The Great and Powerful Zackary

The youngest black and white cat yawns mightily then stretches out on the bed, on her back, paws extended to capture some imaginary shadow. This belly up position is too much temptation for the youngest kitten and he pounces, landing squarely on top of her with a kamikaze shriek. She is taken completely unawares but instantly responds with a bear hug body lock, effectively pinning him beneath her and securing him with her teeth. The Great and Powerful Zackary is down for the count and when he finally frees himself - with a little assistance from the black dog who is disturbed by the commotion and feels compelled to referee - he gives them both a withering Arnold Schwarzenegger look and stalks off in search of more vulnerable targets.

Rounding the corner, he sets his sights on the tabby who immediately raises her hackles in anticipation of a full frontal attack but again, the black dog intervenes and provides the tabby time enough to make a rapid if undignified retreat. Restless and distracted, the kitten prowls onward, discovering the elder black and white cat at the water bowl, but catching sight of him first, she darts away and takes refuge behind a bookshelf. Last but but by no means least, the kitten closes in on the elder black cat, curled up and sleeping on the couch next to the small brown dog. As he makes his approach however, the older cat senses his presence, opens his eyes, and emits a low feline growl. The kitten pauses, does the math, then discreetly reverses direction and resentfully slinks away, his ambitions thwarted at least for the morning.

There is a lesson to be learned here, I think to myself.

Discretion is the better part of valor....

If at first you don't succeed.....

You can't always get what you want....

Adversity is opportunity in work clothes ....

Life is often complicated and working and playing well with others is seldom as straightforward or simple as it should be. There are times when we all could use a little adult supervision and a time out. If you don't believe me, you can ask a cat.