Cats & Dogs are People Too!

Just Plain Betty Every once in a while I take inventory of my life and most times I walk away grateful. My mother taught me at an early age to be grateful for what you have, not what you do not have. Great advice. This is what I have today. My wife Sherry, my dog Rozie, and the home we all share. I also have the privilege of residing with the most dramatic cat actress, Bette Davis. Most people pronounce it “Bett” but really it’s just plain Betty. Plain might be the word to describe her. She tan in colour, with light green eyes. Oh those eyes, they were blinking at me this morning from the comfort of our day bed in the sun room. This very yellow room absorbs the morning sun in such a way that it makes it probably the most peaceful room in our house. At least my sleeping lamb, Bette thinks it does. This is where Bette has chosen to spend most of her day. Since she is an indoor cat she has mastered the art of relaxing. I am sure that over the years I have learned the true meaning of comfort from that cat. Sunbeams are an asset to a perfect afternoon nap. Fresh water please, in the bowl would be nice but if I have to, I will drink it from the dripping faucet. Also, feed me please when my belly is hungry, I’ll let you know when. Along with all of this, I want to reserve the privilege of walking on you at any time, snuggling into your neck early in the mornings, follow you around if I so desire and ignore you completely if that suits me. Are you cool with all this Daddy? Yes Dear, I am. I know you love me, she says with those eyes, the famous Bette Davis eyes. Those same eyes that reeled in the movies goers for decades now call the attention of the only man in this girl’s life, Daddy. Now you know, in the cat kingdom, there is no relation ship between a male and the kittens. Mother does all the work. But in this case, because it suits her, Daddy is the one who carries her when she needs to be carried, protects her from the others when she has been bullied and loves her, just because. Bette Davis does not meow. She doesn’t have to. If she makes any kind of sound I come running. I guess a better way to put it is ‘if she speaks, I listen’. Once, I heard a mournful cry from behind the couch. It seems she had her claw caught in the fabric and couldn’t get free. She made her presence known and Daddy came to the rescue. In doing so I wanted to hug her and soothe her, she simply would have none of that. Bye, off she scampered to another room. Some might say so but I assure you that Bette Davis is not a vain cat. She is simply the Queen of our household. She dominates the upstairs and is not afraid to put the run to the other cats that live in our house, is she so desires. Bette has had her portrait done by Robb Scott but she doesn’t care about a picture. Why would you stare at that when you have the real thing in the room. I suppose. So, it was November of ‘97 when I brought her home under my shirt. It was inevitable that she and I be together from the moment our eyes met. Okay, she was a little resistant but I managed to win her over. Over the years she has found comfort in my arms, on my chest, around my neck and in my heart. Will she live forever? No. Will I cry when she goes, you bet! I cry now if I think about it too much. However, there is always today and that brings me to that word again, grateful. Sherry is off to Halifax and I have the day to myself. It’s hot today so any lounging today will probably be done in the living room where the air conditioner is. And after lunch maybe a nap on the bed. Daddy, Rozie the dog and my lovely, my beautiful, just plain Betty! Life is good.