Big Brother Jethro

Dear John,

 

It's late, and all's quiet here. The dog is asleep at my feet, and the cat is on the top of his tower trying to keep his eyes open. It's been a long day, and a good one.

 

The freezing rain missed us - it just slipped by us to the northwest. We had sun most of the day. It's supposed to be in the 40s Sunday and Monday, and rain on Sunday. The last of the snow should be gone by Tuesday morning.

 

I've told you that the animals are getting very fond of each other, and I have to tell you something they did last night. I was sitting on the couch eating dinner, and the cat was determined to help me eat it. I was tired and hungry, and I was getting frustrated. Jethro looked at both of us - his eyes looked like he was evaluating the situation and weighing alternative solutions. He came up and took the cat by the neck - not the nape of the neck, really by the neck - and slowly and gently pulled him away from me. Every time Hunter tried to move back toward me, Jethro stopped him. After three tries, the cat gave up and lay down with the dog.

 

I was floored. Jethro did just the right thing, and so calmly and gently. Hunter got the point. And I got to eat in peace. I've never seen that depth of maturity and judgment in Jethro. No, that's wrong; I've seen it once. I saw it when I brought him to the hospital to see you. This time he took the role of older sibling, keeping his baby brother out of trouble when Mom was tired and cranky.

 

So be proud of Jethro. The animals love me, and they love each other, and all is well in our little peaceable kingdom. We'll all go to bed soon. And we'll miss you there.

 

All my love, and lick from the dog, and a nuzzle from the cat,

Joan.

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