Pet Peeves....

Here we have it - another episode of pet peeves - the things that make you a tiny bit crazy and annoyed when you are "raising" 12 critters.

Exhibit A - Why oh why must the piglet head butt he water bowl before he drinks?  Water splashes all over the kitchen floor making for a soggy mess....perhaps its his bad eyesight - and he wants to get an idea of how deep the water in the bowl is?  Not sure but its really annoying....  The ferrets do something similar when they drink - they scratch at the water in the bowl to make it more visible to them so they don't dunk their noses - but its a bit less offensive as their splashes are a lot smaller than Winston's!

Exhibit B - Hardwood floor neurosis.  I do completely adore the dog but her neuroses do tend to work my nerves.  She is a mess when it comes to walking down the upstairs hallway floor - laminate hardwood....it's like a major drama every morning and then when she finally does decide to head downstairs its flailing and freaking out and complete ridiculousness until she makes it to the stairs.  Sigh.....

Exhibit C - Licky kitties.  Now don't get me wrong - I love to get kisses from the critters - Madison is notorious for ferret smooches, occasionally Emma gives doggie kisses.  Sometimes even the pig gives kisses - its all good.  But - three of my kitties are chronic kissers - which means you can't have any sort of engagement with them at all without it being a giant lick fest.  Oliver is by far the worst - especially at night - any flesh not covered by pjs or blankets is fair game.  Phoebe is not a whole lot better and Zoey is not only licky but she does it with great gusto so it feels like an exfoliation....  I love the kisses but every time?? Geez...

Exhibit D - While we are on the topic of kitties....Oliver has to be on me at all times.  If I am seated or laying down it takes him about seven seconds to try to hop on board.  I adore his affection and we have repeated sessions of cuddle time each day but its just not practical to try to work, use your laptop, go to the bathroom, etc with a cat on you.  Additionally - he doesn't just want to be on you where he gets in your lap and stays still - oh no - is biscuit making, turning around, head butting and licking (see above).  As I type this he is laying on my right arm....

Exhibit E - Last bug certainly not least - leaping ferrets.  Theo and Kai have decided that the console table and the dresser are now fair game and they get there by leaping from the bed.  This means nothing on either of those pieces of furniture is ferret safe now which is is giant pain in the rump.  I came upstairs yesterday and most of the photos on the console table had been knocked down.  Not only is it messy but there is no where to put things you want to keep them out of....




There you have it - my current top 5 list.  Let's be perfectly clear - I love this crazy bunch and the joy they bring me far outweighs any annoyances....