lap cat

[mellowtigger]

If I were able to make plans for a domestic future, I think I would be using this time to find another cat. T'Reese is old, and it would be good for me to find "backup support" for myself during the inevitable loss of my longest companion. Not knowing my current condition or projected future, though, leaves me hesitant to make any long term commitment to any plan.

Still, life is not without its temptations.

I found a wonderful lap cat at work this week. I should have already placed an "employee hold" on this animal so I could begin adoption paperwork and preparations at home.

Jose has dark orange eyes that just captivate me. Soft fur, tolerant of petting, growing tolerance of the other cats in the group room, instinct for laying down in my lap... I should be taking Jose home with me already.

Jose also seems to enjoy tilting backwards to look up at me, tempting me to lower my face to scratch my fuzzy chin against Jose's furry forehead.  We've already repeated this silly ritual many times this week.  Jose purrs very softly against my jaw as my reward for following the obvious protocol.

I hope Jose gets adopted this weekend, so the temptation isn't there on Monday.

Comments

[pi3832.livejournal.com]

Adopt the cat. Should the worst happen and you aren't able to take care of him, at least it's because of reasons beyond your control. It's not like you're adopting him to fill your time until you find a new boyfriend, or to shut up your spoiled brat.

All that's really changed in your invisible future is that you can make a better guess at the nature of the next indignity in the process of growing older. If it wasn't that, it would have been something else (colonoscopy, anyone?). If it wasn't in three years, it would have been in 10? 15? Whatever.

You're going to die. So is everyone else. So is Jose. To not engage in rewarding relationships because you're uncertain how they will end is to give up on life. It seems a little early for you to be doing that.

[I'm feeling bitchy and unsatisfied this morning--I'm sorry if my posts are offensive.]

[pi3832.livejournal.com]

More so: I understand completely that you take promises and such very seriously. "Your word is your bond" and all that. I feel that way, too.

But people really will forgive you if something like a misbehaving nervous system prevents you from meeting your commitments. We can only presume that a cat would, too.

[mellowtigger]

Hrmmm? No, nothing offensive about it that I've noticed. The introduction of differing opinions should be the whole point of blogging, I think. Otherwise, it's just public wanking.

Dieing is easy. Living with uncertain circumstances is hard, and that's where I've been stuck moping lately. As long as something about the path is familiar and expected, it doesn't really matter where it leads. It's the not knowing that freaks me out.

Litch brought up the idea of service animals. The idea hadn't occurred to me before. It would require a change of residence (no dogs allowed here) but that could be a fun way to accommodate whatever's coming.

[pi3832.livejournal.com]

Oooo, pet monkey! No, no, really. AFAIK, a service animal is one of the few cases where a "pet" monkey might be a good thing.

:0)

[otterlover01.livejournal.com]

I fully agree with pi, ADOPT Jose before is too late or you will find yourself lamenting not having done it when you could, the connection is obviously natural between the two. DO IT NOW, this will also inject a much needed sense of optimism you seem to HIGHLY need right now! SO many advantages, see? :0) Loving hugs your way, dear Terry! Luis.

Re: :0)

[mellowtigger]

Where I work, there are no "time limits" for any animal. If any critter makes it to the adoption floor, then it's certain (unless health or temperament changes first) that the animal will get adopted by people who think the pet would be good in their home. So I know when an animal leaves that it is sure to be in a home where it is wanted. No regrets allowed when I see them leave our facility. :)

Yeah, I've been short on optimism lately. Someone else mentioned the idea of a service dog that could help me out in the future, if it gets that bad. Interesting idea. Perhaps it is best to avoid adopting a cat right now, for the possibility of acquiring a helpful dog later on. Meanwhile, I'll try to focus on other topics. My doctor visit is a month away. I'll find something else to focus on until then. *laugh*