Monday, September 13, 2010

Angel Daisy Wessel "Mouser Extraordinare"

Rubbing in the catnip.
One of my favorite spots to hang out.


High on the catnip.


Now I'm feeling a little frisky.


Anything looks like a fun toy after playing in the catnip.


The catnip patch after a little frolic.

Meet Angel Daisy Wessel, Yes (named by my boys.)

About a year ago, we were having a real problem with rats and mice. Living on 2+ acres, that's mostly wooded and having chickens and a dog, we were attracting quite a few of these pests because of the food left out. That's when we decided we needed a good MOUSER. We were in luck, as one of my clients cats had just had a litter, and they were barn cats. Never lived inside. We jumped on the opportunity to take her home.

She has been an excellent mouser. We have hardly seen any mice or rats at all this year. We don't often see her with them, but we know she's doing her job. She also catches moles, who would've known.

This spring I thought it would be nice to plant her some catnip in my garden. I thought I'd make her some toys out of it. To my surprise though, she found the patch before it was even ready to pick. I often find her out there in the garden just rolling in it. She loves to lay in it, and rub it all over her fur. Afterwards she is usually pretty fiesty. If you try to pet her, she just wants to play, and will grab a hold of your hand with her sharp claws and gently bite. Just enough to let you know that you probably shouldn't try to pet her right now.

The one regret I have is that she has beautiful long hair. I can't for the life of me keep it clean. She rolls daily in the dirt and sawdust. But on the other hand, I'm sure she is much more comfortable in the winter than a short haired cat would be.

Angel Daisy Wessel may not be well groomed, but she is well loved.