Lionel

Lionel was born to a promiscuous neighbor who presumed to saunter up our driveway and give issue in our barn. That was in May of 2000.

Living the first years of his life outdoors, Lionel learned to be a terrific mouser. That was back when we thought cats were mere animals. Now we know better. Cats are dictators. Lionel is still a great mouser. He eats everything except for the skull and little beady eyes. I have learned to sleep with a flashlight on my side of the bed.

Perfecting the dictator pose. Lionel has watched too many WWII movies, and I'm never quite sure whose side he is on.

Lionel, on that wondrous day when my husband discovered that the cats would eat their Petromalt right out of the tube. No more chasing down suspicious cats, trying to avoid their claws, holding their squirming bodies, and mashing a spot of Petromalt onto their paws so they can spend the next five minutes in a panic, trying to flick it off.

Lionel, sitting for his 2006 portrait. It now hangs in the National Gallery.

Contemplating his belly fat after the vet told him he'd only lost a half pound in the past three years of dieting.

Mesmerized by the gorgeous and fascinating cat in the mirror. Plum seemed like a great choice for carpet color in the early 90s. :-) I tend to be of the 'if it ain't broke don't fix it' school. And if it is broke, take time to consider your options.

Lionel's birthday cake on the day he turned eight. The grandkids were here, otherwise Lionel may have spent his birthday as he does most birthdays...

...just snuggling up with his best girl - Tuppence.

So do you have a cat or dog who's taken over your house?

Jean from The Delightful Repast inspired this post by her flattering comment about Lionel.  As I told Jean, Lionel's still blushing! :-)

This post is linked to Meet and Greet Monday 
and Making the World Cuter