Thursday, July 17, 2014

Thursday, July 17, 2014: A Huge Win and a Small Loss

Thursday morning began like most days; my first wake-up call by my personal furry alarm occurs around 5:00 A.M. After I greet Tommy with a groggy “Good Morning,” it’s quickly followed by “It’s still dark out so go back to sleep.”  So far, she’s followed that advice and usually gives me a second wake-up call around 7:00. Today I wasn't awakened until 7:45 and it was with a little face-on-face (or nose-to-nose) moment. Tommy got her little rubdown and we proceeded with the morning tasks (food, water, bathroom, litter box, printing the daily puzzles, etc.).
The morning went well and I left around 9:30 to meet a friend for coffee. Tommy stayed on the bed when I said good-bye and didn't rush for the bedroom door as I closed it. She may finally understand that I leave but always return later. I went for coffee and while I was out thought it best to also do some grocery shopping.
When I returned there was the usual vocal reminders that I’d left her and the treat reminder. After I finished with my “I’m back, Tommy” tasks I went into the bathroom to see that another major chunk of the toilet paper roll had been shredded. I knew that her ambivalence to the TP had probably been temporary, but I had enjoyed the period of time when I didn't have to worry about it. Fortunately the toilet and tub are in a separate room from the vanity/litter box. I just need to remember to close that door before I leave and all should be fine.
There was a lot of noise outside the building today. The balcony inspection/repair crew had moved to the next (and last) set of balconies on this side of the building. Below the dog run was getting redone with new drainage, soil and sod. The small cat skid loader kept backing up so that annoying warning alarm kept going off.
During all the noise and disruptions, Tommy surprised me today. I was reclining on the sofa when she decided to join me.  She’s always either hunkered in between the sofa and me or been at my feet.  Today, she decided to lay on my lap and take her nap.  She stayed there for over an hour and felt terrible when I had to awaken her so I could get to (run to?) the bathroom.  She went and had a little snack from her food dish while she waited for me to finish. When I went back to the sofa, she climbed right back up on my lap and resumed her nap for another hour. I’m so glad that she’s bonded with me and after only 12 days wants to lay on my lap to take her nap.
When she (and I) woke up we had a play session for about 15 minutes.  She still loves chasing after the ribbons and the light from the flashlight.  I’m still trying to get her to engage the balls, but she’s still not interested in them.  We also had an unexpected moment of play when we were in the study. She was sitting under the keyboard (the musical type) and was “talking to me.” When I bent over my glasses refracted (?) the light from the desk lamp onto the wall near her. I inadvertently moved my head and there was Tommy trying to catch the light on the wall.
As we watched the tragic news on the television either on the sofa or on the bed together, I realized how soothing it was to have her with me.  Even now as I’m typing this blog and she’s napping on the pillow next to me on the desk, I think about how glad I am that I made the decision to rescue her because she’s also rescued me.
I know that I usually finish my blog the next morning, but I think this is a good way to end today’s entry. I’ll update as needed tomorrow. It’s time for dinner and an evening together.

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