The idea came from some clients of mine who had built a waterfall and pond in their back yard. Their home backed up against a rocky, mountainous area of the National Forest near Tucson, so their pond hosted a variety of wild life. Being an avid photographer, the husband set up a camera and tripod to capture the visiting creatures. They were delighted to see a bobcat that soon became a regular. I came to know the couple because they decided to purchase a life size bronze of a bobcat I sculpted called "Perfect Lazy Day" to set out near the waterfall. After installing it, the bobcat responded to the bronze in a surprising way. It would bask in the sun next to it, even reflecting it's exact pose. Jim was so pleased to get a photo of this, and sent it to me.

Before long their bobcat friend turned up with a brood of three kittens. The couple were charmed to watch the babies following their mom to the water, and playing over the rocks surrounding the pond on almost a daily basis. Jim sent me more photos, but the one that struck me was when, early on when the kittens first warily started coming, they all heard something that startled them enough to run to mom for security. I loved the tangle of paws, the bright, curious little faces, and the protective stare of the mama.

Photo Credit Wendy McEahern