I'm not used to much drama in my life and when something happens to one of my cats, it's a big deal.
Things seem normal and stable right now. Pewter's visit with Dr. Grossman went well and left me optimistic and much more relaxed. He seems much, much better now that the IV port (I'm sure that's the wrong term) is out of his arm and that bandage is gone. I know now that Pewter is totally right-pawed because he just couldn't clean himself by using his South paw.
Pewter seems like he's in better shape than I am now. I'm exhausted from the anguish and have yet to process my sadness. By process, I mean cry. I imagine that will happen tomorrow sometime in the car as we drive off for a weekend at our favorite campground at Big Basin in the redwoods near Santa Cruz. It doesn't matter where I go. I just hate leaving my cats. I am, however, capable of going away AND having a good time. It's just a little drama I go through every time. Mom, does this sound familiar?
There's a line somewhere between normal and crazy where cat people sometimes linger on or near the crazy side. Obviously I'm not unfeeling. And I wouldn't go on this trip if Pewter needed me. But from his perspective, as much as he seems to hate it when I go away, I'm sure he will be okay. He will be fed and checked on a couple of times a day. He may just appreciate the total peace and quiet. This all reminds me of a term we use freely at the zoo:
anthropomorphize - To ascribe human characteristics to things not human.
I would never want to underestimate the intelligence of our fellow non-human beings but I know there is a limit to a feline's sense of self. I also know that humans can seriously over- anthropomorphize animals. I see it at the zoo all the time. I also see total disregard for the integrity of the animal kingdom. It's such a difficult subject. I only hope to err on the side of compassion if I must err at all.
This post isn't going to get a proof reading. I'm tired and have a bag to pack. And I want to do it while Pewter is sleeping downstairs. As long as Cootie doesn't go blabbing what I'm up to, Pewter will probably just enjoy his slumber in his favorite spot, glad to be home in familiar surroundings with plenty of good food and water and nobody sticking a thermometer up his butt.
A journey where the point of origin and the destination are the same.
About Me
- Jim Webb
- My favorite food is freshly harvested, roasted pine nuts. I'd rather smell rain than cologne.
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2 comments:
Jim, I really hope Pewter is feeling better. He's a very sweet (and adorable) cat. Please keep me updated on how he's doing and have a good time camping. Miss ya, K.
Thank you so much. Everyone who knows Pewter says he's "sweet" and it's so true.
He seems to be just fine. I think that having Friday, Saturday and most of Sunday to himself (except for Cootie) was good for him. No excitement, nice and quiet and sunny and very relaxing.
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