They Played!

Yesterday we had an unscheduled site-swap and meet-and-greet.  The boys had been getting along so well through the door that I got a little too relaxed and left the door open wide enough for Bugsy to slip in.

At the time, I was playing feather-wand with Barney in Base Camp.  I was astonished when all of a sudden he took off running behind me.  He screeched to a halt just shy of running Bugs completely over – who was backed into a corner.

Bugsy hissed.  Gently.  Have any of you ever seen this?  A gentle hiss?

I, in a resulting snit, threw treats under Barney’s nose and bless my boy, he dropped and ate them.  I hoped Bugs would take that opportunity to flee – but he didn’t!  He picked his way with great care around Barney and proceeded to inspect Base Camp top to bottom, litter-box included needless to say.  And then he left.  All was reasonably calm.  Or maybe I should say the stress appeared to be at a minimum.

I figured what the heck, that’s as close to a “real” introduction as I ever hope to see.  So this morning I went for broke.  As before, leaving the door wide enough for Bugs to get in, I started playing with Barney in Base Camp.  As before, Bugs came in.  The boys touched noses, whoop!!  And from that point forward it was let the games begin.

They played!

Hunt and chase, play-whaps, at one point Bugsy jumping several feet straight into the air and hurtling over the bed, trying to catch poor Barney under the bed where I think he had taken refuge for a brief time out –

They played!

Only two tense moments I could see – both when Bugsy had flopped onto his side in a play invitation and then, I guess, got freaked by the looming bulk of His Hugeness.  Those times he hissed and I would not call these gentle.  But gentle-giant Barnes was unfazed, graciously overlooking the inconsistency.

Can I hear you saying “cut to the pictures already, Bean?”  OK, OK, here we go.

Barney before the games began.  In characteristic cuteness-overload mode.

Bugsy before the games began.  In characteristic cuteness-overload mode.

Bugsy in characteristic bitey mode.

Bugsey in characteristic tidying-up mode.

Both, for the first time, enjoying OutTV together.  Cue applawse!!

My sweet boys.

Whaa?? A paws in the action.

The nerve!  Bugsy hiding in Barney’s cave!  Cue play paw-whaps bigtime.

No, Barnes, I really don’t think you can fit in there.

Barnes checks out the next dimension; Bugsy follows.  Those white longjohns and paws slay me every time.

Getting tired.

And now, quiet.  As games drew to a close, Bugsy climbed up to examine Fangie’s old bed in Top Shelf – first time since Fangie’s passing I’ve been aware he did that.  Climbed down to Bottom Shelf – but ultimately opted for his now-usual Bookshelf Bed.  Barnes is asleep in Base Camp, and I’m writing to you now in the hiatus.

Perhaps a missed opportunity for us to enjoy my moonflowers in their glory.  We in northwest Arkansas are expecting Storm Isaac tomorrow and these may be pounded flat after two days of that big show.  Good thing I did the intro today.  I wouldn’t want to be fooling with that peaceful coexistence stuff while the storm rages around us.

Paws crossed; may everybody stay safe and dry.