Wow. We got a bit of fur flying with that last blog entry. But before someone suggests I scratch Chris’ eyes out for poor poop management of his beloved cat, Squiggy, I’ll move the topic along.
Thanks for all the great comments, though. Some of them really cracked me up. And I’m still chortling over Nan-C’s stove-peeing cats – while trying not to imagine the smell. Phew!
There’s never a dearth of opinions available regarding critter-related topics, especially from experienced pet owners. So, today’s question is this: “What do you do when you see people doing something to/with their pet that sorta crinkles your soul?”
I’m not talking about real animal abuse. That is not up for debate. You gotta step in or call the authorities.
But what do you do about the little piddly things that you just know are wrong – but are not really harmful and are also really none of your business? Do you comment? Or keep your yap shut?
You know what I’m talking about, people who ask their pooch to “Sit, sit, sit, sit, sit!” - and never make it happen. Or those who let little Snubkins jump all over them on a daily basis - then yell at them when it happens when they’re wearing “nice clothes.” Please! I really struggle with my buttinski nature when it comes to “protecting” critters. How about you?
Squiggy is Chris’ first pet. (I know! I couldn’t believe it either!) She wandered up to him one day as a tiny kitten, sat down on his boot and looked up. He took one look at her saucer-sized emerald green eyes and scooped her up. (Anyone see Puss ‘n’ Boots pull that sad-kitty-eyes trick on “Shrek II”? I just did. And instantly thought of Squiggy.)
Seven years later they are still together. He really does love his “little poop monster.” And I can attest to the fact that she adores him as well. She is well fed, sleeps on a heated kitty bed and enjoys evening cuddles with her giant human.
Chris is still quite remedial in the pet world - in my less-than-humble opinion. One thing he does during their evening bonding sessions that drives me just a bit bonkers is pat Squiggy instead of stroking her properly. (I know, I know, since when did I become the arbitor of proper cat petting? But that’s the point of this blog.)
“Yes, I see you,” he says, smiling fondly at his Lil Squigster while she pokes her little furry nose against his. It’s such a warm and fuzzy moment. Then, like one would pat a sturdy terrier, he gives her a little dose of thumpin’ love. His giant hand whumps down gently onto Squiggy’s back. Pat, pat, pat. Blink, blink, blink, go Squiggy’s eyes as her tail starts to whip back and forth. “No! No! No!” screams my inner critic. Finally, I can’t help myself and blurt out, “Stroke her, gently, like she’s a CAT!”
He looks over at me like I’ve lost my tiny mind. “She likes it,” he says, bemused at this rude intrusion into their tender moment. I don’t really blame him for being annoyed. But I can’t help myself. Their cuddle sessions would be so much better if he’d just do it my way! Right? Hmmm…
