Well we hit it off -- I spent about 2 hours with him, pet him, he let me comb him and when I told him I was having a hard time reaching him on his high shelf he moved, on his own, to a lower shelf. I decided against bringing him home at 5 on a Sunday when I'd have to leave for work the next day and he'd be in a strange home with just him and Mel and who knew what they'd do. So I said I'd pick him up the next Saturday.
Saturday morning, June 26 I set the alarm and as I was leaving for Humane to bring Bogie home I was hit with that overwhelming feeling of loss when someone you love dies. I just sat there crying for Molly and told her no one could ever fill the hole left by her death.
I got to Humane and this little black kitty came running up -- insisting quite loudly she was ready to come home. Her bags were packed, bring on the carrier, she was ready to go. She climbed up my leg and hung on. I held her a minute and she gave me mega kitty kisses and I put her down to go to Bogie. She climbed up on me again and meowed to beat the band -- I'm sure she was saying "It's me! What's the problem? Let's go." I put her down again and started again for Bogie...and she was right back up my leg.
What is a mere human to do? So I went out front and said I'd take both of them. We got home and Bogie ran and hid. For two days I had no idea where he was, just that he was in the house. Missy, however, made herself right at home -- it was if she'd lived here all her life -- all 6 months of it. Two days after they came home I saw Missy herding Bogie downstairs for breakfast. She figured out the "rules" and made sure he knew them. He's a quick study -- especially when it comes to food and most especially when it's treats or his all time favorite, whipped cream.
But since the day I brought him home he has never let me touch him. He runs from everyone. When the vet comes we have to plan ahead and it takes 3 of us to catch him. He's been determined not to let anyone touch him because if they do, he will lose his home -- or so he thinks. It's really quiet sad because he's one of those kitties you just want to pick up and cuddle.
Bogie hangs out in one of the front bedrooms -- he has this little corner where you can't reach him for beans. It's his safe little kingdom.
Well this week, being home on vacation, I decided every day I'd go in there and at least get him to sniff my hand.
Sunday I touched his front paws and he let me pet them for oh, maybe a minute before he pulled away.
Today I went in and I was able to pet his tummy, his ears and under his chin and he didn't run for almost 2 minutes! That's pretty huge, you know? He turned after that and I'm not sure if he was moving away from me or giving me the other side of his body to pet him but I figured we'd accomplished a lot for one day. He didn't panic, just laid there while I told him he was a good boy and this is his forever home.
It may seem a small thing to a non-pet owner, but if you've ever loved a kitty who is afraid of everyone (or other animal) and they finally let you near, it's one of the best days of your life. (That's Bogie in the front)
Not just cats but dogs are the same way. I've got a collie who's llived with me since he wa 18 months old. He's now 10 years old. Still scared of loud noises. Even when my wife was alive only to me would he respond. I guess that's because I was the first human that cared about him as a person.
ReplyDeleteNow I've got not only him but a rescue cat. Talk about attitude. Like big time but the two get along like they'd been together for ever. And someting tells me they will be together for ever and ever.
You are such a nice and kind person. I too have a feral cat. We got her when she was 7 weeks old and she is still a wild cat to this day 13 years later. she comes when it is time to eat and that is the extent. But she is a good "watch cat" she will actually do that low growl if someone comes onto the porch that shouldn't. yes she is a keeper.
ReplyDeleteI loved reading your blog. Thank you.