Genie stays!

 
Continued from the July 12th post, "Lessons While Waiting."

Genie has decided that she's part of the family. Last night the little miss burst in on me (in the bathroom) to demand her third brushing of the evening. The night before, she marched across my desk to lie against my arm as I read blogs. And I've heard her jump down from the dining room table when she senses that I'm approaching from down the hall. So no doubts remain that Genie has made herself at home ... and that, indeed, this pretty Persian knows she already runs our home!

Genie's previous owner, Marla, has come to the same decision: Genie belongs with Frank and me. Marla stopped by for a final visit with Genie last night (she takes off for Texas today). Marla's been so busy preparing for this move -- selling possessions, finalizing job details and packing -- that she admits it hasn't really hit her yet: that Genie won't be moving with her.

I tell Marla that Frank and I will take good care of Genie ... but, in some ways, Genie is already taking good care of me. I now look forward to returning home after a long day of work. But not because I know Genie will be waiting for me. Some days this sweet cat does just that: waits for me at the top of the stairway. Other days I must rouse Genie from where she lies snoring in my office chair ...  snoozing under the china cabinet ... or curled up on the fireplace mantle! I look forward to seeing Genie because there's a part of me that needs to nurture. And Genie has a corresponding need for gentleness and understanding.

My nephew thinks it's funny that I speak to Genie in a higher pitch ... in something akin to baby-talk. "Ooooh, Geee-neeee, honey! Do we want our leeetle mousey?" he mimics in a falsetto voice. How quickly these children forget: fourteen years ago, that's how I spoke to him!

What can I say? I'm guilty of spoiling pets and children. And I'm quite unrepentant. After all, look at that contented mug (Genie's "happy face")! Mine is a victimless crime!

What pets own you? And why? What need does pet ownership fill for you?

Earlier posts:

• July 6th, "Of a Pet Lost and a Pet being Found"
• July 9th, "Meeting Genie"
• July 12th, "Lessons While Waiting"

Comments

[Bimmy the Bookish]

Well, she really does look contented and smug!
You're not alone is using "baby talk." I speak to the dog as if he's a three year old child. I know it's silly, but, like you say, it's the need to nurture. We're harmless!
(I've even heard my husband doing it....)!

[Brenda replies]

Heather -- My husband still can't always tell if Genie is happy because of that "attitude" that seems to cover her Persian face! I'm not sure how old she was when you took your cat in, but after 11 years I suppose arthritis is inevitable. Still, it is amazing how well cats can cope with it; my prior cat Bear could still leap up to the table until he was 17 (and jump down hurriedly when he heard us approaching)!

Diane -- I agree ... it's the animal who decides whether we are suitable companions! And, lucky for Frank and I, we seemed to have passed the test!

Coll -- As the days have gone on, I've come to realize that just speaking to Genie -- even if I read posts aloud -- makes her happy! She'll curl up in the chair across the desk from me, content to listen to whatever is coming from my mouth!

[Coll]

What a pretty girl she is. I love her colouring. How wonderful that she has found such a loving home.

I too tend to talk baby-talk to my furkids.. but they don't seem to mind. :-)

[DianeCA]

I'm glad Genie is making herself at home and that you two are getting along famously. It sounds like she has taken a liking to you, which is important because cats can't be convinced, they just decide hehehe. I envy you this fabulous beauty!

[Heather]

She certainly looks happy...I think. Persians always look grumpy to me.

My cat also came to me from someone else who could no longer keep her. She's getting arthritis in her back now and generally just getting old. But she's been with me for 11 years now...longer than my husband even.