Potting Dahlias for Early Blooms! 🤞💜🌿// Garden Answer

[@audigutierrez6946]

Laura, I know you said not to watch your old YT videos, but I just watched a few and I have to appreciate how much you more comfortable and engaging you've become since then! Question: do you think your personality has changed because of the channel? Can you imagine another version of you that didn't start this channel almost a decade ago? How would she be? 😂

[@amoijoy573]

Very good question! I can’t wait to hear the answer.

[@janewasson4845]

@@amoijoy573 What if Laura had stayed in England, been a nurse there, or a concert pianist. Or a piano teacher?

[@tracktor721]

@@janewasson4845 interest insight. On the parallel world, Laura and Aaron has a YT Channel Music Answers 😅

[@lisaburnette6850]

I don’t recall Laura ever saying don’t watch old videos, she regularly advises we watch older videos for more info on a topic.

[@kimberleyfrasquillo3684]

@@lisaburnette6850, she actually did say that recently. But, in jest. She merely meant she wasn't comfortable speaking into the camera. "Stage fright."

[@marykitchen6246]

The Gardening Bug has bit! Love seeing the Dalia collection. You motivate this 74 year young gardener.

[@alw5101]

You give me inspiration🌱💕

[@margaretfreemanrowell9786]

I’m 74 and Laura has inspired me also, I’m all in for flowers this spring!!!

[@alw5101]

You yourself give me inspiration- I can only pray I’ll be blessed at your age to be living and looking forward to admiring my lovely garden and flowers at your young age! HAPPY Valentines Day💃🤍🕺

[@kathy5216]

Just watched Jenny and Jerry get their new cut garden plots ready for the dahlias you are sending them! The strawberry digger attachment Jerry used was amazing!

[@alw5101]

Me too!

[@carolinaochoa7900]

I went and watched it because you made me curious and what a beautiful place with all that woodland! I subscribed 😁

[@FloraM44]

What channel is this?

[@carolinaochoa7900]

@@FloraM44 Gardening with Creekside

[@kathy5216]

@@FloraM44 Creekside

[@christophernorris8064]

I am looking forward to seeing how your dahlias grow in NC for Jenny & Jerry (Gardening with Creekside) compared to in OR with y'all. For those of us in the south and all our humidity, the differences in how to handle will really be a help to see your timing and care--compare and contrast at it's best! (I'm in Georgia--Zone 8a) Thanks!

[@pennywalker9209]

Me too I have soil and climate (zone) like them . Red dirt /clay and humidity here in Oklahoma. I watched them preparing the beds for their dalhias and pumpkin this morning and can't wait for the snow to melt here and prepare my beds

[@AttnDefDis_]

Yes! Just watched them till the patch to get ready last night.

[@T4bb1_c4t]

I live in the South and grew dahlias last summer and they did amazing. No problems. I have clay soil also.

[@rachelletaylor4215]

@@T4bb1_c4t Do your slow down blooming when it gets REALLY hot like in Aug/Sept? I'm in Charleston SC.

[@heatherwatkins9218]

I grew dahlias for the first time in Charlotte, NC last year. I have clay soil that I amended with soil conditioner. I planted them a bit late and it seemed to take forever for them to come up and then the stalks came up and up and up and then finally I had buds. It was so exciting and they my first blooms come and they were beautiful! I kept getting blooms until about mid Or late Nov when we finally got some cold snaps. I’m told we don’t need to dig up in 8a but I wanted to move them for this year so I dug them up. The tuber growth was amazing! However I didn’t follow the storage solution correctly and unfortunately lost them. But I have more tubers on order with Eden Brothers!

[@juliafiore120]

Good morning, Laura ☕️. You’re feeding my soul with all that planting! 🌱 Boston just had 2 feet of snow ❄️ with an ice storm ⛈ today😩 so, no planting for me …yet! Don’t foget, 👆🏻 Jenny wants some Dahlias Have a Blessed Day 😊🐈

[@snehakarajgikar1028]

Take care

[@juliafiore120]

@@snehakarajgikar1028 thank you, dear friend.

[@alinaCatwatcher]

Jenny from Creekside has her soil ready for the Dahlias Laura is sending. We will get to see two beautiful gardens!!!

[@juliafiore120]

@@alinaCatwatcher Exactly! Super excited to follow along!

