"Xiaodouzi," the name of a little dog, means "a little bean" in Chinese, while "Huanhuan" is the name of a big cat, meaning pleasure. They are two sweethearts of my mother-in-law. Since her two sons left for Canada, they have been helping her deal with her loneliness. Besides the different meanings of their names, they differ in looks, habits, and what they like to eat.
             Xiaodouzi, with short snow-white hair, is more like a snowy ball. Four black dots are projected on his face: two acute eyes, one short upward nose, and one small projecting mouth. Under his white hair are his short legs. The legs are so short that sometimes they are hard to see. Therefore, when Xiaodouzi moves, he looks more like a white fury ball rolling back and forth on the ground. In contrast to Xiaodouzi, Huanhuan, with long brown hair, looks like a state "general". On his face, more angular than Xiaodouzi's, there are two round and bright eyes like two emeralds, one long and lofty nose, and one
             narrow triangle-shaped mouth. His legs are longer and stronger than Xiaodouzi's.
             Except for their different looks, Xiaodouzi and Huanhuan are sorted into two polar types: the active and the lazy. Xiaodouzi can't keep still for even one minute in the daytime. He is also an early bird. Every day at 4:00 or even earlier, he is already shaking his tail and waiting near the door to go out. He always captures each chance of going out. Outside he will catch up to moving cars, walking people, and even dancing with fallen leaves in the wind.
             He very much likes outdoor activities. Huanhuan, in contrast, stays at home all day. Sleeping may occupy most of his time. He is fanatic about sleeping under the sun in the chair near the window. Only eating and his master's call can tear him from sleeping. In addition, Xizodouzi and Huanhuan enjoy different foods. Xiaodouzi is easily tantalized by any kind of food. Meat, bread, rice, and vegetables, for example, usually seen in our...