"I always feel like...."

Wow, we're looking at two years since I last posted here. Well, so sorry about that. I've been thinking of starting this blog back up, and trying to figure out what to type about.

In the end, I think I'm going to use this and share pet-stories. I've got a full house of critters and some of the crap they get into is kind of funny. Everyone has stories like that, right? A cat that has a special quirk, or a weird pet trick. You know the things I'm talking about, I'm sure.

So let's start this blog back up properly, shall we?

I've said it before, and I'll probably say it again in the future. I've got a lot of pets. Most of my budget actually goes to them, you know, foods, vet bills, supplies....it's totally worth it, though. I spend a good chunk of my day  doing checks and caring for them all, too. Which reminds me, I need to clean out terrariums tomorrow. Damn. But that's just part of the experience. The running joke is that I run a small zoo, and we offer a "Friends and Family discount. You can sponsor an animal too! For a low donation, you get a picture of the animal you sponsored, and a letter about them!"

Anyway, sometimes I'll be sitting around, vegetating, generally unwinding from the day, and I'll get this strange feeling that someone is watching me. Now, you expect it when you're doing something right? At least, I do, because I'm fantastically amazing. But when I'm doing nothing, I'll get that feeling. Sometimes it's the dogs or a cat right next to me, which is just kinda creepy. They stare like they expect me to do something amazing at any second. I yell "BOO!" or start randomly dancing, just to see how they'll react every now and then.

Other times, I can't figure out who, or what is staring at me. That's just unnerving, looking around, knowing someone is watching you, but unable to locate it...."~I always feel like.... somebody's watching me~" then the hunt begins. First, you causally look around, then maybe you turn off the TV, or put down your book. Eventually you go hunting for the staring creature after a while. Sometimes you find something like this

Mukki. He's sleeping, by the way. And yes, his eyes are open.
Fell asleep staring at someone, happens a lot, because he's not bright.

Yeah, I've poked him a few times to make sure he's alive when I find him like that. He meurts a "Huh" sound. It's cute.  Then there are times when it takes you a while to find it, like say, after a new addition to the household that just stares at you....

fast drawing done at work. Look! I made a comic! (sorta)
Know what show is on the tv?

you know that song just runs in your head, right? In fact, I'm being stared at right now.




speaking of, if you're ever bored in a crowded place, point at someone's back across a room instead of staring. The reaction's the same, but it takes longer.

Birthday wishes

Yesterday was my Birthday, and now I'm a quarter of a century. I wish when it was your birthday, it was like a video game, and you basically Leveled up, becoming smarter and older all at once. But that's not the case. I spent the whole day working, and by that I mean 7:30 till 5:00, then went out to dinner with my mom. Then watched Percy and the Olympians. It was a birthday present. I also got cake (from work) $10 from a friend, two gift cards, one for 100 and one for 25, a check for $25, a shirt, and three bowls. I'm down to about $50 in gift cards, lol I got ferret food and such... and 3 movies for under a dollar, and a game. Also got a laughing toy for the cats.

And I wasn't expecting anything! Coby did treat me to a movie last week, which was awesome, but really, I wasn't expecting anything else.

Of course, not only was yesterday long, but then I worked today, before napping real quick and then running to the mall. Been busy.

At least the rain has helped cool things down a bit.

~Sprig

dog days of summer

Have seemed to arrived a bit early this year, no? Happy belated 4th of July, everyone. Went to the movies yesterday, and saw "The last air bender". Now, there was a good amount of controversy around the films casting, with the studio and shamalon saying that they were not "race-bending" but went for "the best actors". Quite frankly, their best sucked.

The film came off like some made for tv sci-fi flick at best and a fan-made film with good production graphics at worse. I have't been so disappointed in a film in ages, and I'm pretty easy to please, film wise. Yeah, I am a BIG fan of the show, and I know some of my disparagement stems from that, but not a lot of it. The bending was pathetically done. Think river-dance with rocks at the end for earth-benders.

