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Confessions of a "liberated cat-hater."
by Norma-Anne Hough Having been brought up to love and respect all animals, I always found myself fonder of dogs than cats. Who would want to bond with a creature,that ignored you most of the time?Only allowing you the pleasure of its company, when it so desired. No, my reasoning and my heart always led me to dogs. Dogs love to show how excited they are to see you. One gets showered with sloppy kisses, covered with loose hair, dirty paw marks all over your clean clothes and sometimes even thrown to the ground with great exuberance! Has any one ever seen a cat do that? I doubt it. When husband Dave arrived on the scene, I knew cats would have to be a small part of my life. His mother was the local cat carer for Animal Welfare. Talk about choosing your mate! The cats we had were sweet; I liked having them around, yet still preferred the dogs. As my daughters grew older, the cats became their proud possessions. Life was good. We were all happy. Dogs had my full attention and cats had Jacquie, Bronwyn and Mandy to wait hand and foot on them. Talk about slaves. Then Sootica appeared on the scene. She and her sister were faced with certain death until rescued by who know who. The local cat-hater! Me! I am not quite sure whether Sootica decided I needed her undying love with affection or if she saw a deeper need in my life. Slowly she crept into my space and heart. If I was in the garden, there she was. Whenever I tried to type, she took over the typewriter. Lying on the bed, she purred long and loudly alongside me. Unfortunately, she died before her time, and with her, a part of my heart went. Time passed with other feline animals, which were cute, funny and typical cats. Don't call us, we'll call you or come when we decide. Many a long night spent in anxious prayer as one particular individual sowed wild oats in the neighbourhood. Alas they also departed to kitty heaven to meet with kith and kin. Now life was back to normal. No cats! What heaven - only dogs, wonderful, stupid, sloppy dogs. Enter Chloe!!! One very small bundle of fire wrapped in a multi-coloured coat. She took the world on. Even the big mean German shepherd was conquered! Totally fearless she advanced through life. Yet she realized there was somebody she still needed to win over. How dare this person pay more attention to those two stupid dogs! A plan of action was needed, and fast. Firstly, imitate how the dogs lie. Any cat was capable of that. Got her attention but something more drastic. Aha run and jump onto her lap as soon as she sits down. Clever move that one. Not even Captain can do that. Not good enough well let me think again. I know, make her cook me food. Why should I eat pellets when she cooks for the dogs? Got her this time. No not quite. I know, play in the garden with stupid dogs. Wow how cool is this? She now looks for me to join in even to the point of calling me. I have my own ball and of course, it is easy to pretend to enjoy it. Yes, Chloe, you sure did that. You ripped my heart open, forcing me to love you. You had a charming way about you, although very devious and clever. Your time here with us was far too short. I am forever thankful that you did not suffer, we would not allow it. I miss you terribly, especially when I am outside playing with the dogs. I miss you waiting for me to cook your special fish, and then racing outside to play again. You not only left your dirty paw marks over my white duvet, you left them all over my heart. I live in East London, South Africa. Have three grown-up daughters. I love to write. Have been involved in christian couselling. My other intersts are my animals,my garden, reading and I look after those in our body who need help. I plan to publish a devotional this year. (c) Norma Hough 2008 Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |