Adjusting to a new member of the family

Adding a new member to the household is always a challenge. Conflicting personalities, finding extra space, and figuring out the diet preferences of the newcomer are just a few of the problems faced.

There's also hurt feelings and feelings of neglect and jealousy.

I've tried telling our year-old cat Emma that we love her just as much now as we did when we brought home eight-week old Ella Monday afternoon.

Emma hasn't stopped hissing and growling at me since 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon -- every once in a while she'll toss the kitten the evil eye, but I am receiving the brunt of her anger.

Chewey, our middle-sized dog also got in on some of her temper tantrum when I bent over to introduce the two cats and the elder struck out with her front paw. She missed the kitten and landed a left upper cut on Chewey's jaw before he realized he was in any kind of trouble.

The dogs are much more accepting. It took them two days to accept Emma and they already want to play with Ella.

As the evening progressed, Emma continued to pout. Laying on my folding table in the basement and watching me as though I'm some type of predator every time I walk by.

At bedtime, I put the kitten in her protective cage and went downstairs. I picked up Emma and held her for several minutes, reassuring her she was still my favorite cat. She ended up spending the night in my bedroom window -- normally off-limits for our eldest feline "child."

I'm told that this new addition to our family could have one of three outcomes -- either they'll remain enemies, they'll tolerate each other, or they'll become best of friends. It's just like raising children.

Since today is Veterans Day, I would like to take this time to thank all the veterans out there for the sacrifices they've made to this country and its citizens. From the two World War I veterans remaining in the U.S. to those that are fighting for freedom in the desert sands of Afganistan and Iraq, you have my deepest respect.

Thank you for the sacrifices you and your families have made. Thank you for stepping up and fighting for the freedom of those who have never known freedom and to keep the freedom of those whose freedom has been threatened.

You are true American heroes and your accomplishments and sacrifices should be remembered every day.

Thank you for your service.