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Foxy's New Female
The news has spread through the Gagnon family like a California forest fire. My mom was surprised, my sister was shocked, and my brother just smiled. Even the Gagnons in California have heard about it. If my Dad were alive, he'd think I'd gone crazy. But it's true. On Wednesday I announced to my family that a girl was moving into my comfortable Saratoga Court home.
On Wednesday I went shopping and brought home a two-month-old female kitten. Now this is big news because I have never been a "pet person." I have never allowed animals into my home. Alright, with one exception. During the North Country ice storm I invited my son Erik to bring his cat to my home as a safe haven for a few days. Erik had strict orders about his cat's behavior and I didn't waste any time petting or talking to a cat.
I've seen cats at other people's houses. I've seen them roaming from room to room as if they were the ones paying the rent. I've heard them meow, not once, not twice, but too many times because I wouldn't bend over and pet them. I definitely have never wanted a pet. Hey, I didn't even know there was a TV channel called Animal Planet. What? 24 hours of animal shows?
But Wednesday morning, after about nine months of encouragement from a friend, a friend who happens to own three cats herself, I boldly made the move. After all, retirement life is supposed to be a time for adventure. So, I went into a pet store, looked over a few cages full of kittens, and chose the female tiger kitten that kept looking at me. Admittedly, I've always been a sucker for females who give me longing looks, and Wednesday was no different.
I gave her the name "Lily Foxette Gagnon." I've always thought that Lily was such a feminine name, but I never had a daughter. I knew it wouldn't have worked to name my son Lily, so this little kitten is my next best chance.
I've learned a few things in the three days that Lily and I have been housemates. One is that for the remainder of my life I'll have scratches on my hands, arms, stomach, nose and, ahem, any other part of my body that she can get to. I've learned that when I try to read the newspaper she decides it's the perfect time to play, even if it means clawing through the newspaper to get to me. I've learned that from now on anything that I eat is also hers. I've learned that kittens love to claw at furniture, climb on furniture, bite furniture, and saying "No" has no effect whatsoever.
With the help of my friend I've discovered all the different kinds of foods there are for kittens and cats. And that they need toys to play with. And I've learned that even if you pay $10 for a nice variety of cat toys, they might turn their nose up and have more fun wrestling with a peanut shell or my foot. And I've learned that they need to go to the vets to get their shots and any other medicine that will keep them healthy, playful and scratching at my body. I won't even talk about the kitty litter, which is now strewn from one side of my kitchen to the other.
It sure can be time-consuming and costly to have a female around the house, but I should have learned that by now.
Yes, indeed, the Gagnon family and my friends are wondering what has happened to Foxy since his retirement. They are considering contacting Dr. Phil so he can ask me, "What were you thinking?" And they are afraid of what I might do next. Let's just see how long this female and I enjoy each other's company. I'm sure there is some blog reader out there who loves kittens, just in case!
Comments
Foxy,
Just want to share a related story. My "Miss Kitty" had a litter several years back - pet store only wanted the 3 pure white kittens so I was left with 2 females, a calico and dark, tiger-striped. Against my ex-harley-ridin', hell raisin' father's wishes, my mother took both home. The kittens are 6 years old now and treated like real children. They live 6-months in Albany, 6-months in Fla. They are catered to, spoiled and can even bring the old fight out in dad if he thinks someone has bothered his "girls". The cats are harnessed and walked on a leash several times a day and allowed to leash up to the stake in the yard (as long as someone stays out to watch them). It is often comical to see my dad go on about the girls but also very nice to see how much love a cat can bring to humans. Wish you the best with Lily; I am sure she will bring you many years of joy and love.
Posted by: Cayman Lee | May 9, 2006 12:58 PM
Foxy, Welcome to the world of Kitty ownership. I was never a cat lover, and really had no choice, when my wife told me that she just got a kitten and was bringing it home. A 6 week old russian grey female. We wanted her to be an indoor cat, so we had her front paws declawed, and of course spayed. She is now 4 years old, and allows us to live in her home, as long we pay the rent, clean her cat box, and feed and water her! She is a blast, and loves to play, or lay at the foot of our bed, at night when we sleep. If we try to sleep in some mornings, she becomes our alarm clock, and will make sure you know that your supposed to get up!! She also loves to watch the birds that come to feed in our garden, often trying to sneak up on them. And the best part, is how she loves up on you, when we are away, for an hour, or the weekend!! You'd think she hasn't seen us in years!! Oh Foxy!! Your gonna have fun!! I never thought I'd say I like Cat's, but I do !! At least ours!!!
Posted by: Steve Peryer | May 1, 2006 10:19 AM
Congrats on being a new pet owner. The new addition to our family is a female pup named Abby. Lots of fun, but lots of work at the same time. I know puppy classes work well, but with a cat I think you're on your own. Good luck and keep us bloggers posted.
Posted by: Chris Heckard | May 1, 2006 8:19 AM
Oh, Foxy! Even in my dotage, I could never "welcome" another cat in my home.
I'd rather go through another root canal than own a cat. When I first married John in 1980 and moved to Johnson Avenue, our home was what my sister Lora called "the cat house". Every stray and "gifts" of new kittens were taken in by the girls; noting the incestous nature of these blasted felines, we were surrounded by this plague of locusts.
When my grandson Danny was born, his asthma required sending this mongral hoard to parts unknown.
My daughter Monique has three of these mangy creatures - one a Maine Coon. During my stay with her, the only time they had anything to do with "Grandma" was jumping on the paper when I was doing the crossword.
Melissa has, at last count, two who had the good sense to keep out of my way.
My sister has, I think, seven.
Whether or not, you need the intervention of Dr. Phil, far be it for me to say ... but, I know I'd admit myself to any state asylum.
Enjoy your little kitty. You have a big heart, Foxy ....
Lynda
(Foxy's note: Lynda, maybe I should have written a blog BEFORE getting little Lily; your warnings would have been taken to heart! I'll keep everyone posted on this new female in my life.)
Posted by: Lynda (Bouyea) Bevins | April 30, 2006 12:55 PM
Congrats on the new addition! Just what your street needed is another female!
Posted by: the carver | April 30, 2006 10:04 AM