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I would love to submit my photo of Houdini from the Shadows challenge for this week’s EARS theme, but that would be against the rules of the project.  The weekly photo must have been created within that week and it must be new work.  But how perfect would that photo of Houdi be for this week’s theme?

Since I didn’t want to do another photo of Houdi’s ears, I decided to focus on the way animals use their ears to communicate.  Living with three cats and one dog gives me lots of opportunities to observe animal behavior and interactions, which is something that has always interested me.  The slightest change in the angle of a cat’s ears can tell you exactly what they’re feeling at that moment.  I have become especially familiar with the way my little rascal Lola uses her body and expressions to communicate.  She had to survive outside as a kitten, so she’s extra alert and not as friendly as our other cats who were raised by humans.  But once you break down her tough shell and learn how to read her signals, you’ll realize she’s actually a sweet little scaredy-cat.  I can tell when it’s okay to pet her and when she wants me to back off just by observing her ears, eyes, and whiskers.

I call this Lola’s “Angry Face.”  She folds back her ears and whiskers and opens her eyes wide to say “hey now.  I’ve had enough of this petting,” or “what was that? I’m frightened.”  I actually love this face because her ears make her look like a Great Horned Owl.  I have learned so much about cat behavior from Lola and that knowledge has helped me develop a very special, deep bond with her.

Now head on over to Karla Ogilvie Photography to see Encinitas, CA, pet photographer Karla’s interpretation of this week’s theme.  Keep clicking through the blogring until you return here!

I really can’t resist sharing a photo of Houdini’s expressive and adorable ears.  Plus, check out that fancy new coat.  I dragged my friend and her new rescue dog, Angus, outside in the snow and rain to attempt a good ears photo of the two dogs, but they just looked soggy and grumpy in all the photos.  Angus will make his debut on the Wackydog blog once the sun comes out to play again.  For now, a soggy Houdi:

Yesterday was the birthday of Houdini’s namesake, the illustrious Harry Houdini!