parenthood of a different kind

Being responsible for the care of 2 cats has made me realize how much having pets can make you feel like a parent. It has been very apparent to me this past year that Sophie believes I am her mother, or at least has adopted me as her mother. But it wasn't until recently when I walked into the apartment and was greeted by two furry faces that I realized how much it warmed my heart to be around these two.


And dare I say that I love them? I worry about their health and I enjoy watching them play. I can list off their usual habits and the idiosyncracies that make them each unique. Me... the person who often wants to tell the owner that is pampering a pet, "it's just an animal," and knows the life expectancy of most pet spieces so that when one passes on I can say "it lived a long time."

Now yes, I've always enjoyed the company of animals, and I've even felt quite attached to a few. There's even been a cow that I really missed when she died. Currently, I feel I have a special connection with one of my parents' dogs Comet. But Sophie and Miles bring it to another level. Perhaps it's because they are the first pets I've actually shared living quarters with. Probably more so is the knowledge that I am responsible for these critters.

So, as my sister and I say, I really am a "kitty-mommy" now. Maybe its those maternal instincts sneaking in again, telling me that if I don't have a real kid right now, maybe adopting these furry ones isn't half so bad.


Did I just write another whole post about the cats? Yes, I believe I did. I start real work tomorrow! It's genious how it works out, really. After teaching summer school, I spend about 2-3 weeks out of a real job, which is just enough time for me to get really bored and ready to go back to work!