Dogs and cats need us – and vice versa

I’ve been cat sitting Finnegan for my sister for the past week. Recently retired, she thought it was time for a little feline companionship. Growing up, we always had cats, and we often watched kittens being born in a box in the basement.

When I was about 8 years old, our cat Sassy ran away. Cats do this on purpose. Curious creatures, they have wanderlust in their souls and often seek a better fortune. Perhaps they fall in love with another cat, and then when it doesn’t work out, they come home for comfort.

I was determined to find Sassy and began a daily ritual of knocking on strangers’ doors which were blocks away from my home. Two weeks went by, and one day, I knocked on the door of a sweet old silver-haired lady who listened to my lament.

“Hmm. You know, I sit and look out my window in the afternoon. There is a black-and-white cat who comes out of the storm drain every day about three o’clock. It’s the same time the school bus drops off the children. It’s the darndest thing. It’s like he’s looking for someone.”

With heart pounding, I lied to my mother and teacher, and left school early the next day. I had to get to that corner on time. When the bus pulled to a stop, Sassy emerged from the drainpipe and watched each child step off.

I called out her name, and she came running to me! I scooped her up and we had a sweet nuzzle of a reunion. She let me carry her six blocks to home and never once squirmed to get out of my arms, which any cat owner knows is a miracle.

Finnegan and I got along fine for four nights, except I forgot cats like to pounce on you in the middle of the night. He lunged out of the shower when I got up to pee and scared the daylights out of me. When I took a virtual yoga class, he wrapped both paws around my foot and then extended his claws, which got my attention.

When we were together on the sofa, his eyes would blink with gratitude. The purring, a soothing, guttural sound, intensified as my hand touched the top of his gray head and moved gently down the length of his body.

When I returned home to my dog Gracie, she danced around my feet with pure joy. Mama was home. Then I realized that the same tone of voice I use with her was exactly the one I whispered to Finny boy. Cats and dogs aren’t much different in that they crave touch, love and attention. Don’t we all these days! Especially if we don’t live close to family.

Our pets don’t care if we talk too much, don’t make the bed, leave our coffee cups half full on the counter for days. The only time they complain is if they need to be fed or walked.

Lately, Gracie has taken to hiding in the closet when I raise my voice and begin ranting about the dire evening news. So I go to the closet, get on my knees and fish her out from behind the clothing. Then we kiss each other for about five minutes.

As with Finnegan, when I lie down on the floor, it’s a signal for playtime. Gracie brings a stuffed pig to the party and growls like a mean little beast, shining those beady black eyes, challenging me to just try and ignore her. Impossible.

Retirees get lonely, and we still want to play, so contact your local SPCA. Now that’s a great slogan!

Ginny Daly and I became friends through the Rehoboth Beach Writers Guild where I wrote a piece about wanting a puppy for my 60th birthday, and we have remained close friends. She recently adopted a Bernese mountain dog. Mark Conheady and I met through Ginny, and he decided he wanted a puppy, too, so we went to a Puppy Yoga event together. He fell in love with one, and took her home the next day.

The three of us often play together, and now we can all bring our puppies to the party!

Training is required. Puppies need to go outside every hour on the hour for weeks until they get it right. Cats require litter pans, and those need to be emptied. Do not buy the 40-pound box of kitty litter just because it’s cheaper – you have to be able to carry it to the car, and you must protect your lower back.