[@maureenkenny3425]

So exciting I saw Jenny is preparing for some of your dahlias to arrive …just a thought what about a GIVEAWAY if you have any extras on this channel … I know anyone of us should CHERISH a little bit of Laura’s garden in ours!!!! It would be such fun to see how they would do across the county…spreading the love❤️ as always thanks for inspiration.

[@michelerok4252]

Can’t wait to see all the color. Awe, there is the little buddy Russell. He always brings a smile to my face. Love his personality and how he loves the attention. Hey thanks for sharing the joy with us. Many blessings

[@МихаилНовиков-к2в]

It's interesting to see, I agree with you.Michael. Russia.

[@cristidirks7193]

As a cat lover and owner, I knew exactly what was going on “behind” the scenes. 😊 I loved Russell’s little reach for loving!!

[@greywarrior8212]

There is nothing so welcome as the smell of warm potting soil growing plants in the greenhouse during winter. A unique treat for the senses!

[@vickieyoung7122]

Oh Russell...you always make my day ! I love dahlias...I would have more if storage wasn't an issue.

[@TallulahFoxxx]

I’ve been looking for some help haha! Are dahlias cut-and-come-again? 🤔 I’ve seen lots of conflicting information! Since they’re tubers, I’ve always been scared to cut off blooms for the vase in case that’s the end of the show! 😆😩 I had a beautiful cactus dahlia last year (star’s favourite) and I just admired it from my kitchen window instead of cutting it. This year, can it be cut and will another bloom replace it? 🤔

[@vickieyoung7122]

@@TallulahFoxxx They are perfect for cutting for bouquets...I cut most of my blooms to bring inside...they will keep right on blooming !

[@carolineorendain2012]

Russel is so cute. Excited Spring. Can't wait to see Laura's Spring garden 2022

[@happygarden_]

*Woooooow, you have a nice style to make me love your gardening videos, I only discovered your channel year 2021, my dear friend GARDEN ANSWER, but it is by far one of the best gardening channels out there! You have definitely rekindled the flames many people for a return to the ground, please don't stop gardening, keep up the content, bravooo, GO GO GOOOO*

[@DigPlantWaterRepeat]

Hi Laura! Thanks for sharing! You should send some of your extra tubers that you will be dividing to up and coming flower farmers! Then they can grow them on and pass them the next year to another farmer! It will be Garden Answer dahlias all over the country! That would be such a sweet follow up video of your tubers in other people gardens! 🌸

[@amyshaler7134]

Am I the only one that giggles when Laura says, “Woah, DANG!!!” 😂 I love anything you share about dahlias, so thank you for sharing. I’ve never grown dahlias before but think they’re beautiful. I’m blaming all of my dahlia purchases this year on you. Thanks Laura for all you do for the gardening/landscaping community.

[@marisolbrunk5303]

Nope. I love the way she says “DANG!” My favorite word of hers now! 🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂

[@camicri4263]

Russell is such a character! Laura you changed so much since the beginning, you grew immensely! You basically are a totally different person now than when you started the KZbin channel. I remember you in the beginning, honestly I was not too attracted to watch, you were more mechanical kid of and very uncomfortable. You could not wait to get the video over with😂😂 and I guess instinctively I realized that somehow because I kept on watching and oh wow.....what a huge difference! You blossom like the most beautiful flower....like caterpillar and now you are a butterfly, I realized now that you become the Laura that you were off camera but now you are one and the same...on and off camera! So cool to watch the metamorphosis take place and we witnessed more than yours, Aaron, your mom and now Monica a bit....so exciting! So greatfull for that, to witness such amazing transformations but yours is the greatest because you've been in front of the camera from the beginning! I am thrilled, thanks for letting us be a part of it! Love it! Hugs to you all, what a beautiful family, so blessed to be part of it!🤗❤🤗

[@aradhay9480]

Never stop these videos🤗 the best thing is that these are long vlogs full of positivity

[@docmarmalade5224]

Sooooo, it's expected to be a high of 77F in Northern California. Yikes!!!! I need to start sooner than expected for spring planting.

[@Hlorrh40]

Russell is your best friend, he will follow you wherever you go, you will never be without a good friend. He is a good old friend.

