Well, it’s been a week now since I started giving Mike free reign of the house. It’s been mostly amazingly good, with the occasional hiccup. There are things my original cats know, like “if you jump up on the railing, don’t get close to the row of potted plants.” He learned that truth at 6 a.m. a few days ago. RIP, terra cotta pot. (See: culprit looking sheepish.)
He also astonished me with a wanton display of alpha aggression the other day, when Charlie (the patio kitty) came too close to the open window. I heard that guttural moan-growl that tomcats produce when they are vying for territory, and it was coming from Mike! I looked down and he was arching his back and lowering his head toward Charlie, who was sitting cheerfully on the small table just outside the window, oblivious to how he was upsetting Mike. I clapped my hands and Mike relaxed, but it’s happened a few times since then and it always amazes/amuses me, as Mike is the ultimate priest-like pacifist in every other setting. Clearly, he does have boundaries!
I took this earlier today when it looked like things were going to get out of hand again. As you can see by his fur, it’s standing on end. Oh dear.
My only problem with how things have gone is that he has changed in the way he is toward me. He is so excited about his new life that “cuddle time” has all but fallen by the wayside. Even when he’s in his favorite spot on the couch, he’s resistant to my embrace, because, come on, Mom, quit kissing on me! you’re gonna make me miss something! He hardly sleeps, because there’s just so much to see and do. I know this too shall pass, and he will become a normal kitty, but for now, I miss my cuddle-boy.
I keep my eyes open for the universe to drop the perfect adopter into my hands, but at the same time, if that person doesn’t materialize, I think he would be very happy here as one of four.
Little Ginger continues to hold her own, bless her heart. She shows no signs of worsening, although I know that time will surely come. I am leaving in two weeks for 6 days of work in New York, and to take pity on my petsitter, I’m going to have her stay with Carrie, who is extraordinary in dealing with sick critters. And clearly generous with her friends!
There are some magical things afoot, too, but I dare not talk about them just yet. Let’s just say in the last week I’ve connected with several fabulous women who care deeply about critters, and ideas are flying as to how we might be able to help more than just Big Mike, Ginger, Pokey and my own personal brood. 🙂
I’m also starting to work on “Marvin & Mocha” – the children’s book that’s been boring a hole in my brain for a year now. At a friend’s urging, I checked “The One and Only Ivan” out of the library, read it in one sitting, and bawled all the way through it. It’s “Charlotte’s Web” for this generation of thinking, compassionate kids, and has worked miracles in alerting children (and adults!) as to the plight of captive wild animals. I hope “M&M” will do the same thing for consciousness about the lives of our feral friends.
From my mouth (or keypad?) to the Goddess’s ears? 🙂
Great news all around! I am thrilled about the Marvin and Mocha project and the impetus behind it. So fantastic. I’ve been hoping your critter work would get into your writing!
p.s. Big Mike is adorable.