiastically made her welcome as a new playmate, and she taught them some manners and decorum.

Despite her smaller stature, she always held her own and took on the mantle of watch-cat. Last to see us on our way to work in the mornings, and first to welcome us at the door upon return, Nyssa had the peculiar and amusing habit of making a low growl when visitors came to the door. Be afraid - be very afraid...

1. The slender lass' girlish figure circa 2002

2. One of our favorite images - our little Ewok

3. Epitomizing one of her nicknames - Plush Pet

4. Guard cat - between momma and the door

5. Her cute habit of not quite fully retracting her tongue