Desk Visits

Garrus has always been reserved but he has been slowly becoming more affectionate. Being on Zylkene has noticeably helped him be more relaxed, faff about less and actually eat at meal times, and regularly ask for pets. He’s not accustomed to being picked up or held much, though, so we will continue to work on that.

Lately, Garrus started jumping onto Aaron’s Mac desk in his office and recently started to do the same on my desk more often as well. At first, he was more interested in sniffing the monitors and investigating everything on the desk. When he turned his attention to either Aaron or me, he seemed like he didn’t know what to do. (Charlie and Mau, by contrast, know exactly how to ask for pets and can be most persuasive about it.) We talk to him and offer him scritches, and if he is in the way (e.g. standing in front of the monitor we are working on), we can ask him to move and he does. He doesn’t knock items off the desk either.

“Excuse me, I would like attention please.”

“Pardon me, madam. Would you please take a break from reading your library book to give me scritches? I would most appreciate it.” After giving me this look, he softly bunted my chin and he received a smooch on his head in return. [please excuse the messy desk]

Often, when Garrus comes over for desk visits, Charlie trots into my office squeaking and flops onto the window seat for his own visit. Then I have to ensure both kitties get enough attention! It’s a demanding job to be sure.

Look at this purr monster!

I believe that Charlie is a happy little boy. I mean, look at that face!

Do your cats demand desk visits? Do they demand visits in other locales in your home? Do they get obnoxious about it or are they polite? Please share in the comments!

National Pet Day

Happy National Pet Day!

In 2006, Colleen Paige, an animal welfare advocate and pet lifestyle expert, founded National Pet Day to celebrate pets (of all kinds) and the sheer joy they bring into our homes and lives. As with many pet-themed holidays, this holiday is also intended to shine a spotlight on animals in shelters all over the world.

Garrus and Charlie are former shelter cats. Note the sun-soaked snuggle in progress.

Do you have a cat, dog, rabbit, bird, hamster, rat, mouse, lizard, turtle, fish, or other type of pet? (Approximately 80 million households in the US have a pet. There are nearly 80 million dogs and 86 million cats kept as pets.) How can you celebrate National Pet Day? Here are a few ideas!

1. Love. Give your pet extra smooches, belly rubs, a thorough brushing, lap time, snuggles, and assorted displays of affection.
2. Play. Indulge your inner child and play with your pet. Get out all the toys and toss them around or invent a game to play with your pet. (Hide and seek? Bottle cap soccer? Chase?) Get your dog (or cat!) to fetch. Go for a walk. Go to the dog park. Arrange a playdate.
3. Take pictures of your pet. If you are so inclined, share them on social media using the hashtag #NationalPetDay.
4. Be grateful. Pets enhance our lives and they teach us lessons about joy, laughter, love, cuddling, playtime, and appreciating the little things in life. What do you appreciate most about your pet(s)? What lessons have they taught you? Have they brought you joy today?

Googly cat sequence initiated. (Boudicca loves to be brushed.) Cue PURR PURR PURR FLOP.

Gratitude

This morning Charlie surprised us by waking us up at 5AM with his thunderous purring and persistently–but adorably–being enthusiastically lovey. Later when we got up, he was still affectionate and giving slow blinks to everyone. I’m happy to see him becoming more relaxed. Garrus, as usual, was eager to give tail hugs and receive pets. When Boudicca came over, I picked her up and held her against my chest; she rewarded me by going limp and purring contentedly. What a great way to start the day!

This Thanksgiving holiday I will visit my family, and among those are two dogs, Chiquita, a well-behaved and delightfully fluffy Kooikerhondje, and Chiya, a sassy Tibetan Spaniel. I’ll get my dog fix! I expect I will snuggle the pups whenever I can.

As everyone turns their thoughts to what they are thankful for this holiday season, I thought it would be appropriate to talk about being thankful for pets. My cats enrich my life in so many ways such that I felt inspired to write about it! Here is a collection of reasons to be thankful for your pets:

1. Unconditional love. Enough said.
2. Hugs and snuggles. Awesome time all around. Pets also make great nap buddies.
3. Constant companionship. It’s hard to feel lonely when share a home with a pet. When I’m just doing everyday tasks, I usually have one cat following me around the house attempting to “help” or at least be near me. Boudicca, for example, is my designated office supurrviser.
4. Fun. Pets take playtime and finding happiness in the little things very seriously. These are healthy attitudes for humans too.
5. Comfort. Pets brighten your day in ways big and small. Whether you come home from a stressful day at work, have gone on vacation for weeks, or are just feeling sick, pets offer unconditional love. It’s hard not to smile when your dog greets you at the door with a blur of a wagging tail. My cats greet me with squeaks, trills, and question mark tails. When I have a migraine, Boudicca feels that it is her duty to apply purr therapy until I feel better.
6. Laughter. Seriously. My cats make me laugh all the time from sheer adorability and scampery antics.
7. Never a dull moment. A pet in your life may very well keep things busy and interesting with their shenanigans! Humans and their pets constantly learn from one another.
8. Health. Having a pet lowers blood pressure, reduces stress, reduces the risk of heart disease, and makes you move more, especially if you have dogs. I certainly benefit from regular purr therapy.
9. Purpose. Having a pet gives you a sense of purpose and someone to care for. While having a pet is lots of work and a big responsibility no one should take lightly, pets do reward us tenfold for caring for them. Everyone wins!