The stepchild

Pinto the cat is not what you’d call likeable, per se. He’s pretty mean to all strangers. Pinto thinks he owns everything in our house, whether it is a couch, an ice cube, or a visiting child. While he feels he has the privilege of sniffing out all foreign objects that enter the house, Pinto does not believe that sharing is a two-way street. The moment a stranger gets too close to Pinto he breaks out into a lovely growl/hiss/swatting of the paws dance. It is the exact opposite of a handshake or a hug. I have to reassure all guests that Pinto is declawed.
Hubby and I met a year or so after I became the mother of Pinto the cat. So getting to know Pinto was a challenge for him. Hubby never complained though. It took about 6 months for Pinto to give in and say, okay, this guy is here to stay. It took until year 3 of marriage for Pinto to enjoy being held by hubby. It took until 2 weeks ago for Pinto to purr in front of hubby. You get my drift.
Despite all of Pinto’s flaws, hubby has been a wonderful father to this giant fur ball of a cat. He cleans out the litter box, he cleans up disgusting hairballs, and he brushes Pinto (much to kitty’s delight).
When hubby came home yesterday to find Pinto curled up asleep in his basket of clean laundry, he didn’t even get remotely annoyed or angry. In fact, I think he fell in love with the giant cat all over again.

How could you hate this little beast? I mean, what's better than cat hair smeared all over fresh, laundered clothes?!

Just look at him. His eyes say, "Go ahead, move me."

He's beautiful. And very thankful that his daddy loves him.