The uprising began with something so innocent, something so insideous: Dog taught Cat how to open Amazon boxes and how to render styrofoam into a blizzard of white particles.

The world, or at least my house, may never be the same.

Okay, some might think it a little strange to get excited about a vacuum cleaner. Perhaps. Nevertheless, I have to admit that this Miele Polaris Canister Vacuum Cleaner has won me over.

Up until now, I’ve always hated vacuum cleaners. You know, the ones you buy at the local mall-mart. I’ve had to …