I will say the kids that played Zuko and Sokka seemed good, given what their roles were, so was the northern princess, Suki. The kid that played Anng....no emotion, what-soever, and sloppy, jerky bending type moves for a lot of it. Kid can twirl a staff well though.

My conclusion? Shamalon should not be allowed to write, direct, and produce a movie. He should stay out of writing them, for sure. I'm not saying the actors sucked....since I've heard that the kid who's played Anng is a good actor....but what they were working with did.

And get the damn names right. But of course, some people might like the movie. So, go ahead, go see it. Just don't go to the 3d. that was a waste of money, with very little being in 3d. (including the bending)

In other news, I'm reading up a storm and watching a bunch of anime while slowly, like the speed of a glacier slowly, plotting where I'm going with my last chap of a fanfic that is taking too long, and how to present my "not the hero" story.

~Sprig

Apparently, if you drop a large amount of loose coins by accident on the floor and snarl "Damn!" at yourself, it's grounds to get yelled at. And if you roll your eyes in a "just my luck" way when your manager lets someone in 15 min after your closed and you JUST started to check your work (I could have used a "wait, one sec, one more person" BEFORE I started) it's grounds to get a lecture on proper customer interaction. In front of the other workers no less. I'm pissed about that part.

Yes. I shouldn't have said damn. it slipped, I was mad at myself.

Yes, I really shouldn't have rolled my eyes. I meant nothing by it, and I'm sorry if the customer thought I was annoyed with her. I wasn't, I was annoyed at my shitty luck, and trying to poke mean humor at myself.

Also, when I say I am uncomfortable with being teased on my spelling, even when a person says they're laughing because the spell check missed it, it should be dropped. Particularly at work. I'm not overly sensitive about a lot (I don't think) but some things really do bother me. Smells and spelling happen to be big on the list.

I know I shouldn't let any of it bother me, I've just had an off week, it happens....but you know what? I don't need shit at work for two slip ups in one week on top of it.

~Sprig

Weekly update.

Well now, Jache has gotten a haircut (pics coming soon, my camera has no batteries right now) She looks good. Planning on taking Mukki to the Garden state cat show this July.

Finally got my cherry tree in the ground, and also planted a hydrangea. Had a friend come over and help.

Coby and I saw the new Karate Kid movie. Personally, I give it a 10/10. Very nice remake. It followed the basic plot, but I enjoyed the differences greatly. Jaden Smith did well as a lead, and Jackie Chan rocks.

I've been re-reading some books with my e-book reader (Tamora Pierce books right now) and I've got a complaint. See, the books I'm reading are older, and it's obvious that they were transcribed so they'd be on the readers. There are a LOT of mistakes, spelling and in names. I'm sorry, I don't think that's acceptable, it reads like something someone in high-school wrote, and then didn't spell check. I normally cut a lot of slack for spelling, since I'm Disgraphic, but, these are PUBLISHED works. COME ON PEOPLE "and jew left the city" is just not paying attention ("and few left the city") but "Tjere" is something that WOULD be caught with spell check. and get the names right.

But, other then that, life is ok. I'm off to watch anime.

~Sprig

Walk in an abandoned golf course....

Find a fawn! Coby, Jache and I went for a walk today in a golf course that's in forclosure....and stumbled across this baby fawn! It was day's old at the oldest, though, judging by the pink hoofs, I'd say hours old. The doe was no-where to be seen, so after some photo's we left the fawn. We never touched it, and since we were on top of it when we saw it, we didn't really get any closer (No closer then Jache had gotten... Never know what you'll see on a walk. Last week, I saw a baby groundhog and a snapper....

We also saw geese, turkeys and squirrels.

