Marie, can't you have a word with your cats, and explain to them how much you love those moments with them? Can't you tell them how difficult it is for human beings to just BE, and that you need their help? After all, it's the least they could do, in exchange for you feeding them and scooping their poop. :)

Jeb, I hate to say it, but your description of life with your dog made me laugh. Sorry! We almost ended up with a dog that would have been a lot like yours, I'm afraid. The entire 30 minutes we were trying to visit her at the shelter, she ran around non-stop, hopping onto our laps from time to time and then hopping right off again, without even acknowledging our words and pats. At first I thought it was just because she was excited, due to the circumstances, but then I started to see it as rooted in her personality. I'm so glad I did! I'm also glad that Maeve was with a foster family for more than a month, and they were able to give us good insight into her true, mellow character. Good luck with your pup, though. And maybe you can use that itchy brain to create some great posts. :)