A Cat for Peckerwood Farm...

We had the best cat in the world. His name was Oscar.  Oscar was a sickly little kitten loaded with earmites and worms when he was left at Clinton Trail Animal Hospital, the site of my first job in the veterinary world.  He and his 4 brothers and sisters didn't look like much, but the little orange and white one was something special.  He spent the summer getting healthy and returned to MSU with me in the fall to begin my second year of veterinary school.  He didn't realize he had volunteered to be the living anatomy, behavior and physiology model.  He took it all in stride, learning to put up with all kinds of manipulations and examinations.  He continued as the golden boy for over 19 years. His retirement years were spent in  Chicago, living with Geordan and I in our condo. When he became so old and frail that he felt more pain than joy, we helped him by ending his suffering painlessly together.  Geordan wrote the best obituary ever written for a cat.  His ashes sit on our bookshelf in the bedroom, maybe someday they will be sprinkled at Peckerwood Farm. 

Oscar Capes-England

So, when our mouse problem got out of control at the farm, Geordan consented to adding a new cat to our family.  After all,  I justified, wouldn't a cat rather have 4 days a week living in it's own home or be euthanized namelessly at a shelter?  So I have begun our search for kitty #2.  The first task has been to complete the logistics for cat care.  A cat sitter for midweek has been hired, her name is Robin and she sounds perfect on the phone.  She comes highly recommended by the realtor, Cathy Smith, who was our agent in the purchase of Peckerwood Farm.  Now, we have to sort out litter box location, diet, a warm place to sleep in the sun and all the other cat requirements.  Once we have things in place we get to start our cat search.  One thing is certain, the bar has been set pretty high for the next cat who enters our lives.  Oscar was one special cat.

DELILA at Felines Inc.

So on a cold January afternoon I visited several Chicago Cat Shelters on the mission of meeting our newest family member.  Felines Inc. was not the easiest place to find according to my maps app. on the iPhone.  It kept telling me that they were located in a senior center two blocks from the actual location on the north side of city.  I walked in to meet a sweet woman surrounded by 30-40 free roaming cats in the shelter.  Our conversation evolved into a description of our ideal cat.  I described our future cat as 'a big personality in a smallish body.'  She quickly directed me towards a newer addition to the shelter who had recently arrived from southern Indiana.  Delila, as she was named at the time, was resting on the desk observing the herd of cats surrounding her.  I was told that she loved people, but was unhappy with so many cats around.  Her blue eyes and her calm personality stole my heart.  After looking at several other potential candidates for Peckerwood's Head Mouser and beloved feline, I returned to Delila knowing that she was 'the 1'.

SPROUT



We quickly completed the adoption process and our newest pet was on her way to Peckerwood.  It became clear, that Delila didn't recognize her name and we were not smitten with the moniker as well.  So we started a search for a name that reflected our love of the outdoors, gardening and her petite size.  We finally decided on the name 'SPROUT'.  Just as she has adjusted to her new home, we know she will adapt to her new name. She has searched out all the warm cozy and sunny spots in the house, and has claimed her cat tree as a fine place to catch some rays.  Although she is a 'farm cat', she won't have access to the outdoors at the farm.  The native birds will be safe from her hunting prowess and she will be safe from the roving coyotes looking for a snack.We look forward to many years of fun and companionship from our newest family member. She is starting to show her true personality; sweet, affectionate and always ready for a snuggle.  She even hammed it up for the camera during her first photo shoot.

COME MEET SPROUT!!!!

A Gator at Peckerwood....YIKES!!!

The Peckerwood family of power tools and motorized equipment has recently expanded.  We are excited to have a new, to us, John Deere Gator.  Geordan had been lusting for a Gator for some time. When we recently picked up our lawn tractor from it's annual visit to the dealership for a tune-up, I mentioned to the owner that we might be interested in one, if they ever got a trade-in.  On a cold January Monday, we got a phone call offering us an opportunity to buy one.   A road trip was quickly planned for a visit to the dealership in Michigan City Indiana.  It just so happened that the owner of the Gator arrived shortly before I did and was very willing to share all it's details.

Dan, from Dan's Landscaping in Michigan City, had bought the Gator the previous fall and had it refurbished by his mechanic.  He added a snowplow and cab for winter driveway clean-up. He also rebuilt the engine and put new tires on her.  After a quick test-drive, I was smitten with the idea and quickly called Geordan to confirm that the Gator was a 'must' for the farm.  Dan, all too eager to help out, offered to deliver it the following weekend. He also guaranteed it to be in good working order by offering his mechanic to service it for any future problems.  With that kind of service, we sealed the deal.

Saturday arrived and we found Dan waiting for us at his business in Michigan City.  He was eager to show us around his impressively organized and clean facility.  He really takes pride in his business and the organization behind it.  It made us confident in our decision to purchase the used Gator, after we saw how meticulous and thorough he was with his business and equipment. The Gator was already loaded on his trailer and he followed us to the farm. By the time we arrived, it was after dark, so we unloaded and promptly parked 'her' in the garage.  Thank goodness for the headlights!!! 

Sunday morning started with some nice blustery flurries which turned the farm white with snow.  It gave us our first opportunity to plow the drive, which Gator performed beautifully. As we get the hang of it, I am sure we will push more snow and less gravel.  We look forward to years of fun with our new Gator.  Not only for winter snow plowing, but with the doors off and the plow removed, giving tours of the farm and hauling equipment around the property.  Come take a tour!!!