When I was a kid–to say that we always, always had cats would be putting it lightly. Not only did we always have at least one cat, but that one cat–often Beasty–was usually about to have about 6 more. I know, I know, but it was back before we “fixed” all the animals and so the poor dear had a few batches of babies each year. Forgive us. We didn’t know better.
ANYway, this little kitty is one that we kept longer than normal because we just didn’t find it a home with all it’s brothers and sisters. He had unusually thick, soft, lush fur. So thick and soft and lush, in fact, that my dad asked me ten times a day if he could make my cat into…a pelt. I think he thought he was being funny. I though he was one sick ticket. My mom named the cat Boots–and yes, we have a bit more imagination when naming our animals these days…
but I digress.
This cute little kitty used to follow me around the house and watch while I did my chores with strange intensity, almost like she wished she could help me–which would have been really nice. She’d stand and stare while I made my bed, and while I washed out the bathtub and especially if I was washing the kitchen floor. In fact the reason that my mom took this picture was because as I scrubbed my brush around and around in tiny circles, Boot’s little head would follow the same motion–around and around and around like a mechanical toy. My mom was laughing so hard she could barely keep the camera still long enough to snap the photo.
We always had dogs along with the cats–but I will say, I’m partial to cats and kittens. Whatever it is, there’s just something touching about a little creature that wants nothing more than to stay close to you. It feels priceless.
I’m more of a dog person myself, at least for in the house, but I did have a beautiful long hair yellow tabby that looked exactly like Puff from the Dick and Jane books (ya that dates me) when I was 6 or 7 so that is what I named her.
I have to say that is the most adorable photo and story I ever laid eyes on for a dreary friday morning! Reading your posts always lifts my spirits ^_^
When I was a kid, there were 9 of us (still are) so we had to share e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g. We mostly didn’t mind but one day my parents decided to get me something for my birthday (yes we even shared birthday presents! I remember most birthdays where my present would get wisked away until I cried about it loud enough *chuckle) Anyway, for my 11th or so birthday I got a pet, and this pet would be my very own! no one else’s! I felt like the luckiest, most special person ever!
My parents bought me a cockatiel, which cost them somewhere around $100 and I remember thinking that they never in a million years spent that much on ANYthing before… I named my bird Sunshine because of the bright spots on his cheeks (yes, not much imagination I’m afraid) and I loved that little guy. Sometimes he would bite and I didn’t really know how to train him better, but for the most part I could get him to sit on my shoulder and we’d play in my room. He even stood his ground against our birding cat and curious dog. Sunshine was an amazing pet! I even trained him to speak, “Pretty Bird” “Hello” and the “Wolf Whistle” were 3 things he refused to say… but I practiced with him everyday regardless!
One day we ventured outside and he left my shoulder and flew into a tree! I thought I’d lost him but then 3 larger birds started harassing him and he came home. But I didn’t learn my lesson from that scary moment. One fall day I took him out and let him perch on the clothes line outside, avoiding any trees or large birds. The wind picked up and he squawked as the wire started to wobble back and forth. I was just thinking we ought to go inside after all, when he took off and flew north, high over the planted pines near our house. I chased him and called his name but he was gone!
After that I left his cage outside everyday but only wild birds came to eat his food. I was a sad girl for a long time, and carried a lot of guilt for our many lost pets over the years. But today I have made my peace with them and we’ve even become a halfway home for pets who need help finding their forever family! I’m forever grateful for the pets in my life and the lessons of love and loyalty they taught me as a child. <3
Dang, girl. What a good memory you have. I don’t remember Puff at all. I do remember in those same books that they were always raking leaves and making snowmen, which just made us Californians laugh our heads off. I even remember the teacher getting up and trying to explain the concept of changing and falling leaves and snow making everything turn white. We couldn’t comprehend it. Too many palm trees and sandy beaches I guess.
Seems like you’ve always had a little black puppy in my memory. :}
Sweet. Sweet. Sweet. What a lovely story. Thank you so much for sharing that. Your parents loved you very much to give you such a gift and I’m certain that little birdy knew how much you loved him. They always seem to just know. :}
My favorite pet was definitely my 2nd hedgehog, Libby. The first one I had was sold too young and died because it didn’t know how to eat. The 3rd one was given to me by my estranged dad who didn’t realize I was too old and busy for a pet. But Libby was AWESOME! I was just the right age, with just enough love, attention and excitement for her. We would all find her worms and bugs to eat. I’d put her in my overall pockets. When she escaped we’d find her in the closet, behind the couch, or just running for cover! Heh. Good times. 🙂
I remember being pretty excited about my own first pet, Percy the Parakeet. I got him for one birthday… and he died on the next. That part wasn’t very cool. :/
I could listen to you talk about your own pictures FOREVER. It is so fun to hear all the stories. 😀
Thanks for sharing that story. I don’t think I’ve ever heard that one 🙂
It’s hard to pick a favorite pet that we’ve had. The first one that came to mind though was Clarissa, our cat, probably because she’s the first one I can remember. When I drew a picture for the plate that you got for Mother’s day, I remember that I even drew Clarissa and her little kittens as part of the family too. I loved when we had other cats, the ducks (Quincy and Marshmallow were the best! The six others later were cool too), as well as the more random pets like the hedgehogs and chinchilla later.