I’ve tried. I really have. I’ve been submissive. I’ve been playful. I’ve even tried to be invisible. Nothing seemed to keep Holly from having an internal breakdown of some kind every time she caught sight of me. You’ll recall that she even gave me the feline power stare (there is still a mark on the piano from that one). But I think there is hope. I had long talk with the tall new-staff. He was all serious and seemed understanding.
Apparently, he took it seriously because I saw him talking with Holly some time later. I didn’t think Holly was going to do anything differently. After all, I am a cat and I know how cats are about “advice” from staff. It is really NOT to be taken at face value.
Two footers in general just miss so much about their surroundings. They can’t tell when a storm is approaching, nor do they know that there is a mouse in the garage. He’s under the steps and he’s been nibbling at the very structure we are occupying. Poor two footers. Now if I could get beyond the large portal that goes to the garage, I’d take care of the mouse problem that the new staff doesn’t even know they have! I would have thought that Holly might have warned them (and, really, I hesitate to mention this) but she’s old and I don’t believe her senses are quite what they used to be. That’s my guess anyway.
But here’s the upside of tall new-staff’s little chat with Holly. I saw her checking out the internet (you know, the place where I’m famous). I was listening from the other room and heard short new-staff say something about anger issues and calming exercises. Just then, Holly caught sight of me as I was pretty close to the door. She didn’t growl but she did clear the screen really fast.
Short new-staff sensed tension rising and helped Holly refocus. So they got back on task.
They must have made some progress. The next day I happened to be transiting the downstairs and noticed Holly and the dog chatting.
Maybe this was supposed be a part of her therapy to deal with her issues. Holly was saying something about “the old days” and how stressful life was; like she had some kind of terrifying experience.
I don’t know that I believe that story. Perhaps she means before she acquired the current staff. She’s old and I guess she remembers a lot of stuff. She went on quite a while about this. The dog lost interest and settled in for a nap.
Smart dog. Being a good listener while Holly is seeking help is good. And taking a nap demonstrates a firm grasp on the right priorities.
