Raised By A Cat Named Formerly Known As Skanky

It has recently come to my attention that not only do I have to keep Harper in snacks and cuddles, I also have an obligation to make sure she does not grow up to be an ax murder, at least, to the best of my ability.  I guess this starts with teaching her right from wrong; stealing snacks = wrong, sharing = awesome.  We have been toying with the idea of discipline for a while now.  I don't really feel like she is old enough to know better, or to learn.  But what do I know?  There are people who write books about this stuff.  Lots and lots of books.

So I read like 14 of the 448 pages of "The Nurture Assumption" (at random, of course) about a week ago with all my spare time.  Let me preface this by say I have NO idea what I'm talking about.  Really.  And so, the book basically says that when people refer to 'Nature vs. Nurture' it is kinda assumed 'nurture' is the parents.  However, 'nurture' should really refer to children's peers, because they have a greater influence over each other than their parents do.

This brings me to Spanky, a.k.a. Skanky.  A long long time ago I gave up on trying to pull Harper off the cat, and vice versa.  I let them work it out without my constant hovering presence.  There were tears, some minor scratches, and now, cuddles.  At least once a day Harper puts her cushy dreamy cheek on the cat, squeezes her close, and Spanky purrrrs.  Spanky will even seek Harper out, and cuddle up to her on the couch.  

There is only one logical conclusion to come to here, the cat will have the responsibility of keeping Harper out of prison.  I'll supply the snacks.  

Comments

[brynne]

I love her.

[Al]

I laughed out loud, seriously, at "the cat will have the responsibility of keeping Harper out of prison"! You are so funny, Mary!

How do Harper and Trixie get along? Does Trixie bring Harper dead bunnies, and vice-versa? I bet Trixie would love that!

xoxoxox,
Al

[Mary]

Trixie flat out ignores Harper. If Harps is scared for life, lets just blame it on Trix. Spring has sprung here, so Trixie comes outside with us lately. It blows Harper's mind. She is like "KIDY! KIDY! KIDY!" pointing to Trixie.

Al, we should totally hand out soon, damn these miles between us :(

Brynne. Harper loves you. Very very much.