The Cat's Meow

"There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats." - ALBERT SCHWEITZER

Not having much experience with blogging, I often wonder what I should write. What will tickle my readers' fancy?

What will give me inspiration and tickle my fancy? Having started six or seven blogs, I'm keeping them on the back burner for possible future use. Right now, I want to deal with some of my more whimsical thoughts related to the Covid 19 crisis.

This blog is about pets. Cecilia and I are not pet owners, although we once were. We both like cats, but it happens that Cecilia is allergic to cats. Besides, I once read that no one owns a cat. The cat owns you.

Robyn, our granddaughter, is owned by a beautiful cat named Clementine, the model for this photo. Clementine - I guess she is my great grand-cat - is my inspiration for this blog.

The corona virus pandemic has thrown our lives into chaos. Those of us who have a spouse, children, a significant other or a partner living with us at least have some companionship, someone with whom to do battle, or to love and hug. On the other hand, those of us who are single or unattached might feel abandoned. But what about our four legged friends? What has the pandemic done to them?

Not being able to communicate well with canines, and not having a pet dog, I couldn't just ask the dogs what they think of the situation. But I can imagine. Dogs love us. They scurry around, pant, bark, tail-wag and roll over, just begging for a belly rub or doggy treat. Whether we are away for 10 minutes, 10 hours or 10 days, Sparky will greet us with glee when we return. But now we are there all the time. Some working from home, some unemployed, and some simply quarantined. We are always there, ready to play with them. For our canine friends, Covid 19 isolation is doggy heaven, and they hope it never ends. At least that's what I imagine.

With cats, I have an insider's perspective. I had a little talk with Clementine. Contrary to the canine perspective, Clementine tells me that she just doesn't give a hoot. She does

her own thing. Like all cats, she is a loner. She really doesn't care whether humans are around or not. In fact, she says, "Sure, I'll give humans a little of my attention - just to keep them happy. But I don't need them. I can just as easily rub against my scratching post or a table leg. Humans need me. I don't need them. When humans aren't around, I just read a good book. Barking From the Front Porch was a real hoot. And Conundra, The Golden Rule Revisited was the most thought-provoking book I've read in ages."

Sorry for inserting the commercial message! I couldn't resist it. Remember, royalties from both my books go to charity. During this pandemic, charities need our help more than ever.

Bless you for your kindness to our human and four legged friends.

Stay safe!

Gerald M. Sliva

Week 5 of Covid 19 Crisis - April 19, 2020

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