Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Goodbye Miss Patches

Patches let me know that it was time to let go, and late this afternoon we said our final goodbye. Dr. Mary Ellen Leavey, a co-worker of Laura's at Animal Hospital of Cotati, was kind enough to make a house call to set Patches' spirit free from her failing body. As these things go, it went well, although I'm sure Dr. Leavey will never recognize me without tears streaming from bright red eyes. So ends a 13-year, very special relationship.

Patches came to me as a 6-month-old stray who took up residence with a kindly family in Ukiah. They had also rescued numerous other cats, and as I had recently moved into my house and was cat-less, my sister made the match between us. When I brought her home, I opened the kitty carrier expecting to see her again in about 3 days when she came out of hiding. Instead, she strolled in a leisurely fashion throughout the house, then ate a full meal and settled down in my lap for a nap. At the time, I had 2 dogs who had been banished to their outside pen while the cat settled in--but since it seemed she settled in immediately, I brought in the dogs to meet Patches. Sofie, my little mother dog, was overjoyed to find another family member and greeted her by pinning her in a corner and washing her face. Patches put up with it for a couple minutes, then slapped Sofie aside, went over to Bart and slapped him for good measure, then settled in my lap again. The pecking order in the house was established at that moment. Patches reigned from then on as Princess in Residence.

It's only been about 3 hours, but the change in the household is already noticeable. It didn't take long to hit me that I was actually alone in the house for the first time in 13 years. There has always been a dog or cat in residence, and it's astonishing how empty the house feels. Not that Patches was always under my feet, but I always knew that she was around somewhere and was good for a snuggle if I needed one. (Now don't go thinking that I'm substituting cats for men. I'm open to a relationship with a man--as long as he loves cats. And is willing to love, honor and obey, especially obey. And has lots of money. Oh never mind, I'm just going to get another cat). Walking into the bedroom and seeing the empty spot where her kitty bed used to be was jarring. I have space in my cupboard now where the big bag of cat food was (I sent it home with Laura). So this is going to be an adjustment. There is undoubtedly another cat or two in my future, but I need a little time before I try to fill the space that Patches has left. Besides, I think her spirit is still here, and she would never tolerate another cat in the house.

So farewell, my Princess, and happy travels.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Apple Blossom Time

This last weekend was the local Apple Blossom Festival, and this year it earned its name as the apple blossoms are really abundant right now. Cowboy and Dexter aren't particularly impressed with the blossoms, but they sure like eating the grass that grows under the trees. This is the tree behind my house, where they get to graze under supervision as they only thing keeping them there is that little string in the picture. Sure it's electric but it still wouldn't hold them back if they really made a break for it!

Got an exciting Facebook connection today--Cowboy's breeder! I'm still not sure exactly how or why she found me but I got a friend invite. It took a while before I realized why the name was familiar, but sure enough, she was Cowboy's first owner and in fact, still owns his mother and 2 of his siblings. She is going to try to find his baby pictures which will really be fun! Sounds like he's always been a fun, friendly kind of guy.

He's doing well under saddle, so I think the saddle fit is good. Getting a nice relaxed canter on both leads. So I'm starting to work on our Parelli Level 3 Freestyle, and if we can pass that, we'll be official Level 3 graduates. We've passed most of the self-assessment, although I'm not quite ready to try 4 laps at a canter with just carrot sticks. He's not that relaxed! But I did drop the reins a few times to see what he'd do and he maintained his gait better than I expected, so we may be close.

On a sad note, my kitty Patches has been diagnosed with cancer. She's on excellent "comfort care" thanks to Dr Laura, although it means I'm risking life and limb by giving her 6 pills a day (anyone got a Band-Aid?), but it's pretty clear that we're looking at a short window of time for the Princess. She's been my faithful little buddy for almost 13 years so this is a tough time.