~Sprig

Drawing

I seriously need to get back into drawing. Or at least writing. I'm going through a phase right now when I just can't get up the enthusiasm I need. I have ideas....most involve people, however, and I am not good at drawing people, so instead of getting all pissed off at the crap-tastic drawings I'd make, I haven't done any. How lame. I could at least write....Or type up the Char bio's I already have. Damn I'm lazy right now. I can kind of say work has kept me busy, and reading takes less effort...so I'm reading. Give me a week or two, and I'll get back to drawing. I really need to regain my skills... I swear I have a few sketches I could work on!

But in the mean time, I've been going to movies, and practically inhaling books. I've also been walking Jache almost every day, and working hard, and doing a good amount of yard work....But! I WILL make time in my day for the creative arts! Writing, drawing, and practicing my Mandolin (which has been sitting in a closet, neglected).

~Sprig

Poor Mukki

We sent Killian, a queen we brought over for Mukki to breed with, back. She hated him, and didn't go into heat for 2 months. She was a sweet cat, other then that. So, she goes back home, with a bit of a limp, and Mukki's got a puffy eye....It wasn't meant to be...again. He's never going to get laid, or be a dad if this keeps up.

Got a lot of yard work done, still lots more to do. The rain isn't helping the last few days. Seems to only rain on my days off. So, today I put together a shelving unit, cleaned out the closet it was going in, set it up, and promptly stacked it full of books. It's already overflowing. That's the problem with being a bibliophile.

Jache has been spayed, and except for the shaved spots, is fully recovered. She needs a bath....so does Mukki. She's doing better about listening to me. I need to work on being firmer. Now that she's all better, I'm going to start taking her on hikes again. She likes them.

Licking my way though a Jawbreaker.....setting up my Wii for streaming Netflix....wishing I could afford more books and Anime....and that's about it. Oh, working on a story....I'll post a link when I have a first chapter. So far I only have Char. Bio's, plot, and overall setting done. That just leaves the fun part; writing the story.

~Sprig

Meh.

I've always wanted to start a blog with that. Not much going on. Catching up on my bills (YAY). Taking Jache to the vet Thurs for her second Lyme shot. I'm not taking any chances with Lyme. I'm going to schedule her spaying for two weeks from now....don't tell her.

It's very cold today. On Saturday, Mom, Jache, and I went for a hike in a park. It was fun, and the dog behaved, so she's getting better. We're waiting to hear back from this woman about dog training. She wanted classes to start may 1st....but I have not heard anything in a week.

I'm waiting for FUNimation to put out "season" 3 and 4 of D.gray-man. Not that I can afford it yet. Seriously, not a whole lot going on. Waiting till it gets warmer for some serious yard-related activities....not that I'll be playing out there, the yard slopes really bad.

I'm off to warm up. And maybe make another dinner. Yes, another one. I'm still hungry.

warui!

warui, warui (sorry, sorry)...

I've been busy with my new job, and with the puppy, and been lazy....so I have not updated in quite some time....

Let's see...

I saw "How to Train Your Dragon." I give it a 10/10. Great graphics, good plot. I've got a few more movies I want to see coming out this summer and late spring.

And this weather is driving me batty. Warm one day, cold the next. I hate being cold. Bought a new blueberry plant today to complement the one I already have. Also got my mom her mothers day gift; a purple rose bush. I wanted to get a weeping-cherry tree for myself, but couldn't find one. Oh! My huckleberry is finally setting berries.

In other news, not much going on. getting back into shape by walking Jache and stretching. It helps that I'm not at the Deli anymore, so I'm not tempted to eat crap all the time. Note to people who are dieting: Deli food is NOT good for you.

I'm working on a drawing of a tree. I hope to upload at least the line art -inked- soon. I may have my friend add the color, since I am horrible at color, but I still need to think about that.

I swear I'll be better about updating this! once a week! Come on Sprig, you can do that at least!

~Sprig.

Breed Profile: Ferret

Ok, so there is only one kind of pet ferret. Deal with it.

