Next week marks a special anniversary in our household, one that deserves a celebration. It will have been one year since gaining a new family member. Perhaps there’ll be a cake or a special present or surprise but will most likely it will be marked with the joy of mundane day-to-day living.
It is almost a year since we adopted our Boston terrier, Grace, from the Midwest Boston Terrier Rescue.
A year before that, we rescued our kitten from an uncertain future as one of dozens housed at the Bloomfield Township Animal Control. Jammed into a room with at least three dozen other felines, we chose our Kitty for his tuxedo coloring and his playful personality.
We are for the most part “cat people,” but since emptying the nest of children, the house was strangely hollow and vacant. All of a sudden, there was no sibling sniping or piano-flute duels or late night door slamming, so a space opened up for a kitten.
Kittens are a blast. They are hyperactive, psychotic dervishes that regularly hallucinate. However, once out of kittenhood, cats become independent, aloof creatures that do not require human attention. Kitty is no exception. He does not come when called and despises lap sitting and constant petting. There are times when he thinks he is a lion and will stalk and attack ankles.
Dogs, on the other hand, are known for being man’s best friend. Dogs are in need of perpetual reassurance. They love people and are quick to please.
I had thought about adding another pet to the family, one that would balance Kitty’s reign as King of the House. We have gone through birds, rats, and even hissing cockroaches. None of those seemed right for the time. It might be the right time for a dog.
While I am not gaga-crazy about my pets, I’m careful about pet selection. If I take a pet in, I want to make sure it’s a good fit, one where our personalities mesh. I’m a busy person, so a low-maintenance pet is a must. I’m also small, so my pet has to be of a size I can handle on my own.
Article comments
1 - Ruvy
Loved this article, Joanne. You might like this tale about our cat.
2 - Cindy
I loved it too. A wonderful read, Joanne. I like the way you described how she "feathered her crate" with pistachios. She is really adorable. I see what you mean about those eyes.