Ember and Vanilla Found the Perfect Bench by the Pond

The pond is quiet, and two friends are sitting at its edge to take it all in. A tortoiseshell cat with a swirl of black, amber and rust in her fur gazes toward the water with her ears pricked, and a cream lop-eared bunny sits tucked against her chest, ears draped and eyes wide. Cattails and reeds rise along the bank, and a shimmer of green pond plants covers the water. The grass at their feet is dotted with small weeds and clover, which makes the spot look like a favorite.

Tortoiseshell cats are known for their mottled coats, and people often say they have a lot of personality, though that is a fond saying rather than a scientific rule. Ponds are interesting to animals because of the movement of insects, birds and ripples, but they carry real hazards. Cats and rabbits are not safe near deep water, and stagnant ponds can contain algae and bacteria that are harmful to pets if swallowed. If you take your animals outside, supervise closely, keep them on safe ground, and bring fresh water for them to drink. Your vet can advise on outdoor safety for your area.

We'll call the cat Ember and the bunny Vanilla. They look like they are sharing a thought, perhaps about a dragonfly, perhaps about nothing at all. Either way, the view is lovely from where they are sitting.