Just because you haven’t seen him in a while, and you must certainly be missing him,
Just because I had flowers on the table in honor of Eryn’s graduation,
Just because he is a poser,
Just because he answers when you call his name,
Just because he panics if you leave the room, but he didn’t see you go,
Just because he can leap from the floor to your shoulder, land perfectly, and never use a claw,
Just because he enjoys a good foot massage,
Just because he likes to show off when company comes,
Just because he loves to go outside on his leash – and will try to help you as you put it on him,
Just because he will jump as high as the peep hole on the door to grab his teaser,
Just because he hated showing, but became a Double Grand Champion anyway,
Just because many people want to take him when they leave our house,
Just because he never stops purring,
Just because he brightens every day,
Just because he is an oriental shorthair,
Just because he is the amazing Felitan Dolce Vita (aka Mr. Reenie),
That’s why I am posting some pics of him today.

it’s only Dolce’s baby pictures. Dolce is our second oriental shorthair. Somehow, one of these amazing cats was not enough for me! Dolce was bred by Dick and Barbara Levitan in Texas. They are very well known in the oriental world as they were among the first in the U.S. to breed a silver oriental! So, I had been wanting a Felitan oriental for quite some time. When I contacted Barbara about Dolce’s litter, she sent me a few photos. I was in love, my husband was in shock. “What is that?” he asked.

Little did we know that these photos could not have been a better representation of Dolce’s wonderfully animated purrsonality.  Now, three years later, Dolce is a a huge part of our family. His never ending purr, and unlimited curiosity is infectious. The world is his toy, and no one is safe from his shoulder leaps.

Dolce is a chestnut silver ticked tabby. His full name is Felitan Dolce Vita.

Then…

Shortly after we brought him home…

Now…

I talk a lot about Dolce. It’s kind of hard not to. He’s just a different kind of cat. He purrs nonstop, answers when you talk to him, doesn’t really sleep all that much, leaps into your arms, loves yogurt and chocolate chip Eggos with syrup. And, whenever he can, he poses…even if he’s upside down.

I am working on a post that will tell his whole story. It’s a good one. But I have to dig out some of his baby pics for that, so for now, this will have to do.

Happy Friday Face!

All images ©Susan Dodd

This week’s face belongs to Izzy.  She visted the very first Cool Booth at the Urban Hound a few weeks ago. 

And, wait, I think Izzy has something she would like to say! 

Weimaraners are pretty cool, I think. Now, if you have been following my blog, you know that my family dog when I was a child was Silver Inga of Gwynedd, a weimaraner. So, yes, I do have a special place in my heart for this breed. However, photographically speaking, weimaraners can basically do no wrong in front of a camera. Their look is so….unusual, their lines so extreme that no matter what they do, they look pretty darned cool.

Kind of like…well, Dolce for instance. Yes, my cat Dolce, the oriental shorthair. Orientals share that same extreme look. Exotic. And, they look pretty cool no matter what they do.

Even if they are desperately trying to get your attention by sitting smack dab in front of your computer screen while you are trying to work!

Me: “Dolce, get down, I can’t see my screen!”

Dolce: “I’m not paying any attention to you.”

Stubborn little man.

Ahhh. Those OSH’s (oriental shorthairs). I just love ‘em!

Happy Friday Face (and feet!)

All images ©Susan Dodd

This is Dolce.  I guess it’s time you all met him.  He is ONE of my cats.  I have two.  Oriental shorthair is the breed, and totally awesome is the way they are.  If you are not familiar with orientals, let me just take this opportunity to tell you a little about them.  First of all, they are GORGEOUS.  Or, at least I think so.  They are long, lanky, elegant, and exotic.  They are “in your face” cats.  Generally not shy by nature, orientals are extremely people oriented.  No one can even hope to come into my home without meeting Dolce.  And, if they’re lucky, he may even jump on a shoulder or two!!  Both of my orientals are retired show cats.  Dolce is a Double Grand Champion in the TICA organization.  And, my other, Hensleek Mighty Kovu is a SUPREME Grand Champion – the highest possible level a feline can reach in TICA. 

Ok, ok, enough bragging.  Although cats are supposed to be nocturnal; sleep all day, up all night; Dolce is an exception.  He is up all the time.  Sure, he “cat naps” here and there, but mostly he’s up.  Ready for whatever important thing he needs to be ready for.  His breeder, the wonderful Barbara Levitan, told me, “the world is his toy.”  Boy, was she right.  But, I have to say, Dolce is refreshing.  He is always “on.”  Always ready, always excited and curious.  He lives his life to the fullest.  Maybe we could learn from him. 

This one shows just how long orientals are. Don’t ya just love his legs!!

All images ©Susan Dodd Photography.