As most of you know, last winter I went through devastating illness and came out on "the other side" -- to find my life incredibly changed. I thought I would have to give up my kitties, but I could not and would not do that. In order to keep them with me, I had to arrange for help with things you all do without thinking twice!

My new helper/companion/sometimes cook/driver, etc. is Suzy. She is caring and compassionate in all the ways that count. She is efficient and brings sunshine into my life. She also turns into a gibbering idiot in the presence of a cat -- any cat! My five -- especially Gizzi! -- have her held neatly in their little paws! The fact that The Fearsome Five accepted her was the deciding factor in hiring her!

It goes without saying that she fits nicely into my life. The surprise, however, has been my longtime friend and companion, Louise. Louise is NOT a catperson. She kind of fit herself into my life by sliding in sideways! She does my housework and helps me to organize my life in many necessary and many "funny" ways! She has always avoided the catpeople when she can and will have "nothing" to do with cat boxes, cat potty or cat throw-up, all of which are "big" issues in my life.

Part of my morning routine -- where I need help from my ladies -- is "brekkie" for the kids. No big deal, right? Suzy makes it her second most important job, right after my morning cup of tea! Louise does it, "after" she takes care of me and before she starts in on the house. I have tried to tell her that what she does for the cats, she does for me -- but she has her own list of priorities!

I usually have my breakfast in front of the TV, but I have become disenchanted with the morning shows and terrified by the "News" -- so I now turn to "Easy Listening" or "Light Classical" music. This being the case, I am able to hear what is going on in the kitchen, and I am delighted by what I hear!

Louise is now talking to the cats! She is nearly as protective of Bon Bon as she is of me! Bon Bon is clearly her favorite, but she is not wild about Gizzi. He still employs a lot of "kitten tricks," which surprise and annoy her! (No matter, we make up for the love stuff in the living room!)

But it just goes to show us that "anyone" can become a bonafide "cat slave," given the opportunity -- and the "right" cat!

But you knew that, didn't you?????

Copyright © Renee Darvin
July 2, 2001