Silver Linings: Pets and Plants Edition

We know this year has been challenging, but how has it been on the pets and plants in our lives? The fact that their owners are home a lot more than before is a pretty great silver lining to this year, according to them. We checked in with them individually to see how they’ve been doing, learn some of their background and interests, and to see what they’re looking forward to this new year.

Vonnie’s Furry Friends

Gus (aka #Gusthebossman): Orange Tabby, approximately 6 years old.
Adopted from Greenhill Humane Society in 2017. Retired Chamber Cat, 2018.
Hobbies: household management 
Scooby: Lab mix, 12 years old.
Home Office Advisor to the CEO.
Hobbies: “reading” the grass and long walks
Tucker: Australian Shepherd, 14 yo.
Outdoorsman and Recreational Activities Specialist,
Hobbies: advocating for treats 

Dani’s Furry Friends

Madeline: Golden Retriever, 1 year old.
While mom works, I normally nap, unless she is on a zoom call, then I play with my loudest squeaky toy.  My goals for this year are to master my nap to play ratio, and find lots of sticks in the yard to chew on.

Louis: Smaller Cat, 2 1/2 years old.
Harvey: “big fluffer”, 2, 1/2 years old.
We are brothers! This year we are tolerating our new sister (which means not napping as often) and guilt tripping our owners into giving us lots of treats due to the inconvenience Madeline brings into our lives.

Max’s Furry Friends

Arlo: Lab Mix, 6 years old.
Mango: Beagle/terrier mix, 2 years old.
Mango just joined the family in December, but she and Arlo are already the best of friends. These two look forward to lots of hikes, wrestling, and keeping a close watch on the neighborhood squirrels in 2021!

Elora’s and Judy’s Furry Friends

Manchi: Tuxedo cat, 3 years old.
Elora adopted me as a kitten from a family friend in Nayarit, Mexico in 2018. My name is short for “Manchitas”, which translate to “stains” (or “spots”!) in Spanish. I’m happy that my mom works from home now because I get to bring her my favorite toy (ear plugs) and ask to play fetch all day. I’m very chatty and love to meow at people over the phone. I’m looking forward to many naps in laps or in my favorite fuzzy bed this year.

Otis: Breed unknown, 8-9 months old.
I love my humans, snacks, and chasing squirrels! I’m originally from Texas and I belong to Judy’s Granddaughter, Taylor.

Paige’s Furry Friends

Lily: Breed unknown, 6 years old.
Kaylee: Pitt/Shar Pei/Boxer, 6 years old.
Lily hails from Okakarara, Namibia, and enjoys long runs through the woods, chasing tennis balls, and playing with toys. Kaylee enjoys the wood stove, treats, and fuzzy blankets. Lily and Kaylee were very happy when we started working from home last year. New hobbies include daily naps in dad’s office, walks down to the river, and protecting the home from squirrels, deer, Fed Ex delivery drivers and the occasional pheasant.

Phil’s and Natasha’s Foliage Friends

Phil’s Plants: During 2020 these two little plants (a coleus and a curly parsley) started from seed in a little backyard garden. With the work from home they were diligently cared for and enjoyed the summer sun. When the fall rolled around they were potted and moved inside and live happily to this day.

Natasha’s Plant: While the depot was quiet for a majority of 2020, this plant continued it’s steady growth. Rescued from near death in Vonnie’s office five years ago, it has enjoyed a rotating variety of neighbor plants in this often sunny SW corner. We appreciate the plant’s contributions to our indoor environment.