Hi everyone. It’s Smokey. Sorry I haven’t blogged for a while. Things got a bit awkward around here, what with me trying to trick my humans and live two lives at once. Heather was upset and wouldn’t let me near the computer for a long time. But I’ve convinced her to give me another chance.
I want to let you all know that I am doing my best to help Heather in her time of need. I’m not sure what happened, but I know Joe is gone and Heather is very sad. She tries to pretend sometimes that she is okay on her own, but I know better. So I’m spending most of my time at the Lucky 5 Star these days, keeping Heather company.
This is where I like to sit in the morning when Heather makes coffee.
When Joe first went away, I was a bit suspicious. I would run into the house, say hello to Heather, and then leave again. I wasn’t sure if she wanted me around or not. But eventually we fell into our old habits. I came to see Heather in the morning and sat on the deck with her. Sometimes she walked around the garden with me, and occasionally I got a treat.
Then one day, things got really weird. I came to visit and there were lots of strange people in the house. Heather was crying all the time. I tried to get close to her but it was hard with so much commotion.
I managed to have a good time, anyway. One night someone brought a big plastic bag to Heather’s house, from a place called ‘Ocean Basket’. The bag was FULL of fish! Heather and her friends ate most of it but they dropped some on the floor for me. It was a delicious meal.
Heather’s sister, Sue, came to visit from America. Sue was very nice to me. There were also some children staying here for a few days and I let them play with me.
Keeping Sue company while Heather is busy.
During that confusing time, Heather put me outside every night and told me to go home to my other human, Ms. M. I didn’t go though. I wanted to make sure Heather was safe. So I slept on a pillow that I found in Heather’s garage. Ms. M. was fine with it anyway — I explained the situation to her and she said I should stay with Heather for as long as I need to.
Eventually, all the strange people left and Sue went back to America. The first night Heather was alone, she put me outside like usual. I stayed out there for a few hours, but it seemed too quiet inside. I stood below Heather’s bedroom window and saw it was halfway open. I jumped up and pushed my way in.
The light switched on and Heather snatched the curtain open, to find me sitting on the window sill. She looked scared, then relieved. ‘Okay, kitty. You win,’ Heather said. She got back into bed and turned out the light. I jumped up next to her and we went to sleep.
Victory! The bed is finally mine. I sleep there every night now. Heather doesn’t even complain when I get muddy paw prints on the duvet.
When Heather cries, I just sit and listen. And I purr when she pets me. I think I am a big help.
I like to snooze on the kitchen floor sometimes too.
We had a bit of a hiccup when I woke up before dawn one day and decided to go hunting. I caught a bird and brought it into the bedroom to show Heather. She was still asleep. When she awoke and saw me with my prize, she was very upset. She tried to push me out of the bedroom and I lost hold of my bird, which began to fly around the house. Heather yelled and said bad words. I ran to catch the bird again, and unfortunately knocked over a chess set. I knew I was in trouble so I took my prey outside. Heather locked me out for a few hours.
All is forgiven now.
My favorite place to relax is on the top of the small sofa, with my back against the wall. I commanded Heather to take my photo there one evening, even though she said it was too dark and the photo would be blurry. I rewarded her with a magnificent view of my lethal jaws.
Now. If only I could convince Heather to feed me.
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
Bing says that according to Chinese folklore, black cats are drawn to people when their loved ones die. If you lose someone close to you and there is a black cat around, the cat will stay near you while you mourn. I’m starting to believe the same of gray cats.
I’m not feeding Smokey because I want to encourage him to maintain his ties with Ms. M. I don’t feel stable enough to take full responsibility for a pet right now. But food or no food, Smokey seems determined to be a part of my life. I must admit that it’s nice to have him.
brilliantly written
Thanks you Mr. Bunny Chow. I’ve discovered that writing from the perspective of an animal is really fun.
I’ve just locked myself in. A part of me was heading for the door on route to a shelter for a cat
Lovely post Heather!
Thank you Stanley. The shelter will still be there when you unlock the door
I love hearing the Melville cat’s voice…..it is wonderful. And while this may be the last thing on your mind right now, all I could see as you were writing this is a children’s book… Melville cat perspective just as you have written so full of empathy, compassion and personality. Just saying.
Anyway, sending you a hug across the miles and glad to know the Melville cat is there checking in on you. Take care. Jennifer
Thanks Jennifer. You know, you’re not the first person to say that! My aunt has been encouraging the Melville Cat to write a children’s book since his very first post. I’ve definitely got it in the back of my mind. Thanks for the hug and hope you and your family are doing well.
Heather, I just loved this post, it reminded me so much of my black cat Caviar, whom we had to put to sleep 2 years ago after having shared our lives with his for 15 years….I would also adopt the Melville cat! best of wishes to you, you are in my thougths, and you made me smile today!
Catherine
Thank you Catherine. Caviar is such a perfect name for a black cat! May he rest in peace.
What a fabulous post Heather! I can’t believe how that cat has sensed your need for him. Sometimes pets do an amazing job at providing unconditional love and laughter. Keep writing!
Thanks Nicole. Smokey is a very good friend. He’s sitting in his spot on the couch right now.
Smokey loves you because you rock. If you are not careful, I’m going to turf him out and take his place
The pillow in the garage is still available. Come on down! (Haha.)
I totally love this post, Heather! Thank God Smokey understands his role. You have captured his voice brilliantly. Really well done.
Thank you, Smokey, for loving our friend!
Hugs,
Kathy
I’m very lucky to have him. Thanks Kathy.
Smokey I am so glad that you are there to look after Heather. You are a very special cat
Thank you Slowvelder. I do my best.
Smokey and Fred have much in common
Beautiful caring souls 
Indeed. Maybe Smokey should follow Fred’s lead and start his own blog!
That was a great little story! Thanks for sharing. Hope things get better soon!
Deano
Thanks Dean. I hope so too.
Good cat! Two pigeons, mice anchovies whatever! Heather, cats are a treat, you just have to accept their blessings! I have to qualify this and tell everyone I am a dog person! I am ! I am! I am!.. Our cats have always disbelieved this of me and ‘tamed’ our dogs too..sigh
Chris
I never really believe it when they say they are “dog people” or “cat people”. I think most of us are both and we just don’t know it yet.
yup I think you are right, at least about all the cats in my life, and there have been several. They never batted an eyelid, they all just would spring lightly onto my lap and curl up before going to sleep. I had no say in the matter! I have to let it be known that I have never gone out looking for a cat to be a companion, they arrive by other means!
I love your smile in the picture.
It’s wonderful how animals have that inherent sense of knowing when humans need them (and when they will be most successful at worming their way into your lives, and duvets!)
Here’s to the Melville Cat
I think you’re very much on target with the second part of your comment
Ah sweet! Animals really are sensitive to one’s moods aren’t they? Mine always stay close to me when I’m not feeling well or am sad. Smokey definitely looks as if he’s watching over you.
Yes. I don’t know what I would do without him!