We tried an experiment moving Monty and his crate further away from the utility room and the pesky cat flap to see if he woke up less often. Unfortunately, I realised at 3 am that we'd positioned him underneath Adam's bedroom - and in fact right under his head so when he woke up and aimlessly barked in a way which we would normally ignore I had to get up and shush him and take him out and then move his bed. While I was moving his crate he disappeared under a table in the lounge so I tried experiment number two and locked him in there. All was quiet until about 4 am when the cat decided to bang on the door and wake him up!! In the end a very unsatisfactory night's sleep so he's back to the original spot. It actually rained this afternoon - much needed in fairness. I took some photos focussing on droplets but in the end preferred the lighting and focus in this 'error' shot. A good thing - Rebecca and I managed finally to meet for a walk and we did it before the heavens opened.
Is she your lady.......such a sweet thoughtful face. Beautifully positioned rain drop...it looks just lovely!
Poor Monty, I wonder what has set all this barking off....have you any idea? Seems strange after all these years to start making a noise at night. I think he wants to come upstairs to you.! Has it been since he spent time in the dog hospital....perhaps he's frightened in the night!
@happypat he's always had phases but at this time of year 'the cat who lives next door' starts to come in during the night. She sleeps in the utility room in a box where we stick 'to be washed' odds and ends. They don't have a cat flap next door so if the weather changes she comes in to us. The cat flap doesn't make much noise and we have a noisy fan by his bed but he always seems to hear her. A right pain! And he's not coming upstairs because he poo'd on the carpet twice - no idea what brought hat on!!
@judithg oh dear he is a light sleeper then .......hope he gets used to her nocturnal routines! You are a good neighbour to that cat........Monty might be jealous! I must say it is easier without a dog & Harry shows no signs of wanting another! I come downstairs in the night & Lily who sleeps on ledges has taken to sleeping on the kitchen table. She will sleep on any newspaper she can find so I always put one on the surface we don't mind her sleeping on but still she likes the table! Not very hygienic!
@happypat well she is our cat - she moved out when Monty arrived but mostly because next door encouraged her to move in with them. I pay the vet bills and the insurance! I suspect though that if she outlives the dog she will move back in with us which could be awkward!
@judithg how does Rafiki like this arrangement....do they get on.....could be fun but hopefully she won't outlive good old Monty!! Cover your ears Monty!!
@happypat Rafiki misses her mum and goes next door to sit in the garden with her. She likes to wind up Monty by sitting on the work tops and, on occasion, sitting in his bed! They have a typical sibling relationship - winding each other up but rubbing along ok most of the time!
Sounds like you're getting even less sleep than I do and that even though your children have moved out - poor you guys! Hope it will get better soon and cat and dog will both decide to sleep more and wake you up less! This shot is absolutely fantastic and an instant fav - would hang it up in my room any time!
I love this sad lady with the tear drop! Looks as if she's been around for a long time; doesn't mind the cold! Try giving Monty a very light sedative at nights - vet can help you there!
Fav Judith, love this shot. Naughty Monty, perhaps he needs a ticking clock or a CD playing the sound of the tea. I think he is a clever boy who has you where he wants you. Controlled barking technique may be the only way forward!
Poor Monty, I wonder what has set all this barking off....have you any idea? Seems strange after all these years to start making a noise at night. I think he wants to come upstairs to you.! Has it been since he spent time in the dog hospital....perhaps he's frightened in the night!