Ferrets are a type of weasel, obviously. The domestic ferret can weigh anywhere from 1 and a half pounds to 4 or 5 pounds, and are usually 20 inches long. They have a narrow head, small ears, and a moderately long tail, as well as a long lanky body and short legs. This body shape allows them to squeeze into amazingly small and cramped spaces, so it's rather difficult to ferret proof a home. The shape also gives them the odd "ferret-hop" gate.

No one is really certain about the history of ferret domestication. They are very closely related to polecats, and one theory is that they are just decedents from tamed polecats that were caught and trained for rabbit hunting. Ferrets are actually still used for hunting rabbits, but don't ask me how you hunt with a ferret.

Ferrets make great pets, as long as you are willing to take the time to handle your pet, and don't mind picking up (or finding things they stole) after them. They are very social, so it is usually recommend that if you are planning on getting a ferret, you should get 2 so they have company. You should also handle and play with your ferret every day, more so if you only have one. This can be done by letting them romp in a special play area, or allowing them to roam free.

If you allow them to roam, be sure that there is nothing dangerous anywhere on the floor, or furniture the ferret could conceivably get up onto. Or anywhere for that matter. Ferrets are by nature very inquisitive, and tend to take things they like, be it a hairbrush, keys, remote control, or dog biscuits, and horde them, so you want to keep those out of reach as well, or learn where your ferret keeps its hoards and retrieve them after you've put the ferret away. Doing so while the ferret is out won't do any good, they'll just take them again.

It should be said that it is futile to scold a ferret. It's also very hard to stay mad at them. Training is trial and error, with rewards being the most successful way to handle things. When it comes to litter training, they'll mostly train themselves, as ferrets are neat about waste, and tend to pick one corner anyway. Though, naturally, you can't expect perfection from even the best trained ferret, particularly if it's mad at you.

Ferrets do have an oder as they are a muskilid (weasels, skunks, ext), but most of the pets you see on the market have been "desented", or had their sent glands removed. This is usually done when the animal is spayed or neutered. There is a lot of debate on whether this is wise, some siting that desenting causes health problems if it is done too young, but no official study has been done. Desenting does not completely get rid of the oder, though regular bathing helps.

Most pet ferrets you see in stores come from "Marsals Ferret" a commercial breeder. The company also makes ferret food, toys and equipment. You can also go to a small ferret breeder. I will not say which is better or worse, but I will say always make sure your ferret is socialized before getting it, since they can bite hard. Ferrets play with their mouths so they do play-nip, but it should never be painful, and never ever break skin. Females should be spayed for health reasons unless you are breeding, which I wouldn't recommend.

A word of warning, Ferrets have become really popular in recent years, and yet many find their way into shelters, or just end up neglected. Just because they are a small animal does not mean they require minimum care, they are active, social, loving little buggers, and want to be a part of the family. Raised correctly, a pet ferret will romp with other pets, such as cats and dogs, in supervised play. Even though they are a lot of work, the ferret's antics have made them a favorite with many.

Ferret playing with Lion cub

I know that's not much in the way of pictures, but... It's late, and I am sleepy. Check out Youtube for fun ferret videos however.

~Sprig

Computer

I've got my new computer and man, am I loving it. Gotta say, Windows 7 is much more user friendly then the older versions. Much more customizable as well. So far, I'm happy. (I

d've gotten Lin-ix but I'm poor, lol)

So... look forward to more frequent updates!

~Sprig

Breed Profile Maine Coon

Maine Coons are considered the oldest breed of cats in North America. They're considered a "Natural breed" since people had little or not involvement in the creation of this lovable giant. As the name implies, this cat originated in the state of Maine. There are all sorts of stories about where they actually came from, the most popular being that the Coon cat sprang from the six pet cats which Marie Antoinette sent to Wiscasset, Maine when she was planning to escape from France during the French Revolution. Another popular myth, though totally debunked at this time is that Maine Coon cats resulted from the mating between fereal cats and raccoons. This theory was made popular by the Maine Coon's long, fabulous tail, which is barred in most casses.

