Right-left. Democrats-Republicans. Locavores-Fastfood junkies. We have so many differences. But we are not the only ones who struggle to communicate and get along.
Years ago, when Sam was a very little boy, we went to the Nashville Humane Society and he selected a kitten that had been tagged with the name “Tiny Bug.” I tried to convince him to chose an adult cat; not only would we be really rescuing an animal but we could see its personality better. But no, Sam chose a kitten.
I had high hopes that I could socialize the animal to be friendly, maybe even playful. She disdained any toys we presented to her. She slunked away and hid whenever visitors would come into the house. Basically, she just wasn’t a dog.
Over the past few years as my asthma became a really bad problem we had to make some difficult choices. We got an artificial tree. We found homes for our two young dogs. But the cat, no one jumped to take an elderly cat with a personality problem. Maybe her name should have been Greta Garbo.
In our housing escapade here in Oregon we were invited to stay with Neil Clark as long as needed until the moving truck arrives and brings our things. He also offered that if Tiny Bug got along with his cat Intoit (always “into it”), then he would keep Tiny Bug and I could be allergen free in our new home.
Intoit is not a cat; he is a dog that is just shaped like a cat. He came running to see who had arrived, sniffed and licked, and just generally smiled whenever we called his name. He wanted to be with us.
We opened the bedroom door, permitting Tiny Bug to venture forth and sure enough, she gradually made her way to the living room where Intoit greeted her gleefully.
Her snarl was immediate. Her back raised and she hissed, Meanwhile, Intoit tilted his head and whined in a plaintive tone. It was clear to me he was saying “Come play with me.”
She jumped on him. We got them separated.
Since then they have sat near each other, Tiny Bug studiously staring at something AWAY from Intoit.
I suspect she will be coming with us to the new house.
Now, can we humans do better?
goingplaceslivinglife 