Wayfaring

Parker is enjoying his walks. I feared that he would be at the door begging to go out all the time. Initially, this was the case. But once he realised that going out was to be an on-going activity, he relented somewhat. He still goes to the door now and then and cries and scratches, but if I tell him “no”, he ceases this after about ten minutes. He’ll do it again later in the day, but, as before, not for long. Since he goes out only when I determine the time, and not when he begs, he’s getting the idea.

I vary our route outside, and let Parker decide on the pace, unless he is trying to eat something (which I do not permit) or if there is another cat. Parker can become a bit aggressive then. I tell him that the outdoors isn’t his territory, and that the other cats have a right to be there. He sees it otherwise. Why he has no problem with his roommates - indeed, he is submissive with them - and dislikes outsider-cats, I don’t know. One very pale orange fellow followed us for a ways. Fortunately, a sprinkler went on between him and us. I was reminded of the Israelites and the Egyptians, when the pillar of fire kept pharaoh’s army at bay. I am pleased to say no one was drowned this time with our version of the Red Sea plunging between the two parties, though it did prevent the pale orange fellow from following us further.

There are also crows along a certain stretch of sidewalk. They must have a nest near by, because they hop from branch to branch and along telephone wires, yelling and cursing, always above Puck and me until we are past a certain point. I keep an eye on any crow I see, but continue walking at our normal pace. Once, when a second crow joined the first, I picked up the sturdy-boy and trotted out of range. There is no need to tempt fate. It’s interesting that the crows are not upset by the cats who live in their neighbourhood. Perhaps they are just being wary of the unknown visitor.

So far, the walks have been a success. Parker becomes quite grumpy, even angry, when it is time to go in, but that doesn’t last long. He enjoys the sights and smells; automobiles bother him only when one of the big city buses rumbles by. He is wary of dogs we see and, as mentioned, dislikes other cats on his route. But he looks forward to his little adventures. Yesterday, he rather half-heartedly pawed at the door - quite late in the evening. I had too laugh at that, but told him, “No, perhaps tomorrow.” He was all right with it. It was bed-time, anyway.