[@smoshrocks92]

I love the excitement over the growth on the bulb from storage! You can hear the passion you have for gardening there lol like a little kid

[@bonniejackson7476]

Laura I wanted to share something I learned from Jess over at Roots and Refuge. You can use a bag of potting soil, cut holes for drainage in bottom , cut back the upper side of bag, seed greens and put a clear Tupperware container over it. It works great for those that don't have a greenhouse. Thanks as always for sharing.

[@SisterShirley]

For those of you who can't get enough of dahlias, check out Dahlia Hill Society in Midland Michigan. It is so beautiful. I have seen it in person and it is spectacular!

[@carlas872]

That was fun! Can't wait to see them come up. Love Russell! What a sweet kitty!!! Thank you Laura and Russell for getting me out of my funk this morning. Can't wait for the snow to finally be gone!

[@latentheinz]

Love that lil Russell 💖

[@jamespostlewait5826]

Russell is a star!!! I look for either Russell or Cheddar in every video!!!

[@jasminelouisefarrall]

Morning Everyone 🍃🌺🍃

[@deborahburgart561]

Here's a little quote re: plants/gardens that I just LOVE..I always put it on my business cards . "The first year they sleep. The second year they creep. The third year they leap." 😁 You have a magnetic personality Laura!

[@jezo2008]

Good morning y’all, 25 degrees here in Katy Texas!

[@nedra4wv304]

Laura, between you and Jenny, I’m about to burst for warm temperatures and sunshine! Can’t wait to see how the dahlias you send her grow in her area compared to your area.

[@lockettks]

Your gardens are my happy place when the skies are grey

[@melissas7208]

My mother is 74 years old and a huge fan. Last year she planted her first dahlia and says she has a lot to learn and appreciates everything you do! Please consider sending this superfan, Laurel Sherwood, a Florets book on dahlias. 🙂

[@pennywalker9209]

Sweet sweet Russell 🥰❤️

[@TheRenexxxxxx]

Ohh I love it when Russell shows up in your videos

[@jason.d.hermit]

The moment when Russell pop in and ask for attention is just so cute 😍 ☺

[@amber_bloom]

Zone 10 CA here. FYI. Its 60° during the day and 45° at night and my dahilas are growing. I planted them in fall 🙈 and they stayed a couple inches through winter. Now they are over a foot tall and it's been a very cold winter for us. Just in case you needed temperature reassurance.

[@robingrunzweig3940]

wow, what a production line... so efficient.. just think how far you've come in what, 5 years? a studio, now a heated greenhouse, a cold storage area - wowow! so much fun and it seems the possibilities are almost endless... and then, of course, there's Russell.. just livin' his best life!! 🙂 ❤ thanks for the video!! 🙂 ❤

[@NinjaOrchids]

It would be amazing if you were to do a dhalia tuber cart display give away at the garden centre, like you did with your pumpkins back in fall 🙂 imagine the surprise! You are such a blessing to your community 💝

[@lynnelovett8999]

Dahlias is what I just got for someone for their birthday for their garden. They will love them. I will share this video with them to be a help on potting them up. I like them because they are beautiful and can plant for inside or out. So this video was at the right time. Thank you Ms Laura. Have a blessed day

[@tomasitaguerrero7092]

I really enjoy on how you show us your method on planting and lol I saw Russell's paw 🐾 he was trying to get your attention 🤣 so sweet

[@67horses]

Good morning all have a safe and blessed day

[@anangelchild]

Awww kitty touching her wanting more loving :)

[@boothgoodies6348]

I remember how hesitant you first seemed when dividing tubers. Now you chop them with such confidence.

[@StormWarningMom]

Welcome to the Russell Show, featuring Russell (with some dahlia planting on the side 😂)

[@teresaritsema734]

You are so inspiring! I used to help my grandma work her Dahlia's. Now this grandma is inspired to try Dahlia's in her own garden. I burst out laughing when you said, "I'll have to get a few more pots". Also, I love Russel! 2021 was a tough year, we lost both of our Kitty boys, one 22 & one who wandered in 11 years ago, and became my shadow. I'm inspired to find another couple of rescue cats, they are incredibly helpful in keeping down the unwanted rodents who do lots of damage, I'm finding. Wish I could clone Russell. Love you, Aaron and your lovely family! Thank you, & God bless you all.

[@jenw5854]

The song that started playing when Laura was making the tags is the GA “getting stuff DONE” tunes! I love hearing it!

