On one of the few sunny Saturdays we’ve had recently, I looked out on the side deck and noticed a cat napping on the cushion of an outdoor love seat. It caught my attention because it was large and gray and because I don’t have a cat. The deck is close to the pool and part of a side yard that is fenced off. I couldn’t believe this semi-fat cat jumped the fence or slid underneath it.
“Did you see the cat?,” my wife said excitedly as I spoke to her on the phone a couple of hours later. I had left and she had returned and spotted the cat napping. I could tell by the girlish tone that she liked having a cat on the deck. She had cats for many years in college and before we had children. I think she would like another one. She also has been talking about getting a dog. I never had a dog growing up, but she did.
When she first started talking about getting a dog it bothered me because I don’t want one and I took as a sign that she was already anticipating how empty our nest will be in just a few years. My mom raised four children and never had a dog and then when her youngest moved out she immediately got one. I suspected that after caring for children for close to thirty years she needed something to care for.
I really don’t want a dog today or a few years from now unless someone is home during the day to look after it. I don’t like the idea of leaving a dog alone all day while we are at work. One time when Mary brought up getting a dog I suggested we adopt a child when our sons leave home because children play basketball and baseball and that would give me something to do. She didn’t like the idea.
By the way, I didn’t bother the cat that Saturday or on a couple of other afternoons when it returned. It belongs to one of the neighbors and is very good at catching mice and other critters in my yard. Two weeks ago I was cutting the lawn and it proudly pranced through my backyard holding one of those pesky moles in its mouth. A few minutes later I found a half eaten squirrel. I figure the least I can offer this prolific hunter is a comfortable place to curl up.
Let me know what you think.
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4 comments:
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Best regards,
Gold Bullion
Any pet is a lot of work. I am with you---I don't want a dog, either. One of my sons has been begging me for a dog. Of course, he has assured me that he would do all the work. I told him I would consider fish.
I hate dogs. Well I did before I moved in with my sister and brother-in-law. I've always had cats and love their independence.
Dogs are different. They beg, they lick; they're annoying. So much more work than cats. But in the few instances that Toby is calm he's great to come home to and love.
I miss my cats but its all in how much work you want to put into it. My dog used to get into the trash (new locking can) and there were several "accidents" to clean.
Don't cave. But if you must get a cat or fish haha
Elizabeth,
I think kids, and even adults, are in love with the idea of having a pet. They have no idea how much work is involved. Starting with a fish is a good idea.
Mariel,
I would probably prefer a cat over a dog. The problem with an indoor cat is that they tend to shed all over the place. We have enough problems keeping the house clean.
I’d love to hear from empty nesters about whether pets can ease the pain of having children move out. Or maybe something else?
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