You better watch out, better not cry, you better not pout, I’m telling you why…The Blackwoods are the Holiday Pet Family of the Month! Each year the holiday season fills our hearts with joy and gives us time to reflect on the most precious gift of all, our families. The Blackwoods have been part of ours for many years now and we are pleased to spotlight them this month.
Jim and Kelly Blackwood, both native Mississippians from Hattiesburg have two small boys James (9) and Sam (6) and recently celebrated their 12 year wedding anniversary. Kelly, an environmental lawyer has a passion for the outdoors and preserving our natural treasures and this love certainly extends to four legged creatures. With their two boys in tow that’s 20 little pitter pattering feet to keep up with in this family!
Tuffy is a 12 year old yellow tabby that was born into a litter of feral kittens rescued and cared for by Kelly and a friend. Tuffy, the smallest of the bunch, was often squeezed out by her litter mates when nursing. She was a “tuff” little kitty and with her eyes still tightly closed, would push her way back in for her share of milk and ultimately into Kelly’s heart. This quiet but steadfast demeanor has stayed with her. She now uses her persistence to remind the family to provide her regular brushing sessions! As if they could forget.
Mila was meant to be a “foster kitty” ………13 years ago! A familiar story for many pet foster parents. She is a huntress and loves to be outside. Watch your feet when you open the door, she is a fast one! Not very tolerant of other animals, she does love her siblings. She even took the addition of Biscuit, a yellow Labrador, last year in stride.
Just celebrating her first birthday last month it’s hard to remember what life was like before Biscuit. The boys named her biscuit because she looked just like one curled up sleeping-you could just eat her! But Sam and James were afraid ‘Biscuit’ sounded like a boy’s name, so she is properly known as “Miss Biscuit”. Lately, her nickname “Swiper” seems to suite her better as she tries to grab any and everything she can! Like most pups she is happy and full of energy. She loves to walk around the lake with the family and play fetch in the front yard. Her pet nanny had plenty of funny stories to share too. She said Biscuit loves to play chase, but mostly chasing her tail! Biscuit has quite the bedtime ritual; she crawls under it, pushes it, rolls and wiggles all around until the spot is just right.
Thanks to the Blackwoods for sharing many fun times with their fur family. May the warmth and joy of this holiday season remain with each of you throughout the coming year. Happy Holidays!