Howie "the Duck's" first week

Here is a copy of the email I sent to Howie's adoption agency who saved him from the sausage factory. She wanted to know how he and Princess Pixx are getting along. The best song for this letter would be Morning Jacket's "Highly Suspicious"...

Hi there! Thanks for following up with Howie. Its been a busy week for the three of us but a good one overall! Of course both of you know that my worst fear going into this was how Pixxie would react to the new kid on the block. Just as I suspected, it was a standoff for a few days. Usually ending with Pixxie hissing in disgust and hiding under the bed. My roommate actually loved it because she slept with her until Tuesday. Finally by Wednesday Id enough of the civil war so I came up with a compromise. I fixed Pixxie's favorite treat (tuna water) and gave both of them a bowl of it placed about 5 inches apart. Howie had no problem digging in but Pixxie held back for a minute. Finally the temptation won her over and it was more important to eat than be grumpy. A few nose rubs (by Howie) and butt sniffs (by Pixxie) and they were best friends. This is where the trouble starts, haha. They have taken over my closet. This seems to be Howie's fortress of
solitude. I have arranged his food, water, and bed in the corner of the closet and he does what he pleases. He even decided that he would rather have his own buddah catbox so he can #2 in peace and quiet. They trade off from time to time depending on what mood they are in. They both occupy a bed during the day and an arm of the couch after I come home. Howie was a little smelly after a few days so he got a good bath. He just let me wash him with no problems. Pixxie actually peeked into the tub the whole time and whined as if she thought she was next. She was.
Overall I think that the only one of us that had no problem acclimating was Howie himself. If he wants to get up on the couch or bed he just does it. If he wants to get off we just pat the floor in front of him so he knows how far he has to go and makes the leap. He navigates between legs of people and chairs without bumping into anything and as long as you talk to him before any sudden loud noises, he is not startled by the hair dryer, vacuum, or television. It has really been interesting to see how he operates on a day to day basis and we dont even tell people he cannot see until they play with him a while. Afterwards they cannot believe it. Attached are a few pics of his base camp in the closet and his bath time festivities. If you would like to come visit him just let me know and I would be more than happy to accommodate either of you. Until next time, take care. -Will






Bathtime!!