Through The Mud Clearly

First of all let me just say it isn't my vacation! Actually what is being chronicled here is my stint as a house, dog, cat(s) and hamster sitter while their family is on an extended vacation. Only one cat is theirs; the other is mine. So, picture this: I am sitting on the floor in the middle of the hallway with my cat Marmalade blown up like a puffer fish and spitting like a camel. On the other side is S. Dodah who somehow has managed to puff out her face but nothing else. As loud caterwauling is going on, I am explaining to Marmalade that she is a guest in this house and she must be nice. I have to explain this several times and even threaten her with exile. Finally she wanders off and allows S. Dodah to move about the house. Lady (the dog) seems to be uncertain about my cat. It seems Marmalade is intent on befriending her. Lady just looks confused and even a bit nervous. On a brighter note; I successfully put Dusty (the hamster) in her exercise ball, cleaned the cage and fed her without incident. YAY!! More to come.