Monday, October 8, 2018

In Gratitude



It is Thanksgiving Day today and, while I try to be thankful every day, such a holiday helps to focus gratitude.

Firstly, I should mention the weather. Saturday and Sunday were, here at any rate, two perfect autumn days. The temperature was actually warm – in that autumnal way in which a certain temperature feels different than the same temperature in summer or spring – with a strong sun in a blue sky. It was a delightful day for walks or performing outdoor chores, both of which I did. Today, however, is cold and grey, with a mist you can feel against your face as you walk. Both types of day are autumn days. I was grateful for the two beautiful days before the one best spent indoors.

I am grateful that I am still employed and able to pay for the cosy apartment. That apartment has, as you may know, become cosier of late with the addition of a new inmate. I have six cats living with me now.

Raleigh continues to combine an enjoyment of physical affection with a human with sheer terror at any proximity to a person. He spends most of his days in hiding, but comes out for the litter-boxes and for meals. He also will inexplicably decide he is not afraid of me or the other cats and emerge to lie in a heated bed or on a chair. I am grateful that he is slowly making progress. I hope.

Cammie is doing well. Every day and, especially, every night, I listen for signs of digestive distress; when I come home from being out, and when I wake, I look for piles of vomitous debris. Every time I feed her, I watch her reaction, and wait to hear her crunch her food, and see how much she consumes. I observe her behaviour and note any differences. But so far, so good. She continues to come to bed now and then and lie on my neck. This keeps me awake, but she purrs heavily while she does it, so I can spare the time. I am grateful that my princess is recovered, and grateful for each day she remains so.

The other beasts are well, too. I performed a curve on Tucker yesterday, and it appears to me the best yet. I will discuss the results with his doctor. Parker is fit and active; during our walks, he likes to throw himself at trees and climb six or seven feet up. He was angry yesterday when I helped him down from one. Today he is a little miffed at not going out for a walk. Today, we stay in.

Renn’s health is unremarkable, which makes him remarkable among my cats, though Josie is doing just fine, too. They are my normal ones; long may they maintain that quality.

And finally, a word about my recent house-guest. Beulah was at last delivered to her new foster-home on Saturday. I admit to some anxiety over the move. Certainly, she could not stay in the cage she inhabited in my apartment, but she was going to a home with several more cats than I have. When I brought her there, though, my mind was relieved. The cats there are all old, FIV positive, or otherwise have unusual needs. They are all easy-going. One giant orange and white beast ambled over to sniff Beulah, who gave a mild hiss (I don’t think she is capable of any other kind), and the behemoth shuffled away again. No other cat bothered the newcomer. She will have safety and warmth inside, but freshness and exercise in a catio, as well. Beulah was, of course, unnerved by the change, and hid. I took a photograph of her. That’s her, second from the rear. She is clearly not the only shy feline there. I am confident she will make friends or, if she prefers, be free to be alone.


Another Thanksgiving is here, and it brings a multitude of reasons to be grateful. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.

15 comments:

  1. an extremely WELL WRITTEN post today John; and a most happy thanksgiving to you and the crew. may your day be happy, burd free, pie filled and even though it may be misty and gray outside; all your sunshine and warmth lives within; always has, always will ♥♥♥

    beulah we send de best oh fishez two ewe N manee yeerz oh happee N healthee ♥♥♥

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  2. I love the photo of introverted pussy cats lined up behind the sofa. My miss Pops would be like that too if there was a visitor in the house.

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  3. Sounds like you had a nice relaxing holiday. Glad to hear everyone is doing fine! Good news about Tucker!!
    Had to giggle at the train of cats behind the sofa! Teehee!

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  4. Happy Thanksgiving, John, and all cats and everyone. It is good to be reminded to be thankful for what we have. Holly and I spent the weekend worrying about her health and appetite (well I spent the weekend worrying - she spent much of it in fine form - just not eating.) Because our vet is closed this weekend and I have a long work day tomorrow with appointments I cannot cancel, I decided to take her to a vet clinic that is open today. She was given Cerenia. She has more that I am to give her as well as two others to help her feel better. She is now eating and out from under the bed. She was also surprisingly compliant in taking tonight's pill. For this I am thankful.
    I am pleased to hear Cammie is feelings better today.

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    1. I am sure you feel better for Holly eating. A loss of appetite is very worrying to us cat-people. I hope all she needed was a push with the Cerenia. Is she still set to go to your regular veterinary to find the cause of her apathy to food?

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  5. Happy Thanksgiving! That was a lot of great thankfuls!

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  6. What a lovely post. We do have a lot to be thankful for - good health, a warm place to live, food on the table, and of course, our cats. Happy Thanksgiving to you, John!

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  7. Happy Thanksgiving John! I'm glad you had the extra to relax and enjoy with the cats.

    The kitties send their purrs for Beulah. I hope she settles in well.

    Eileen

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  8. Happy Thanksgiving, John. Mine comes next month.

    I am wondering how Beulah wound up being fostered. A few days ago, you described her as feral and would be returned to her colony as soon as she recovered.

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    1. I was able to touch her a little, even stroke her fur, when she was with me. There is potential for taming there, which isn't present in other cats. An opening was offered in her new location and we thought it worth a try to socialise her.

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    2. I hope it works out for her! She's so young, maybe she'll be easier to socialize than an older street-cat. I'm also relieved to hear that Cammie's doing better.

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  9. These elderly, infirm cats may provide the serenity of a non confrontational environment that allows Beulah to relax her defenses. Elderly kitties have many gifts to offer. Of course, things may go awry but we’ll stay positive. Thanks for the update on Cammie and the family. Very good news about Tucker.

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  10. I amalso happy that Beulah will be safe and warm and allowed to live as she wishes...meaning with or without her cat family interacting with her. That is such happy news. And tat Cammie seems well again and the others doing well...oh there is much to be thankful for. Including those two matchless days you described. I too love love love when we get a few days that are almost like poems that we are living, when they grace us! Happy Thanksgiving again and I suspect you are grateful each day.

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  11. The photo of the cats lined up behind the photo made me smile. I am glad Beulah has a foster home and hope she will be happy, and maybe in time even socialise with people. Even if not, she has a roof over her head, safety and food.
    I am happy that everything is going well and Tucker had a good result for his latest curve.

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  12. Raleigh will overcome his shyness, since he's already doing it! Looks like you all had a terrific Thanksgiving.

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