Weekly Connections with Brian Lafontaine July 27, 2025
- Uncategorized
Their love for cats and dogs over the years has been remarkable. They can’t say no to a stray and will do what it takes to make sure they are healthy and have a home.
While they both love to travel, what they love more is coming home to their ‘kids.’ First years were spent with their first cats Harley and Rex. Two rescued orange tabby cats who tolerated each other but loved them. The third cat Hunter came into their lives on Thanksgiving morning 2006 when they were out for a walk. They kept hearing a cat meowing by the mailbox center at their condo complex, and in looking for the source, came upon a cat carrier with a kitten inside and note on the outside that read “my family can no longer care for me.” Of course they scooped her up and took her home. The idea was to find a new home for Hunter, but it bacame clear that her new home was with them.
Indie needed a canine friend (she wanted to eat the cats, and the feeling was mutual), so a year later brought Inuk (designer mutt – Tamasken). Inuk is short for Inukshuk, the stacked stones in the form of a human figure that show safe passage to the northwest – it translates to ‘you are on the right path.’ And they had found the right path – training the dogs, spending time with them, and teaching them that cats are not food or prey made their family complete.
Originally the neighbors rescued the kitten from a parking lot. Her tail had been ripped out and she was left for dead. They brought her home and saved her life, but never took the time to teach her to use a litter box or show her any love. They called her ‘damaged’ and ‘broken.’ When they left, they threw the kitten in the woods between their houses and left her for dead – again. Kirsten sat outside every morning and every evening for 2 months talking to the cat, and finally built up enough trust that she would come over and let Kirsten touch her. Finally she was able to get the cat in a carrier so she could receive veterinary care for the first time in her life.
With the help of their friend and neighbor Dr. Brittany Novosad and her staff at Troutman Animal Hospital, they were able to get the cat spayed, vaccinated and cleaned up. Their little ‘Teddy Bear’ now she runs the entire house and keeps her parents and her 75lb sisters completely in check.
.
Combine 2 teaspoons peanut butter and 1 cup of non-fat Greek yogurt – mix well, and add a little honey. Stuff into hollow bones or small plastic ice cream cups and freeze. Made with time and love, consumed in 5 minutes flat. But worth every second. The dogs really appreciate all the love put in it. It is really the peanut butter!
Do you have a Design Dilemma or an interesting article that you would like to share, let me know. 704-661-5223.
Building a new home or renovating an existing one? We’ve got an expert here at LKNConnect — Margi Kyle. A professional Interior Designer for over 50 years, Margi has an extensive portfolio, a brilliant vision for color and style, and a willingness to help the design-deprived among us! If you have a Design Dilemma, write to Dr. Margi at [email protected] and ask your question. Include pictures and details, and Dr. Margi will respond to your Design Dilemma with a perfect solution!
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our writers belong solely to them
and do not represent LKNConnect.com, its publisher or its staff.