[@barbararichmond499]

Cheddar is so darn cute. I just love how he wants to be everywhere you are, kinda like my tiny Yorkie girl, Heidi. My shadow. I loved that you showed how to do the Dahlias. I won’t be doing that, not enough warmth or light, but I am going to try to plant some out in the spring when it warms up. Their so pretty.

[@alw5101]

Her kitty’s love and adore her so much i love watching them work w her💕

[@debweideman8319]

But that's Russell & yes he LOVES the camera and Laura.

[@heartnurse0900]

Speaking of, where is Cheddar? Russell is always your faithful companion... but haven't seen Cheddar for a while... 🥰😻

[@alw5101]

@@heartnurse0900 He’s still around I just think he likes to pry the premises and explore a lot more

[@rhodealexandre6583]

Beautiful Dahlias. Can’t wait to see them in the Spring. And......Russell 🥰

[@gardensnob1]

It’ll be so much fun to see how these do compared to what you plant direct. Plus what you’ll send to Jenny and how theirs will do!

[@margaretadkisson9904]

Good morning from Chula Vista in San Diego County California! You are my Favorite Garden Gal and I have always enjoyed myself learning about your lifestyle! You are a blessing to me because you love what you do. You always take the time to get straight to the point. And I pray 🙏 you never stop your Channel.

[@lorihardman1833]

Hi Russell! So cute!

[@kimberlyjohnson6357]

I love Russell🥰 thanks for showing your dahlia process😊

[@alw5101]

Good Morning G.A. ! I love Laura’s Hard working tun

[@judyheim6998]

Ooohhh it’s a good thing you let Russell come on camera. For a minute I thought you were not going to and I was going to have to fuss at you. Thank goodness you came to your senses and put that camera on him. We haven’t seen him so much in the most recent videos and you know he has become a very important part of the show. Oh my gosh won’t we all be glad when summer arrives. Looking forward to seeing Benjamin and Samantha Grace running across that grassy lawn.

[@nancyschwartz5665]

Watching you cut these apart is so helpful. Body, neck, growth point. Perfect.

[@naomimaendel767]

Thank you for being so thorough! Us newbies need that. You’re an inspiration and so blessed by God. ❤️

[@MyBackyardScience]

We love Dahlias! Can't wait to see these beautiful blooms.

[@karenabendshien846]

So exciting, I am living vicariously through you! Lol Thanks Laura

[@pattywestridge2006]

So nice to see Russell haven't seen him in awhile ..cant wait to see the ones you bought bloom ..

[@susanhowe6929]

So fun to watch. Very informative, but the best part was Russell being up in your face. When I saw that paw and then his head pop up I laughed out loud. He is so affectionate and loves to be with you.

[@Yrutnec1]

What a 'looking forward to Spring Blessing" --- Laura your LoVE and energy are amazing --- Thank you. I am gonna start praying for your knees! LOL....you are always working so hard and your success is an encouragement to us all. We all do pray for you and your family.

[@peggyhelblingsgardenwhatyo7920]

Good morning, Laura 💕 Greetings from Windermere, Florida zone 9b USA 🇺🇸 It seems OUR winter is over. Going to 80°F today ☀️ 👩‍🌾👍 I wish I could share with you ALL. Happy Gardening My Friends 🌿💚🌿

[@alw5101]

Lucky 🍀 You! I’m in northwest ind. surround by 12+ inches of beautiful snow ❄️ I guess I’m lucky also💕

[@susanwyly309]

Peggy, I am in Coastal North Florida (Nocatee) and we will hit 80 today also!

[@peggyhelblingsgardenwhatyo7920]

@@susanwyly309 Hi Susan, I just uploaded a Freeze Damage report on my channel if you're interested in my area.

[@dianetucker2711]

Yey!!! We’re planting and growing again❣️ANTICIPATION for Spring is building. LOL! It’s consuming me🤗

[@alicezepp7034]

I'm a gardener who loves starting everything from seed. I'm planning to grow dahlias from seed this year. Watching your videos makes me excited to grow things. Keep your pretty kitty in your videos. Last year I made the mistake of starting my veggies too early and I had to pot up multiple times and my growing space in the house got crowded really fast. Love your new greenhouse!

