It's a Team's Life

Taking care of the Animals in our “Tiny Home”

A Cat joins our home

In 2015, a very small sick kitten vocalized LOUDLY that he did not feel good and we needed to do something.  Not being “cat” people we had a lot to learn and this goofy barn kitten became a great teacher.  First, we spent hundreds of dollars on getting the kitty comfortable in his new home as well as several visits to the vet.  Before long he was healthy, free of worms, and full of himself. He was a handful as he played and we usually looked as if we had run through a blackberry bush as he had not learned to control his claws.  He was destroying the interior of our truck with those razor blades and a choice was made either the kitty had to go or his claws had to go.  This was a decision that was not taken lightly as we knew if we declawed him it was up to us at all times to protect him for the rest of his life.  Well we still of the little monster and he is still bossing us around.  What an absolute joy this goofy cat is.  He is easing going as long as we do not take him out of the truck unless home.  He likes to look out the windows but that is as far as it goes.  We named him Squeaky as he vocalizes a lot, we know when he can see silver in the bottom of his food dish, when his water is a drop low, when we have been away from the truck to long, and when we get up in the morning he likes to greet us.  He is fun to have a conversation with as when I ask him a question and pause he meows, and as the conversation goes on his meows will change. Now I cannot imagine life without a cat.  Yes, I have become one of the “crazy cat ladies”.

We need a puppy!!!

Our adored Cocker Spaniel, Molly passed away in 2015 and finally we are ready for another dog that can go on walks with us and make us become more active.  My favorite dog of all time for a companion on walks and outdoor activities is a German Shepard and they are also known to get along with kitties. The puppy could also be a companion for Squeaky and they could play.  Well after a lot of searching we found our puppy, Texas and brought her into the truck.  We have not had a puppy for twenty years and boy oh boy is she a handful.  I do not know how we got so lucky but Texas came to us truck broke, no accidents in the truck and that was sure a relief.  She also does not have time for cell phones are computers and when stopped she wants to get out and walk and if possible play ball.  When we are moving her and Squeaky sleep a lot, thankfully. As far as I am concerned Texas is brilliant and I see her becoming a wonderful companion.  She likes people, she likes to walk, and she learns commands quickly.  

The reality of having a dog and cat in our “Tiny Home”.

Water dishes are a wreck.  Texas is clumsy and she constantly steps in her food dish as well as spills her water.  It was time to find a no-spill water dish and after some search, I found one but Squeaky cannot drink out of it.  The other problem is food as Texas thinks kitty food is the best and she will eat all of the cat food before Squeaky can daintily pick at it.  Next is the litter box being hidden so that Texas cannot get kitty snacks.  The litter box was placed under the bench seating and he crawls through a vent hole to get to his litter box.  Next, we had to solve the problem of the food and water. Animals rule and our closet with my shoes and our hanging up clothes had to be modified.  First, my shoes were thinned out and I moved them up to the shelve with the hanging clothes.  The closet door was modified with a small opening that Squeaky can fit through and eat and drink in peace sort of… Sometimes Squeaky forgets to pull his tail in and Texas cannot resist and she chews on his tail.  The howling is enough to make you think he is dying. Squeaky is not a dumb cat and he has figured out how to get Texas is trouble and I swear he sits back and laughs as she gets lectured for her bad behavior.

Food Storage

Another problem that I am still trying to get a handle on is how much food the animals go through and to carry enough food.  Texas eats four cups of food a day and while that does not sound like much she goes through thirty pounds of food rather quickly.  Both her and Squeaky both have treats as well as dental bones.  This all takes a lot of room to store and I lost one of my shelves I used for our supplies to store their food supplies.

Toys

Our truck looks like a puppy playpen most of the time and Texas loves all of her toys and chew toys.  Texas joined our truck in May at twelve pounds and by August she now weighs forty-five pounds and she is still trying to figure out where her feet are.  Texas is growing fast but the twelve-pound declawed kitty still rules the truck.  Squeaky sleeps on the air ride seats and Texas sleeps on the floor if Squeaky wants Texas’s food he gets first choice while she waits, if Squeaky wants to get Texas in trouble he yowls even if she is not close to him.  Poor Texas is at the bottom of the food chain and it will stay that way.

Home Sweet Home

Texas considers a moving vehicle to be a normal home and it took her awhile to get used to being at our home that does not move.  Something else that is odd since we are almost always using our headsets noise scares her.  The first-time Bob and I watched a movie on the computer with the sound on she went and hid in the front of the cab.  She still does not like a lot of noise. 

Tiny House

Our “Tiny House” is complete with our pets, our amenities, and the ability to make a living.  Our home is comfortable and peaceful and we are happy when moving and when sitting.  We have the ability to be comfortable where ever we find ourselves. Texas fits in well and she is learning how to stay out from under our feet and to have us walking all around and over her.  While the pets create more work they bring a lot of peace and comfort to our “Tiny Home”.

Bob & Linda Caffee

TeamCaffee

Saint Louis MO

Expediters since January 2005

[email protected]

 

Expediting isn't just trucking, it's a lifestyle;

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