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Best Friends: Jeanne Ausmus
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Times photo: Marissa Weiher
Jeanne Ausmus, a saleswoman for JoAnne's Dress Shop and an artist, talks about her best friends Violet, a 5-year-old longhaired tabby cat, and Blue, a 3-year-old white cat.

Ausmus got her first cat when she was 7 and has had one ever since. She got Violet from the Green County Humane Society when she was a kitten and found Blue hiding in the bushes at her home. Blue was timid at first, but eventually warmed up to Ausmus and is now a house cat. She named Violet after a "Peanuts" comic strip character and Blue after his blue eyes.

- Marissa Weiher



Describe Violet and Blue's personalities.

Violet is occasionally a grump. She is a nice kitty though. She loves to look out windows and go out on the deck. I don't let them run around the neighborhood.

Blue is quirky. He is calm at times and not calm at times. He has his moments, but he's gotten used to his leash when we go outside. He's a slow learner when it comes to new people.



What do you like to do together?

We like sitting on the deck. They keep me warm when I'm reading on a cold winter night. They also sit with me when I'm drawing. I tend to draw late at night, and they like to be close to me when I'm doing it.



What has it been like having Violet and Blue in your life?

They keep me from being bored. Violet was great entertainment for my mom while she was alive. (Ausmus' mother was Thelma Ausmus, who died about three years ago.)