"The family cat" has a special place in our house.  Her "innocence" is irresistible, and her behaviors bring joy to us all.  But I have a special relationship with Fluffy.

When I arrive home from work, as I approach the driveway, she springs out from the bushes and scampers in front of the car, forcing me to slow down, and follow at her pace.  By the time I reach the door she's got her head poked in the corner, where the door opens, waiting for me to open it.  In she goes, racing straight to the food sack.  If it's closed, she comes to me, and commences a pestering that might pass for a social greeting if I didn't know better.

We have these rituals, and they usually involve food - her food.  My food is her food, unless its vegetarian.  She hates fruits and vegetables, and likes meat.  Lately I've been shifting away from her favorites, so the tidbits I offer from the dinner table are unsatisfying to her.

Fluffy is really my daughter's cat.  Cindy and a friend picked her out one day.  While walking they noticed a "free kittens" sign on a front lawn.  They saw them, and fell in love with the one that wasn't orange.  They ran home, and Cindy asked if I'd let her have a kitten "please, please!"  I relented, and we got Fluffy.

When Cindy goes somewhere for a few days she misses Fluffy, and makes a big deal about the reunions.  She asks me if I think Fluffy misses her.  I lie, and say "yes," and Cindy hugs Fluffy harder.  Fluffy squirms free, and runs away.

I pride myself in treating Fluffy gently.  I hope to show Cindy the payoffs of not forcing Fluffy to be in my arms, and make subtle hints about how Fluffy will "come around" if she handles her as gently as I do.  I've nurtured the idea that Fluffy and I have a special relationship.

My business trips are usually a couple days long.  During these short absences Fluffy doesn't seem to notice that I've been gone.  Nevertheless, I humor her, and tell her that I missed her during my trip.  Cindy asks if Fluffy missed me, and I say "I think so; she just doesn't show it."

My trip to Norway was a long one.  It lasted 7 weeks.  I worked hard all those days, missed things back home.  Even Fluffy!  When I wrote I occasionally asked Cindy to hug Fluffy for me.  I was sure that Fluffy missed me, and would show it when I returned.

I admit that Fluffy wasn't on my mind as I got out of the taxi and approached the house; I was anxious to see Cindy.  Also, the sight of the home felt good, and I was filled with emotion anticipating seeing my dear daughter.  As I approached the door, a fluffy streak raced to the door, and kept its head pointed in the corner where the door was going to open.

I said "Fluffy!  Hello!"  She ignored me, and continued waiting for the door to open.  "Fluffy, I'm glad to see you; I missed you.  Haven't you missed me?"  She still didn't look at me, but waited for the door to open.

I opened the door, and Fluffy raced away, probably to the food sack.  And I went to hug my dear Cindy, who did miss me.

But Fluffy didn't seem to notice that time had passed.  She accepted me just as before; no questions asked.  Now, that's some special relationship!
____________________________________________________________________

This site opened:  October 30, 1998.   Last Update: October 30, 1998