Can you believe that we have a toy box for the cat at our house? Truth to tell, I can hardly believe it myself! That I, Betty Schlabach, lover of beauty, of order, of refinement, of delicate glassware, and lace, and books and flowers would stoop to having a cat toy box smack in the middle of my vintage/ cottage décor!
More...
O.K. Not exactly a toy box. A little basket, to be entirely accurate. But still!
Miss Kitty got left behind when a family in the area moved to another state. A white long-haired kitten with brilliant blue eyes, she was too young to fend for herself. Daughter Brenda heard her pitiful cries of distress, and set out to rescue her. Wild and afraid, but driven by hunger, Miss Kitty was soon in Brenda’s arms.
Wild and afraid, but driven by hunger, Miss Kitty was soon in Brenda’s arms.
Now my number one dreams, never included dwelling with a dog and cat in my house, but somehow or other, here they are!
Mandy, the Corgi has maintained that she is a Very Important Part Of The Family for close to twelve years now. Miss Kitty arrived close to Christmas of 2019. She settled right in like a regal kitten that ruled the roost.
After long deliberation, Miss Kitty received her official name. And “GIDGET” she became. The name fits well - it means “little girl with big ideas.” Indeed GIDGET is not a sit-by-the-hearth-and-snooze-cat. Oh no. Gidget is completely full of energy and odd capers. Racing around the house, by all appearances chasing some invisible enemy, long hair standing on end, skidding around corners on the shiny wood floor...
Having escaped the newest, imagined danger, she hides behind the love-seat, or under the floor length table-cloth covering the end table. Peeping around corners, whiskers twitching, ready to pounce or another wild foray should the need arise.
Gidget and Mandy
Another favored Gidget activity is called “annoy-the-dog.” Traditionally, it’s often the other way around. You see dogs teasing cats and chasing them up trees. But Gidget doesn’t concern herself with tradition. She sees no reason not to stir the pot now and again, and see if she can get a rise out of Mandy.
The average life span of a Corgi is 13 years, so at 12, Mandy doesn’t have quite the vigor she formerly had. But Mandy is no cream-puff either. And so dog and cat keep a wary eye on each other, and they do not exchange any endearments. If cat persists in her teasing, low rumbles emerge from somewhere deep inside Mandy, a bit like the roll of distant thunder.
The average life span of a Corgi is 13 years, so at 12, Mandy doesn’t have quite the vigor she formerly had. But Mandy is no cream-puff either. And so dog and cat keep a wary eye on each other, and they do not exchange any endearments. If cat persists in her teasing, low rumbles emerge from somewhere deep inside Mandy, a bit like the roll of distant thunder.
Any dust bunnies on top of the refrigerator, Miss Gidget? We were using a step stool to remove some items from the top cupboards. Gidget offered her assistance.
Brenda and Gidget - best friends.
Perhaps, I am not so traditional myself. The pet industry is booming in many areas. But it hasn’t had a major impact in my Mennonite world, except perhaps as an industry. But a dog in the house? And a cat too! That is WAY OVER THE TOP!
Truth to tell, I was unenthusiastic about extending hospitality that included a dog and cat into my living spaces. But they have added an unexpected dimension. A source of companionship, fun, and amusement.
There. I have actually admitted it.
Oh, sometimes I might still mutter a bit when I pick up cat toys in the evening, putting things to rights before retiring. Then just when I wonder what this world is coming to, along comes Gidget, curls up in my lap and turns on that purring machine, humming along like the turbo in a diesel. And who can resist that?
Very interesting story! I look forward to reading more such stories 😀
Glad you enjoyed it 😁