[@charlottemeyerhoff8927]

The kitty with the extra toes. 🥺🥰

[@MoniqueARuiz]

You brought my favorite music back for this video 😂! I’ve been missing this soundtrack over the last couple of months! 🎶 (thanks Ken for giving the people what they want in addition to garden tips - an upbeat tune to start their day)

[@GardenKath]

Ugh, I mute it every time it comes on. 😂

[@MoniqueARuiz]

@@GardenKath lol!!!! I don’t know what it is about that song but I love it and find myself humming it randomly throughout the day 😂

[@Elles_Notary]

I love watching your videos with a cup of coffee in the morning! 💚🌻

[@sandratharp4818]

I saw Jenny in NC getting her beds ready for the Dahlia tubers you will be sending her. So nice of you, her seemed excited to try something new!

[@mahoganyrootsstudio158]

How about doing a give away to several of your viewers for a Dahlia clump since you have more than you want? I'm sure I can't be the only one who would love to get one if I were a lucky winner. Always love seeing Russell. He is such a sweetie.

[@unicornzalltheway8064]

My first time seeing Dahlia tubers ! This was so exciting Laura! Am so happy to have found your channel, it is one of the few times in the day that I am genuinely engrossed and not distracted , happily engaged in the wonderful things you share with us !

[@shelldub7258]

Thank you for this video! I just ordered dahlia tubers this year and I’m going to give it a go. Do you think Russell is always nearby because he thinks you’re talking to him all the time? Lol There aren’t any other humans, after all. Just the camera 😂 Can’t wait for spring and to watch your cut flower garden come to life! 🌱

[@susanwyly309]

Love seeing that sweet kitty! He just wants to help mom plant flowers! I've never grown dahlias, but now that i'm retired (teaching middle school!), I going to experiment in my garden! Have to be careful though, the HOA monitors our yards, so no veggies for me!🥕🫑🍅

[@marisolbrunk5303]

My new favorite Laura word “DANG!” ❤️🤣❤️🤣❤️🤣❤️

[@jenniferward1483]

Thank you for showing us the process on storing, splitting and planting your tubers every year. I am a visual learner so watching you do this multiple times helps me get the courage to try this myself! Love your videos and thank you!!! 💐

[@debmarlowe1204]

Love that kitty!

[@kaystinebrink1220]

I'm smiling and smiling some more. Garden season must be coming if you are starting to plant.

[@exinilda]

It is just amazing to see how the dahlias start. Then you get gorgeous blooms! Just incredible.. then there is Russel stealing the show 🥰 🐱 sweet orange kitty. Just like my boy Tangelo.. never enough attention ❤️🐾

[@snehakarajgikar1028]

Started mine 3 days back ,looked for similar video so bad ,couldn't find ,so when I read the title jumped with joy 🤑 Happy Happy Happy

[@ellyhill1947]

I love seeing Russell! Does he ever dig in your flower pots? Thanks for all you teach us. I grew dahlias last year for the first time and enjoyed their blooms so much. The tubers are still in storage so I hope to plant them later thus spring.🤞

[@jessicam9634]

This video was so informative for those of us who will be planting dahlias for the first time. Thanks so much Laura!😊

[@denisefaust1290]

You have made me fall in love with Dahlias. Last year I found 2 at our garden center. It was the first time I had ever seen them. I swear they must watch your show. I was so excited to store my tubers and grow multiple plants this spring. Unfortunately, when I dug them up there were no tubers. So sad!☹️ I ordered tubers for the spring and hope I can also find some plants. Live in New Orleans and they grew beautifully in pots for me all summer.

[@HeavenintheGarden]

That Russell is so gosh darn cute! So excited to see the dahlia's poke their pretty little heads up! Last year was such a Parade of Beauty, it's hard to imagine improving on that perfection! Question, Since you have such a surplus of tubers, could you pot/sprout some and take them to Andrews for your Mom to have a head start for her Spring sales - or is that not allowed?

[@tiroshi83]

I think that if she did something like that she would donate the dahlias, like she does with everything else that has a surplus

[@liseforget1687]

She is not licensed to grow and sell these varieties.

[@shellyroman1321]

Those dahlias are beautiful!! They will be a great addition to your collection!💛

[@remediosgregorio9354]

Can't wait to see the Dahlia's grow.

[@par4451]

What a beauty all those dahlias are going to be, also the hope Laura is giving all of us buried in snow!!!

