Thursday, November 2, 2017

The Gift that Keeps Giving

In several ways, Cammie is my most interesting cat. Most prominently, her means of showing affection, at least toward me, are evolving processes.

She has for some time, liked to lie on my chest and purr; she does this especially at about eight o’clock on Sundays, or Saturdays, if I sleep to that hour. When I am lying on my stomach or side, she will push her head against my cheek, to let me know she is present, and would like me to roll over on to my back. She is also more ready to jump on to my lap when I am sitting, and knead my midriff.

But the latest advance took me by surprise. Cammie has never been fond of being picked up and held, but I do so now and then, just to keep her accustomed to it. This past week, she has started to purr when I hold her. This is new, and it has occurred twice, so I know the first time was no accident.

One of my readers, Kari, has stated more than once that Cammie will surprise me as time goes on. A member of the rescue-group with which I volunteer said that Cammie keeps giving me gifts. This cat and I did not really appreciate each other when she first came to live with me. It took much patience from both of us to arrive at the point at which we now stand. But it has been and continues to be worth it. I would urge everyone who has a mind to adopt a cat to look at the shy ones, the mistrustful ones. They will come around, though probably not in the way you expect. They will give you the gift of trust and love. Like my princess, they are gifts that keep giving.

24 comments:

  1. What a wonderful, heart-warming post. (And here I thought it was going to be about hairballs or tummy troubles!)

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    1. Those are certainly recurrent gifts, all right!

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  2. This sounds like our Buddy. It took so very long for him to warm up but now he will do the same and sit on my chest purring to beat the band right before the alarm sounds. He also visits in the night with a low meow and putting his face in mine.
    They are the best pals aren't they
    Purrs from us all and thanks fur coming to our Halloween Pawty
    Timmy and Family

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    1. It's hard to believe, reading your blog, that Buddy was ever not the way he is now. They are amazing creatures, these cats.

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  3. big time awwws here from me and tuna today cammie !!!! keep surprising dad ♥♥♥ hugs from us both =^..*=

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    1. Thanks, guys. I am sure she will keep surprising me.

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  4. Cammie was a broken soul when she came to you, John. She lost her owner, she was then displaced into a horrible adoption and then, thank God, finally back to you. No security or belonging , just reinforcement of her disposable status. It takes time to repair a crushed life, to love and trust again. Goodness, I can think of a couple of humans that can't manage it. Her gift of love has profound meaning for her and I hope it does for you too.
    ( My CoCo hated me for 8 months. Hated me. Growl and show fangs hated. But I've never had a cat who ultimately loved me more.)

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    1. Our cats come to understand the people in their lives very well. Your CoCo knew where love was to be found.

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  5. That is sweet. I am glad Cammie is giving you gifts.

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  6. What a beautiful post. You're quite correct, John. When I volunteer at the animal shelter, many times I'll deal with shy, mistrustful cats. All of a sudden you get a "break through", and a cat that's been hiding behind his bed for weeks, will finally come out and let you pet him. It is indeed, the greatest gift. Love and patience work wonders.

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    1. And often these changes come without warning, though I'm sure the cats have been thinking and evaluating us the whole time. We see just their decision.

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  7. It is indeed a beautiful post. The love and trust your Princess gives you was earned by loving devotion and care on your part.

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  8. It is because of your patience, kindness and love that Cammie now feels safe and able to trust. What a sweet sole she is.

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    1. I wish we could impart to others how rewarding having a shy cat in one's life can be.

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  9. Typical Siamese girl cat, take forever to open up but they fall in love eventually. hahaha

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  10. That is lovely to hear. You have obviously won her trust and she wants to repay you with her love.

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  11. I've always thought Cammie was special. I'm so grateful she was brought back to you. The bond you've created is wonderful!

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    1. When I think that this is the same cat who growled whenever I entered her room, I am rather astonished.

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