Civil War Memory

Felix and Jebediah Say Support Your Local S.P.C.A.

Yesterday on the way out to lunch my wife and I noticed a large stray dog on our front lawn.  It was extremely hot and he was apparently very tired and thirsty.  While my wife filled up a bowl of water I directed the dog over to a shady spot and looked for its tags.  Unfortunately, the dog only had tags for its veterinarian and a county identification number; we tried a few telephone numbers, but had no luck.  Finally, we decided to take the dog over to our local S.P.C.A. to see if anyone had called in a missing dog.  Luckily, we were able to identify the dog, a call was placed immediately, and the owner arrived within 20 minutes.  It was a fortunate outcome. 

The trip also gave us a chance to check out our new S.P.C.A. building.  I have to say that it was heartbreaking walking through the kitty section.  One in particular continually extended its paw outside the cage as I walked by and I don't mind admitting that I was almost brought to tears.  We rescued Felix and Jebediah two years ago and beyond getting married it was the best decision we've made thus far.  Felix (left) enjoys sitting on my work atop my desk, which is no doubt some type of sign as to its real value and Jebediah has developed a wide spectrum of meows for every occasion.  They are both a big pain in the ass, but we can't imagine our lives without them.  We just wanted to take the opportunity to encourage all of you to support your local S.P.C.A.  Most of the people who work there are volunteers and they can always use the financial support.  Finally, if you are thinking about adopting a pet check out your local S.P.C.A. before going to a breeder.   

For Rebecca and Pepper

Rebecca Goetz recently inquired about the whereabouts of Jeb and Felix.  "The Boys" are doing quite well and agreed to pose for a new round of photos:

Light Blogging with Jeb and Felix

Fridays With Jeb and Felix

No, Jeb isn't drunk he's just enjoying another lazy summer afternoon.  Felix maintains his usual look of disinterest.

Fridays With Jeb and Felix

Today is the first installment of a new series called "Fridays with Jeb and Felix."  Of course, Jeb and Felix (a.k.a. "The Boys") are our cats.  Friday is a pretty relaxed day so the subject matter seems appropriate.  I am still trying to learn my way around the digital camera, which explains the red-eye.  I will eventually fix it.  For some hilarious photos of cats in sinks, check out Cats in Sinks [via Rebecca Goetz].  It's a great place to "procatinate."

Two Good Friends of Mine

I thought I would introduce you to Jebediah (left) and Felix (right).  My wife and I picked up these two goofballs at the local SPCA about four years ago as a test run to see if we were fit to take care of real children.  Well, the cats are still alive, but we are still childless.  Michaela and I were apprehensive about adopting cats, but four years later and we still don't regret a single day.  Yes, Felix gets me up at 5:30 every morning, but I have to be at work by 8:00 anyway (LOL) so there doesn't seem to be any conflict.  The best part is having them around during those moments when I am isolated in my office trying to crank out an essay or reading.  While Felix makes it a point to make his presence known by sitting on my papers on my desk, Jeb typically plants himself on the ledge to hiss at the little birds outside the window. They have a pretty good life.  Jeb wants nothing more than to have you follow him around the house while he rubs up against every imaginable object.  This is typically followed by a major rub-down which leads to a serious purr fit.  Felix is much more dignified.  He still sits in a little basket on the kitchen table even though he outgrew it about 3 years ago.  It is impresive to watch him contort his body in a way that allows him to sit comfortably in this basket.

On a different note entirely let me take this opportunity to remind my readers that I am not a college professor.  For some reason I've received a number of private emails that address me as "Professor Levin."  This sounds very awkward to my mind's ear.  My blog's banner reads: "Reflections of a high school history teacher and Civil War historian."  I do have an M.A. in history, but that is about it in terms of credentials.  At times I can't tell whether the "mistake" is intended to lump me in with the rest of the "liberal" elite that according to David Horowitz has corrupted the historical profession and the millions of impressionable young minds.