Some of you mentioned that your masters are wild about shrimp. I had never tried it here, so the other day when Louise was going grocery shopping, I said, "Oh, yes, pick up some shrimp for Gizzi, will you?"

Later that night, while I was rummaging in the fridge for something "good" to eat, I ran across the small packet of cooked shrimp. Gizzi had accompanied me to the kitchen, as he always does, to see what was coming out of that wonderful purveyor of good things to eat, the refrigerator.

He stuck his little nose right in the bottom shelf where, if there had been any leftover chickee, it was most likely to be found. "What's this?" he seemed to say. "That's a new smell -- I think I like it!"

I hastened to gather the spoon and the bowl, and to warm the wee beasties for a few seconds in the microwave. Gizzi ran up and down the countertop, yelling, "Hurry, hurry, hurry!"

But there was yet another country to be heard from. Baby sauntered out into the kitchen, to see what the noise was all about. Now Baby enjoys her ability to terrify Gizzi, so she followed her little pink nose to the by now enticing odor, knowing that she could take it away from Gizzi if she wanted to do so!.

She leapt up on the counter just as I was taking the bowl out of the microwave. Gizzi tried to get his share of the goodies -- fast! -- and at the same time tried to get far away from Baby! Some of the shrimp went flying, and both cats went after them. Their frantic little paws, which were trying to grab and spear, instead pushed shrimp under the fridge and out of their reach.

Both of them sat there, dumbfounded, finally realizing that they were close together, in the same room and involved in the same occupation, and no one was getting hurt!

As quickly as I could, I divvied up the shrimp and fed Gizzi in the kitchen and Baby in the living room. For a few happy moments, peace reigned.

And I never did find anything "good" to eat!

Copyright © Renee Darvin
December 3, 2000