(Don't want to scare anybody: There is nothing wrong with the D-Dawg!)

This weekend was a bit poignant in a round-about way. I think there may have been angelic paws working behind the scenes.

Last week a neighbor I never talk to called. She was in a bind, needing a petsitter because the usual teenager had chicken pox. She knew my son was a likely candidate and asked if he'd be interested in a weekend petsitting job. I said he would be. I didn't ask many questions because she wasn't employing me! She asked if we could come Thursday evening for instructions. She mentioned a koi pond.

Aidan and I showed up and our neighbor said "There's Maggie." A pretty little tabby cat was in a dining room chair. Then she walked to the hallway and called out pretty loudly, "Trouble! Come here, Trouble!" My radar immediately engaged. Aidan looked at me with his eyebrows raised and I said "Yes, you're right. That's one of our tripawds." This Trouble was a bit different. The fattest black cat I've ever seen waddled into the room. And this Trouble was a H U G E personality. He was vocal, assertive, demanding and belligerent. Aidan fell in love, and he's so-so about cats. He likes small dogs he can snuggle with, but this Trouble was like a small dog. He liked snuggling and being held. He liked having his belly scratched.

I ended up doing all the work and Aidan and Trouble spent all their time snuggling on the couch. Trouble was right there when we came to feed him and blocked the door when it was time to go. And we easily spent a half hour more there than needed each time.

I know this Trouble is not your Trouble, Shanna, but it was interesting timing. The way he made his grand and boisterous entrance really made me wonder if another Trouble was having a little fun. I am pretty sure she would approve if she didn't orchestrate it.

Shari