Maine Coons are among the largest of the cat breeds. Excluding the newer breeds that resulted in crossing domestic cats with wild cats, Maine Coons are the largest. The biggest cat in the Guinnes book of world records was a Maine Coon cat, who weighed 35lbs and was 48 inches long. Most male Coons weigh in at about 13-20lbs, and females generally weigh less. Un-altered males and females do grow larger then altered cats. Because these cats are so large, they are also slow to mature, reaching full growth at 4-5 years old. They also can delelop hip problems, but a good diet, and plently of exersize helps prevent this.

Since the breed came from Maine, these cats are built for cold weather. They have a double coat, and both their ears and feet are well furred. The thing most people think about when they think about Coons is the magifisant "mane", or ruff on these cats, or perhapse the tufts on the ears. Another thing that sets these cats apart is their tail. These tails are very long, usually at least the length of the body, if not longer. They are also well furred, and tapper off at the end.

The coat on a Coon is in three different lengths. The have long fur from their haunches (Called Britches) and as well as thier ruffs and tails. Their shoulders actually have short fur, almost like a saddle. The rest of the body is covered in fur that is just a tad bit shorter then that on the haunches. Despite this massive amount of fur, Maine Coons require only the average amount of brushing. A good brushing once or twice a week is usually enough. Most Coons love to be brushed, so it's really not that difficult. They also don't shed more then a short hair cat, save for durring spring and fall. The fact that they are so large, and the length of the fur does make it seem like they shed a lot, however. It's also recomended that Coons get bathed every now and then, since their thick coat can cause skin irritation sometimes. Giving a Maine Coon cat a bath is actually really easy for a cat, despite their size. Coons absolutely love water, and many will end up soaked if you leave a faucet dripping.

This love of water may be because, or the reason behind the historical use of, Maine Coon cats as ship-cats. They're so water-friendly, their feet are partially webbed.

As a working cat, they're fantastic mousers. Maine Coons are also amasingly gentle for their size, earning the title "Gentle Giants". Most Coons are not lap cats, though they all love to be with their person. Coons tend to be a one-person cat, but that does not mean that they are stand-offish to others. They do well with other animals, including dogs and small animals. It's probibly not a good idea to let a pet mouse or rat out around a coon, however, since they are known as effeciant mousers.

Here are some Maine Coon pics. The cats in these pictures are mine, and none of them are full grown. Two are mix-breeds from local shelters, and the other two are purebred show cats.

Dolly, a coon mix, showing off her tail and fluffy-ness.

Mukki (Moo-key) grooming a puppy

.

Mukki failing to fit into a dog bed. He's a little over a year and already over 20lbs. You can see the different length fur in this picture really easily.

Oliver (the creame) and Belle (rescue cat) Showing Coon-atude while I cleaned. and yes, we buy litter in bulk.

Coons are some of the sweetest cats, many being dog-like, loving a good game of fetch, or willing to be trained. But, since they are so large, you should put some thought into it before you get one. Let me put it this way... a coon can stand on the floor and reach the counter in the kitchen to steal without climbing up. Big cats, BIG STRONG cats. Yes, the breed is usually very gentle, but much like large dogs, they don't always realize that they're just too big for things....like sleeping on your pillow (head).

There are a lot of Maine Coon mixes in shelters, as the breed was really popular a while back, so if you want to know more about the breed, or are looking into getting one, check with your local shelter to see if they have more information. Breeders are also a good source, but beware breeders avertizing their cats based on size; Coons should take a long time to mature, and are not bred for size, so a breeder saying "My cats are huge" is likely not breeding properly. They are an expensive breed!

Any questions? Feel free to ask. I'll see if I can answer, or get you in touch with someone who can.

~Sprig

update

Life has been really hectic. I've got my new Puppy, and She's a handful. The job hunt is not going well, so I'm still at the Deli. I've ordered a new computer as well, since mine has died.....I'm hoping to get back to updating on this soon. I'm going to blame the dead computer for now.

I was thinking of posting a weekly Breed info.

