By Poornima Vijayashanker I’ve always liked animals, but I never LOVED them. I also always thought it was strange how much pet owners would …
By Poornima Vijayashanker
I’ve always liked animals, but I never LOVED them. I also always thought it was strange how much pet owners would fawn over their pets, cuddling with those flea-filled critters! At least that’s how I used to feel – until I started to live with them.
For the past year I’ve been living with Colby Jack and Riley, my boyfriend’s two cats.
Lighthearted Moments
My days are filled with moments of rejection that I have to push past and stay motivated. I accept the path I’ve chosen, however, there are moments when I just get stuck, and those are the moments that I’ll have the good fortune to look over and see little Riley trying to cram his big tush into a teeny tiny box. I just can’t help but break out into laughter! I also admire how much pleasure he gets just from sitting in a box that he barely fits into. Within those moments, my anxiety is gone, and I, just like Riley, take a moment to appreciate the little things in life.
A Friendly Face to Welcome Me Home
I have long days that I spend teaching and speaking all over town. While I’d like to think I have an endless source of energy, it can be pretty draining. As I pull out my keys to enter my front door, I hear the pitter patter of tiny footsteps and I’m instantly greeted by Colby Jack and Riley (no they’re not looking to be fed, they have an auto-feeder) who just want to say hi (and get pet, of course!) Petting them gives me the freedom to take a time out and re-energize after a long day.
Enjoying the Finer Things in Life
Don’t get me wrong, these cats are not only silly, they’re stylish and have standards for products too! Riley has an affinity toward high end designer shoes and bags. For him, it’s not about status! It’s about the smell and texture of course. He takes time out of each day to nuzzle up next to the best of my belongings.
They’re inquisitive, yet laze around in a state of stupor for most of the day, independent but needy when it’s mealtime, and filled with countless cute contradictions, just like humans! It’s their simplicity and unintended silliness that makes the moments I’ve shared with them precious.