[@joanneedwards5630]

Russel stole the show for me again 😁🐱

[@paulet990]

I really like that soil tray with the tapered sides.

[@kenitabober1785]

So excited for you Laura, that you can get a jump start on your Dahlias this year, with your newly "heated greenhouse!" I can cut & toss tubers with ease from watching your detailed videos. Ty! What is working keeping Russell off the plastic?

[@Gin0827]

As a gardener for 50 years I have to hand it to you👏👏👏. I was very impressed with the 3 areas you have for all stages of seeding, growing on and storage. It truly is the ideal environment to increase productivity and longevity of your labor. Jenny and Jerry helping with the heated greenhouse really did make the difference. It is a gardener’s dream to have everything that the plants need. Today’s video just shows home gardeners what a difference a heated greenhouse makes. You guys are very blessed. 🌸🌺🍅🥒🍓 wonder if you could get Benjamin’s strawberries started early?? 😘

[@adinaclaudia]

Adorable Russell, lovely video! ❤

[@katefrancis7476]

I planted a pack of Dahlia seeds and they already have their first set of true leaves! I have a greenhouse so it makes all this early, soul feeding possible. If you need more room under your grow lights, you can move your succulents out to the greenhouse. They will absolutely fine at 50*. Thank you for all do to inspire people and love your channel.

[@donnaokoniewski3761]

Very informative, as always. Love starting my day with you AND Russell! Thank you so much. xo

[@nanaof07]

I did the same thing last year. It was my first time growing Dahila's . I followed Jim Putnams video and let the old growth stick out ( so a little less soil) and no fertilizer . It worked out beautiful. I had them in a sunroom in my house. Can't wait to see yours...and mine when I do this next month.

[@ShraddhaA]

Thank you for this video Laura!! I just bought a couple varieties of Dahlias from my local Costco and I am so excited to start them. I live in Zone 10a and I don't really have a lot of ground where they'll get enough sun so I am planning to pot them in containers so I can move them. Can you please do a video or a quick explanation about planting dahlias in pots and how to care for them? Thank you for inspiring me - we moved into our house less than a year ago and I already have so many things planned and going on for the seasons to come! ❤

[@zormier2002]

Wow love your cellar

[@saraloggins8365]

Those Kagame Fubuki are the most gorgeous. I didn't think mine were going to bloom though. They didn't bloom until 5 weeks after all my others started dwindling down in the fall, so it is probably good that you are starting them so early. I only got two huge fantastic blooms before the frost got them. They are much more beautiful than the picture on the front of the packaging!

[@ozarkview928]

I’ve been gardening and growing for 50 years and have never grown a Dahlia , I know this sounds crazy but they have had to grow on me , I think they look too formal for my cottage style . I’m ready to try this year from seed . Excited 😊

[@claudiabozzo1635]

I think dahlias would be perfect for cottage style gardens! Gladiolus are flowers I find too structured and hard to landscape with. Good luck. I'm sure you will love them.

[@alw5101]

Good luck Grace! I’ve never grown them either but would love to try! I think they would add lots of charm and Character to your cottage💕

[@jgwood10]

Dahlias have been grown in Europe for over 200 years in gardens. Sounds like they were in cottage gardens over the years.

[@Passionproject100]

Russell thinks you are irresistible! 😍💓🐈

[@odemonet]

I love your videos! You are so sweet and energetic. Proof of how sweet you are is how your kitty wants to be with you all of the time! You have taught me so much about so many beautiful flowers and who doesn’t want to be surrounded by beautiful blooms! Thank you for what you do every day. I also love to see you with your mom, so much fun... ❤️

[@spin6719]

I'm zone 9b (Nor Cal) and had never done Dahlias before, but last year I popped some in the ground because I saw some gorgeous tubers at a big box store. Low and behold they started growing and I've had blooms ALL WINTER!!!! It's been such a bright spot in my garden that I got like 15 more more a month ago and planted them (our last frost is March 1)....here's hoping these work out as well as the others!

[@alw5101]

Good Morning G.A. Laura I Love Your Hard Working Tunes 🎶💃 it gets me Groovin and moving - Du-Du-Du-DuDuDuta.......anyway that’s how it sounds in my head! Lol

[@donnalovintexas8760]

Russell, Laura's guard cat haha. He is making sure mommy is safe and ready to be the first for a good rub.