Monday, November 19, 2018

Parker Goes to School

Tucker’s surgery was the big news of last week; the loss of all his teeth, and the discomfort the roly poly is suffering continues to be of significance in the cosy apartment. But the day after Tucker’s ordeal, Parker had a unique experience of his own.

Some weeks ago, an after-school programme in our town called the rescue-group of which I am a member, and inquired if we would like to send a representative to give a talk to children about cats. It would be a marvellous opportunity to tell them about the care of cats, their health and needs. I volunteered to be the one to give the presentation, and thought it might be good to bring along a visual aid: Parker.

I chose Parker because he is a confident, out-going fellow, impressive to look at, and big. He is also accustomed to being on a leash and harness, which he would need to be under the conditions envisioned. All was arranged, and, Friday afternoon, Parker and I headed to a local school to give a talk.

Things did not go quite as planned. Parker was rather more nervous than I had expected, and was a bit growly. Though he is used to meeting people - indeed, he likes to receive attention whether from friends or strangers - I think the nine children assembled to meet him were a bit too much for him. Their ages ranged from six to eleven; they were not noisy or impolite. They were interested in the talk and in Parker. But children probably are perceived differently by a cat than are adults. Children’s energy levels, even when they are quiet, are greater, and so a cat likely picks up on tension waiting to be released.

Still, I had a good interaction with the children, was asked many questions, which I was able to answer, thank goodness, and the boys and girls did get to pet Parker, who was calmer by then. He was, however, ready to go home, and had spent some of the period in his carrier, waiting for me to take him away. While the episode was a bit disappointing, it was not unsuccessful.

If I were to be asked to give such a talk again, I might try bringing Renn or Josie, especially the latter. While these two are not used to being on a leash, they are both very friendly, but without Parker’s temperament, which can show annoyance more readily than either of his foster-siblings. (The orange boy’s reactions at the school were similar to what they are when I end a walk too soon for his liking.)

We’ll put this one down as a ‘learning experience’, which is another way of saying ‘mistake’. But no harm was done, the children had a decent time; they learned a little, as did I, and Parker was not too miffed after he returned home. You know what they tell you in show business: never work with children or animals, especially orange cats.

15 comments:

  1. I think an after school program to teach children about cats was a terrific idea, and it was great that you were a part of it. I'm sure the kids loved seeing Parker and hearing about the care cats need. If you plan to take Renn or Josie the next time you talk to the children, you might want to bring whichever cat you use early and let he or she explore the room you'll be in before the kids arrive. That way it will give the cat a chance to get adjusted to the new environment before your talk begins.

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    1. I brought Parker about twenty minutes early. I was hoping he would calm down a bit before the children arrived, but he seemed a little dissatisfied with being there. It may be that, having the harness on, he thought we were going for an outside walk.

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  2. Maybe Parker was afraid there'd be a pop quiz.

    Or homework!

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  3. Parker was more sociable than Miss Pops would have been. Visitors make her hide under the bed, and she only tolerates some of them when they have been here a couple of days.

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  4. Parker's big adventure! He didn't freak out, he didn't bite or claw anyone...that's success in my books. LOL. Congrats to you both for doing this, and surviving the experience. :-)

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  5. That is WONDERFUL and I think you and he for making this effort. It may last in some of the children's minds always! And do good.

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  6. That was nice of you to go talk to the kids.

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  7. Like the other commenters, what a wonderful experience! Parker, still looks a little miffed! Was Parker glad when he reached home?

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  8. It was a good idea to teach the children more about the care of cats. You are probably right in thinking Parker was annoyed not to be going for his outdoor walk.

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  9. what a great idea....even if Parker didn't think so at the time

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  10. The children were very lucky to have you and Parker as special guests at school. I know Parker might not agree, but it is fun for us adult humans to spend time with children and I bet they really enjoyed this lesson.

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  11. The children were very lucky to have you and Parker as special guests at school. I know Parker might not agree, but it is fun for us adult humans to spend time with children and I bet they really enjoyed this lesson.

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  12. Love those airplane ears on Parker! I just had to look at that picture to realize he was a bit miffed to not be going for his walk.

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  13. I suspect that meeting that many children was a bit nerve wracking for Parker, as it would be for any for any cat unaccustomed to children. Though too, you are correct in thinking the personality of the cat would play a part. It sounds like a wonderful teaching moment, and hopefully these children will learn that cats are not merely throw-aways. Thank you for volunteering.

    Eileen

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  14. Sorry that I missed this post until now, but it wasn't a mistake; it was the first step on a journey! Good for you, for being brave enough to begin the trek!
    *aside to Parker: hey, kiddo...being around children makes ME nervous too, so don't sweat it...*

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