I got a new kitten the other day.
For those of you following along, it’s not like I needed another animal in my personal zoo.
But my precious companion, Roosevelt , died in April.
Which was just in time to make the anniversary of Dominic going to Heaven, his funeral and his birthday harder since I didn’t have my favorite cat’s calming presence in my lap when grief overwhelmed me.
Once all the family festivities died down (seeing our grandson, celebrating our daughter’s wedding) I realized I really needed another cuddle bug.
My two other indoor cats are giants-great at hanging close to me but lousy at sitting in my lap.
So, meet Miss Tilly the Kitty.
Isn’t she the cutest?
I’m trying to do on purpose what I did by accident with Roosevelt.
I’m working on orienting her to me, getting her comfortable being held and training her as a good traveler on the cart and in the car. I need her to sleep next to me in the bed at least until I fall asleep.
So far, so good.
After one day going around with me to feed in the morning, she’s no longer afraid of anything except the donkeys’ loud greeting. (Which could make a grown man jump if he didn’t expect it!)
She makes me laugh. She runs like a bat out of you-know-where between the living room, kitchen and dining room. She’s entertains me and herself for nearly an hour at a time by rolling a jingle bell ball around on the floor.
And she’s been really good company.
As I’m typing this, she climbed in my lap which is exactly what I want her to do. She lies down with me at night and sleeps so hard I can reposition her like a limp dishrag. That’s what Roosevelt used to do,so I’m hopeful. I’ve slept better the past few nights than I have since he died.
Today Tilly finally convinced one of the big cats to play with her a little. The other one just shakes his head and walks away. I’m calling them the “bachelor uncles” because all they really want out of life is a routine that includes plenty of food and peace and quiet. I think they are not pleased I’ve brought this young whipper snapper into their previously predictable home.
They’ll adapt.
Eventually.
As for me, I’m enjoying the animal therapy.
❤
thelifeididntchoose 