Gray Ghost, Revisited

Weeks after the apparition on Lake Michigan I was visited by another mysterious stranger. This Gray Ghost haunted the snow banks of New England. I saw him only once. I wonder if he has seen Jacky Cat, either in this land or the ghost world.

THE NEXT GENERATION!

With so much going wrong in the world today it is always heartening to see hope for the future. My godson, Benjamin Fausto, is a brilliant young naturalist with a keen understanding of animals and an unending curiosity. We spent a day exploring the backwoods of Western Mass together over the holidays. Our adventures in the forest reminded me of why I got into the animal business in the first place. Here he is pictured with Temperance, a beautiful and well mannered feline. Hi Ben, hope your having a good time in Brooklyn!!!!!

Jacky Cat In Memoriam

The scratch marks up the corner of our house were the work of Jacky Cat. He had five fingers, a brilliant mind, and loved to climb the house. Sad news greeted me upon my return to Western Mass. A few months ago Jack (or MittenHanz as he was often called) disappeared. This is fitting in a way, as he came to us a stray out of the forest. The night of his disappearance my mother remembered hearing a brutal struggle outside our house. That's not uncommon in these parts, in fact, Jacky was often the victor in these little rows. Now it seems he may have met his end.

The culprit is unknown. Last night we heard screams that almost sounded like the wails of a Fisher Cat outside our house. This beast of the forest is a known threat to our domestic animal friends (and to others as well). We also have numerous Coyotes afoot (though I still haven't captured one on film). So we are left to speculate. My mom seems sure that Jacky has gone to glory. Though it is possible, giving his rambling ways, that he has simply left us to go on another great earthly adventure. Someday, he may even be back to say hello.

Either way we are left to celebrate the life of this wonderful Animal.

SAFARI!

I was not afraid!

Caged Heat!

If I want to offer some really compelling Bengal Tiger photos I need to find a way to get to the other side of that flimsy chain link fence. Anybody have a good tiger costume?

KITTENS!

Well, its been a long week of creepy spiders. I know some of you wont like this, but I've decided to clean the animal palate with a picture of a cute Kitten. Here Kevin is holding "Smokey" (I think thats his name). Kevin was working at Ruby's BBQ and Smokey was their new mascot. Although, from the looks of it, this kitten might be destined for the BBQ pit. Thats some quality meat Kevin!

MittenHanz

This is Jacky Cat, also known as "MittenHanz." He lives in New England and has opposable thumbs. Sadly, Jacky has been neutered. It's a shame because he is the next evolutionary step for the cat species. His line will end with him, a chilling fate. Like his predecessor,"Whiskers," Jacky can easily open (unlocked) doors.