The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
Over a year ago, we had a stray kitty show up at our door.We like to support strays by feeding them and keeping water bowls out.This kitty would show up and disappear again, so we figured he was living the good life with other gigs out there providing his needs.His orange color, enormous head, and his "gimme" -face led us to naming him Garfield.
At first, we couldnt touch him, he would stiffen up and hunker down, but we persisted with our rubbins.This past summer, we noticed some ticks on him and we applied medication which he resented (!!) and yet he began hanging around permanently.Over our summer vacation, we paid someone to keep him fed. In the yard, he is an absolute hoot, we enjoy how he follows us everywhere, and sits under our chairs just to be together.
But Garfield has wild oats to sow.At night, he heads out into the woods and often comes home with scratches all over his ears and face, clearly out fighting demons.Two weeks ago, he brought home a baby bunny, all mangled. Yesterday morning, I went out to feed and pet him, feeling his head was quite wet.I put my glasses on and saw that it was blood and I was horrified again.
All day long, I prepared to coax him into the garage for the night, making him a kitty bed and preparing a litter box. He actually considered it for a very long time.He went in, he went out.In and out, again and again.Until he decided to stay out, and off he disappeared once again.
I went to bed praying for Garfield, noticing my wishing that he had come into the garage, noticing the familiar desire to help and rescue and save.My program kicked in unexpectedly, along with acceptance of my powerlessness, I am powerless over alcohol and wild kitties too.
I fell asleep smiling, feeling hopeful by recalling my own refusal to "take shelter in the garage" for years, remaining in denial for most of my life. Thanks to Al-Anon, I slept blissfully in the arms of Higher Power.
Garfield showed up again this morning. "Gimme." He acts just like a cat. I go crazy when I believe that he shouldnt.
-- Edited by 2HP on Saturday 17th of September 2016 12:26:37 PM
Lovely post! I also feed an "outside cat," who does what he wants, although he really likes hanging out on my deck. And he is orange, too ... are we feeding the same cat?
We can learn so much from animals. I have learned from my little 6.5-pound dog "Xena the Warrior Princess," 16 years young. A while back, she started refusing to go up the stairs in our house. I thought she had an illness or injury, was worried, took her to the vet, they found nothing. So I decided I'd have to carry her up the stairs from now on, and did that for a while. One day, when my back was turned while doing something else, she scampered right up the stairs. I just had to get out of her way and let her do it in her own time. (Although I will admit, the promise of dog treats at the top of the stairs helps.)
Best of luck to you and Garfield for a mutually satisfying relationship!
-- Edited by Freetime on Saturday 17th of September 2016 02:34:46 PM
(((2HP))) - Hugs to you and Garfield! I am a huge animal person and so understand all that your post means to you! My program also reminds me how far your kitty has come - from being reluctant and hissing to hanging tight with you all. That was another huge part of the program my sponsor taught me - to look for what is good or improving instead of what is not.
I agree that we can learn so much from animals - my dog Layla is a rescue and had an unknown life before we got her. What I do know is she has scars on her body - around her feet, on the top of her head and across her nose. Yet - she's very loving and trusting of women - a bit timid around men until she warms up. But .. she doesn't let her past define her present or her future. She wakes up each day, excited for breakfast and for her walk. Beyond that, she hangs out waiting to see what else we might do.....
Love my Layla and know that she's taught me a ton about getting excited for the moment!! (((Hugs)))
__________________
Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene
Love Garfield. We could learn a thing or two from him. Living regardless of the consequences, doing what he should and not people pleasing anyone, not letting fear stop him living, focusing only on himself. Sounds like an alanon pro. Love that you took the lesson from him.
Over a year ago, we had a stray kitty show up at our door.We like to support strays by feeding them and keeping water bowls out.This kitty would show up and disappear again, so we figured he was living the good life with other gigs out there providing his needs.His orange color, enormous head, and his "gimme" -face led us to naming him Garfield.
At first, we couldnt touch him, he would stiffen up and hunker down, but we persisted with our rubbins.This past summer, we noticed some ticks on him and we applied medication which he resented (!!) and yet he began hanging around permanently.Over our summer vacation, we paid someone to keep him fed. In the yard, he is an absolute hoot, we enjoy how he follows us everywhere, and sits under our chairs just to be together.
But Garfield has wild oats to sow.At night, he heads out into the woods and often comes home with scratches all over his ears and face, clearly out fighting demons.Two weeks ago, he brought home a baby bunny, all mangled. Yesterday morning, I went out to feed and pet him, feeling his head was quite wet.I put my glasses on and saw that it was blood and I was horrified again.
All day long, I prepared to coax him into the garage for the night, making him a kitty bed and preparing a litter box. He actually considered it for a very long time.He went in, he went out.In and out, again and again.Until he decided to stay out, and off he disappeared once again.
I went to bed praying for Garfield, noticing my wishing that he had come into the garage, noticing the familiar desire to help and rescue and save.My program kicked in unexpectedly, along with acceptance of my powerlessness, I am powerless over alcohol and wild kitties too.
I fell asleep smiling, feeling hopeful by recalling my own refusal to "take shelter in the garage" for years, remaining in denial for most of my life. Thanks to Al-Anon, I slept blissfully in the arms of Higher Power.
Garfield showed up again this morning. "Gimme." He acts just like a cat. I go crazy when I believe that he shouldnt.
-- Edited by 2HP on Saturday 17th of September 2016 12:26:37 PM
I get that right in my getter. Totally brilliant. Thanks
I just found your post. Love this share and the analogy between trying to help the cat, going crazy when he acts like a cat and our own behaviour with our qualifiers. Thank you for sharing it.