For example, each week doing a post about a particular breed of dog (or cat, or whatever) with pictures, facts, and information about that breed. What do you think? Should I do it? and should I do just dogs, dogs/cats, or any other suggestions? I'm very knowledgeable about many different breeds and species...so suggestions on how to do this are welcome.

~

Sprig

Blah

The last few months have totally sucked for me. My car was broken into, and I lost quite a few things (it was parked in my driveway!!! Locked and armed!), my keyboard got toasted, and the new one is glitchy, and worst of all, Copper, my toy poodle, passed away. So, I'm not feeling too much like posting right now.

I am getting a puppy in a few weeks, it was unplanned, but I fell in love, and it doesn't mean I miss Copper any less. Copper was a great dog, who was a joy to be with, he was a friend to everyone, and he will be missed greatly.

....

When I'm feeling more like me, I'll start posting to this blog more regularly.

~Sprig

Life

I know it's been quite a while since I posted, but I wanted to let you all know that I have not vansished. I've been busy with 2 jobs. Also, We've been working with Mukki in order to get him ready for the next cat show. We have one coming up in a few weeks, and we're hoping to get points. He actually has made Champion in the time I haven't been posted. Now we're working towards grand.

In other news, I am hoping to post more often. I'm going to set up cell-phone posting. that'll help, since one of my jobs is outside...and I can use my cellphone.

I'm out for now, long day.

~Sprig.

working.

So, here I am, back again, and so soon. Right now I'm at work. Doing security. The place I'm at is really exciting, as in totally mind numbingly boring. On the plus, I finally found a way past some of the filters so I can actually do some blogging and reading.

I've been here since 7am, and I get off in an hour. I was there the same amount of time yesterday, and I'll be back again tomorrow for more of the same. Happy 4th of July, everyone, by the way.

I've so far read about a book and 3/4ths, watched over 10 hours of movies.. and played quite a few games. I've also taken a nice walk around the area I'm guarding and found raccoon tracks as well as this kind of neat wild flower. Ok, it's a weed, but to me it's beautiful, so I pulled one up and I'm going to try and get it to grow. I'll post pictures later. Oh, I've also looked up all sorts of stuff. nothing illicit, mind you. just weird things. Like uses for stale beer.

I'd still rather be here then at the deli.

I'm searching for a job in my field, with not a lot of luck, but next week, I'm sending out a bunch of Resumes. Here's hoping one of them lands me a good job. Think of it as a birthday wish (my birthday is Thursday).

That's all for now. I donno, I may ramble on tomorrow while here.

~Sprig

work work work

Sorry, folks, Been crazy-busy! I've been working every day for about three weeks. This update is just going to be a quick one.

Anyway, I thought I'd let everyone know that some stuff has been going on with the cats. Firstly, I've been working on a website dedicated to Mukki (mostly. the others will have their own pages on it.)

Secondly, Mom's cat, Belle, accidentally fell off mom's porch. It's glassed and screened in, but my Uncle had come in to clean the windows, and hadn't popped the screen back correctly on this one. It looked fine, however. Belle must have seen a bird or something and went out after it....and strait down. THEN she apparently went around the side of the house (having realized I wasn't home and she wasn't getting in though by patio) and tangled with the gopher that lives in the yard (he has a borrow right there, we've blocked it off). She then found her way onto Mom's front stoop. She seemed fine...until she started limping. So we brought her to the vet (remember, we didn't know about the gopher fight.) at 11 at night. needless to say, it took a lot of money, and powerful meds to get her all better. And she is all better. Though, her shaved leg looks really stupid.

Next, the cats all caught a stomach parasite from Belle (Copper may have had it as well) so we spent five days doseing everyone 2 times a day. At the end, we got to bathe everyone. OH, so fun. (wasn't that bad, actually).

