Lookout

Sometimes, when we are in the dining or living room area a scuffling sound attracts our attention just as we catch sight of a blur moving past us at the speed of light. No, Superman doesn’t live here; it’s Ellie going from the apartment window to the kitchen window for a better view of something that piqued her interest. She loves to perch on my sewing machine table in the apartment family room or climb over my kitchen sink to the garden window; either of which gives her a great view of the backyard. Heaven help us, however, if we are in her path when she spies a cat or bird in her territory.

Actually, I’m quite impressed that, out of the 34 windows boasted by this house, she has earmarked the two that give her the best views from different perspectives of the biggest part of our yard. Don’t think she doesn’t routinely check her domain from other viewpoints, but these two require the most hours of scrutiny.

I am sure there is a lesson somewhere in all this. A lesson on perspectives, determination, or watchfulness would all be appropriate, but my thoughts just keep circling around how much pets can add to your life..if you let them.

Tension in the Home

We have been trying to get into the psyche of the cat and dog world here the last couple days in order to break down barriers between Ellie and a visiting cousin, Bella (which I believe is short for Bella Luna de la Notte). Sorely feeling the vulnerability of being the only feline in the house now, Ellie has become quite aware of her greater responsibilities to defend the home place, even from others of her own kind who wander into our yard. No longer does she have brothers to take on the task of escorting interlopers off the property. So, when cousin Bella came to stay for a few days this week, Ellie faced her with mixed emotions and a lot of spitting.

Bella is sweet tempered and quite polite; a bit hard of hearing with perhaps slightly hampered vision. Being fully open about acknowledging her place as visitor-to-another’s-turf, she steps carefully and waits to be invited before moving, all the time somewhat pre-occupied with wondering when her family will be back.

Ellie, feeling somewhat betrayed that another should be adopted, even temporarily, and allowed to wander the house freely and even sleep upstairs, is intent on flushing out any greedy motives to infringe as well as to physically protect herself from this large, unknown canine. To this end she has vigilantly refused to give up her favorite spaces and has decided she has little appetite.

We humans have tried to acknowledge and comfort both parties and help them find safe ways to move past one another and even exist within the same room; not an easy task, by any means, but one that shows improvement. Last night, for instance, we all managed to get upstairs to our agreed upon sleeping places without any growling, whining, or hissing. Oh, to be sure, suspicion still lurked freely, but no accusations were flung about as had occurred the night before. This is definitely progress.

Joey K (December, 1998 - June 1, 2009)

Joey was a gentle soul who sought to be friends with everyone.

He was Meggie's best friend.

He preferred crunchies to wet food.

Loved milk and asked for it whenever he saw the carton.

Tried to be polite, but could hardly stand the suspense before he could lick your ice cream dish or milkshake glass.

Loved being home.

Was the only one brave enough to stalk and play attack or tag with Ellie.

Preferred wrestling with Ellie to cat toys.

Was passionate about his fish and had each one named and counted.

Curled up on my shoulder for Mom Time when he was a kitten and insisted he still fit there as an adult.

Spoke softly and was shy of guests.

Liked to sleep in the middle on the bed.

Always called shotgun on the back of the sofa at the living room window.

Loved being brushed and petted.

Waited his turn to use the bathroom to get his bedtime drink out of the sink faucet.

Tucked us into bed and then went downstairs to have an all-out game with Ellie before coming back to sleep.

Is loved by all his family.

Is missed already.

Blacky K (March, 1991 - May 31, 2009)

Among his brothers and sisters, Blacky was the Elder and final decision-maker.

He felt that the backyard and flowerbed was his "jungle" and made known his resentment at Mom's weedpulling.

Knew that he faded into shadows and used that to his advantage, only opening his eyes when he was ready to be found.

Loved to sleep under the big bush with white flowers.

Insisted on fresh, cold water in a glass.

Loved ice cream and milkshakes and knew unfailingly when you had either.

Knew you wanted to share.

"Did the laundry" daily by sleeping on the clothes-folding table on the stack of clean, folded towels.

Played with the neighbor's small dog.

Patiently raised his girl, Sarah.

Passionately loved being brushed and petted.

Spoke human, saying "out", "yeah", & "no" quite clearly.

Was gentle strength.

Is loved by his family.

Is missed already.

Joey

This sweet guy has been sick for four and a half weeks, which is exactly how long my stomach has been in knots. He has been to the vet twice and is just about to finish up some antibiotic pills to help his gums and digestive tract, but I am still having to force feed him at least seven times a day. This week he has shown more interest in eating on his own and seems to have less discomfort when the food moves through his digestive tract so I am hoping and praying that he is healing.