Lynn Klitze of Juda, a Stampin' Up demonstrator, has a pack of best friends. There's Charlie, a 15-year-old border collie; Gloria, a 13-year-old orange-and-white cat, and Pepper, a 2-year-old black cat. And then there are the five cats who are Gloria's offspring - Timmy, Tommy, Joey, Luke and Julia.
Klitze got Charlie from the Green County Humane Society about 10 years ago. Charlie is the first dog Klitze has ever had and she made a point to attend dog training classes - not so much for Charlie but for herself so she would know the best way to care for him.
Both Gloria and Pepper were strays who showed up at her home whom she befriended. However, none of the cats showed up when it was time to take a portrait.
- Marissa Weiher
Describe your pets' personalities.
Charlie really does herd the cats. He knows when they're not supposed to be out and keeps track of all seven of them. He's like a mama's boy. He follows me everywhere in the house. When I'm in my studio, he always moves to whatever side I'm on and lays down near me. He's protecting me, that's what my husband says. He's a great doorbell. He barks whenever someone drives down the driveway.
Gloria is very protective. She's a great mommy kitty. She jumps on my lap and loves to be petted and brushed. She follows us around the yard and is very brave. She doesn't take any guff from Charlie. She sleeps with me along with the other cats. It's hard to move when you have seven cats.
Pepper is very loving and is still kind of a kitten. He's a hugger. He's very playful. He wants to be accepted by the other cats. They just ignore him, and he always waits his turn when they're eating.
What do you like to do together?
We like to take walks and adventures in the yard around the house. Gloria walks around with Charlie and I. They love to go wandering. They don't go out in the winter so they're happy when spring comes along so they can get outside.
What has it been like having your pets in your life?
A blessing. Charlie is a blessing because he keeps me company, and I feel safe with him protecting me.
The kitties are a blessing because they are calming. They just calm you. They make me happy. I've always had cats.
I think everyone should have a least two cats; that way they never get lonely.
Klitze got Charlie from the Green County Humane Society about 10 years ago. Charlie is the first dog Klitze has ever had and she made a point to attend dog training classes - not so much for Charlie but for herself so she would know the best way to care for him.
Both Gloria and Pepper were strays who showed up at her home whom she befriended. However, none of the cats showed up when it was time to take a portrait.
- Marissa Weiher
Describe your pets' personalities.
Charlie really does herd the cats. He knows when they're not supposed to be out and keeps track of all seven of them. He's like a mama's boy. He follows me everywhere in the house. When I'm in my studio, he always moves to whatever side I'm on and lays down near me. He's protecting me, that's what my husband says. He's a great doorbell. He barks whenever someone drives down the driveway.
Gloria is very protective. She's a great mommy kitty. She jumps on my lap and loves to be petted and brushed. She follows us around the yard and is very brave. She doesn't take any guff from Charlie. She sleeps with me along with the other cats. It's hard to move when you have seven cats.
Pepper is very loving and is still kind of a kitten. He's a hugger. He's very playful. He wants to be accepted by the other cats. They just ignore him, and he always waits his turn when they're eating.
What do you like to do together?
We like to take walks and adventures in the yard around the house. Gloria walks around with Charlie and I. They love to go wandering. They don't go out in the winter so they're happy when spring comes along so they can get outside.
What has it been like having your pets in your life?
A blessing. Charlie is a blessing because he keeps me company, and I feel safe with him protecting me.
The kitties are a blessing because they are calming. They just calm you. They make me happy. I've always had cats.
I think everyone should have a least two cats; that way they never get lonely.