In happy news, Mukki has a show coming up. Garden State Cat Show, in July. He's still not neutered, so he's going to be entered as going for his Championship. Wish us (or mom, I have work, so she's showing him) lots of luck! As for the not neutered....after a lot of thought, and I mean A LOT, as well as a long conversation with the breeder I got Mukki from, we've decided to breed Mukki (after he at least becomes a Champ). This is not something we came to lightly.

I'll try and get new Pics up of Mukki and the gang soon. The little ones have gotten SO BIG!

~Sprig

Phone!

I have a new phone! It's a Verizon Blitz. So far I really like it, but I'll let you know as I get more used to it. I got a Blitz, not because I text a lot, but because I like accessing the internet on the go, and sometimes a key-pad would be very useful for work.

In other news, We're planning on Breeding Mukki. It's not a decision we came to lightly, but we do think he would be a great contribution to the breed, since he's a fabulous example. I'll keep you informed.

Right now I'm going to bed, I don't feel well; a very bad cold has been kicking my ass for about a week.

~Sprig

Book summery and life

Life update: I got off work a few hours ago. Not bad, I spent most of the time cleaning, which I actually enjoy doing. I hope I get to continue cleaning.

Now, I have a summery of the children's book series, "Warriors" which is about cats. Here it is!

Warriors

by

Erin Hunter

I bought this series after reading the first book of Warriors: the new Prophecy and Firestar’s Quest. As this is a young adult series, I was expecting a light read, with characters I was only mildly interested in. Instead, what I found was a well thought out world of Clan-cats. There are a large number of Cats, and you’d think that after a while keeping all the characters strait would be difficult, particularly with the name changes each cat goes through. But each cat was different, not only in physical description but in personality as well.

This first series is about Firestar, who is known first as Rusty, a common house cat. One day Rusty decides to go off and explore the forest, only to be jumped by a wild cat (Graypaw). After this confrontation, Rusty is offered the opportunity to join ThunderClan, one of the four cat clans in the forest. Of course, Rusty decides to go with them; if he didn’t there wouldn’t be a story, after all. Upon joining the clan, Rusty is renamed Firepaw. He and his fellow apprentices train hard in the forest, but soon uncover a plot laid by Tigerclaw, one of the warriors in Thunderclan. Apparently, Tigerclaw is killing off other cats so he may become the next deputy, and then leader after Bluestar.

Firepaw is torn on what to do. He’s sure that Tigerclaw is going to kill one of his best friends, and makes the hard decision to lie to the clan and help Ravenpaw escape. Graypaw is sure that his two friends are overreacting, but goes along with it. During the course of the series, Firepaw thwarts Tigerclaw every step of the way with Graypaw’s help, forcing the clan to come to realizations about themselves, and their warrior code. The story continues on threw all 6 books, following Firepaw’s promotion into warrior-hood (Firepelt), deputy-ship, and eventual leadership (Firestar).

At first blush, you’d think that this would be the normal epic tale of good v.s. evil. Firepelt v.s. Tigerclaw, all the way through the series. In reality, it’s much more than that. Tigerclaw isn’t even all evil. He has his good points, many of which Firepelt admires. Then, you throw in clan dynamics within clans, and between clans, and you get a story that is very vibrant. Tigerclaw is by no means the only threat either. Most of the threats challenge all the cats, and focus on cooperation to solve them.

The stories deal also with accepting people who are different then you, not only in the cooperation between the clans, but in Firestar himself, who was originally a ‘kitty-pet’. Love and friendship also play an important part in the story, blending nicely with the flow of it.

The only real flaw in the series is Firestar is the Quintessential Good Guy. He’s always right, always knows just what to do. It gets old after a while. Even when he doubts himself, it always feels a bit flat. Like, he feels he should doubt himself, but doesn’t really.

All and all, I’d give this series an 8 out of 10. It was a fast read, but I really got into it. Also, I liked how the lines between right and wrong were not as black and white as they normally are in stories like this. I would have liked a bit more time to have been spent on some of the supplemental characters, or even on the enemies, but as a children’s series, it was very well done.

~Sprig