Summer the stray cat is now the Queen Of The Mansion, she has a cushioned chair reserved for her on the back porch, a small cat house by the door, and permission to come inside in bad weather or at night. There is a bowl of cat food waiting for her every morning outside, and she has assume that feline air of entitlement that comes when a cat chooses a home to own and dominate.

At night, she has a choice of lush sofas, a score of warm beds and lots of dark and cozy spaces. She has a number of favorite places to stay in. She is not the least bit afraid of Red, she doesn’t budge when he walks past and he doesn’t give her so much as a glance.

She is the reigning royalty at the Mansion. She even likes to pose.

She has her new collar with a bell to protect birds, and a flea and tick collar. She has been bathed and is regularly brushed. She is affectionate and quite  regal, she made a choice and is a lucky cat. The residents are wildly in love with her, as they are with Red. And they are all aware that a new puppy, Leroy is coming into their life.

The one resident concerned about cat allergies has agreed to let Summer come inside. So far, he is doing fine.

There are some good and sweet animals caring for the Mansion residents. Dottie stopped me on the porch  where she was sitting and said “we hear you will be coming with Red and a puppy!” Yes, I said. “And we hear the cat is staying.” Yes, I said. Wow, are we lucky, she said.