Pet dynamics

The fish are around again and this means that the Hout Bay fishing fleet is once more chugging past Slangkop lighthouse, a stone's throw from where I attempt sleep, at 3.30 every morning. Somehow the stillness of night carries the sound of the engines across the smooth waters, up the rocky shore, over the milkwood trees and through my open window, chasing away all hopes of sleeping in the few hours before the dawn.
Yet this is the best part of the day, as soon the early birds will be twittering in the twigs before catching the worm, the irrepressible sun birds will call family and friends together before setting off on a nectar seeking mission, and Mango and Biggles slink in after a night on the prowl, seeking kibbles for comfort rather than oft unpalatable geckos or mice.
The animal dynamics in the house since the advent of puppy Cleo have changed somewhat. The cats left home for a week when she arrived, but have slowly started to reassert their position, albeit from the comfort of the balcony. This might change in winter! Poor old Monty is constantly harassed by Cleo, whose greatest delight is to hang onto his tail as he runs out of the house, and blind little Susie cannot abide this pesky puppy who just wants to lie close to her. But Cleo is not to be put off in her attempts to interact with the other pets. She is yet to be identified as to her parentage, or growth potential, and even her age, but there is strong evidence of Border collie, and so I have decided to label her a Borderline collie, which will provide some dignity when asked about her ancestry! She is displaying typical collie behaviour in the body of maybe a Toy Pom! Her behaviour towards the dogs indicates that she is already instinctively herding the flock and she drops down onto her stomach in typical pose.
There is every indication that she will be a delightful companion, loyal and intelligent and ready to look after the household in years to come. And of course, such a cutie pie!