Gang life in the trailerhood is well, furry and noisy.

Marlin is a silver-dappled dachshund with an invertebrate disc disorder and a Napoleonic complex. He’s the oldest and at 9lbs and with his wobbly gait, he pulls at my heartstrings.

Beanie, a Jack Russell terrier/chihuahua mix who is equal parts cantankerous old man and a walking, barking, furry bundle of neuroses. He is quite smitten with my 9 year old granddaughter, A.J. He lights up like the 4th of July when she visits, and sulks about for a day or two when she departs.

Gertie is a Jack Russell/Dachshund mix. Her silver dappled coat and one blue eye makes her quite striking. She is the only female and pardon the term, but the self appointed head bitch in charge. I used to think she was an incredible badass until I witnessed her barking at the neighbor dog. When big, scary, Mocha returned the bark, Gertie turned and ran with her tail between her legs, crying/screeching as fast as she could all the way to the front door. Apparently her badassery is limited to her siblings. Gertie is the snuggler and the affectionate caretaker, she is quite a girl.

Having so much “dogginess” was not tolerated by the hubs. Being a cat lover as well, about 9 months ago he took the notion of adopting the biggest cat he could find. Atlas walked into our lives from the Cat Association of Topeka. We couldn’t have adopted a more personable cat. He tips the scales at 21 lbs. He’s a whole lotta cat. You’re gonna hear lots of Atlas stories. He and I have many colorful conversations.So, that’s my gang. We are kind of scary (if you’re a squirrel, or someone jogging by). That’s how we roll…and sit up, and scratch, and nap. You get the picture.