“The RoseBouquet”

When you are part of a poor family you learn to make do with simple things, and focus on living well spiritually. Since Snowflake is part of my family or household he has had to make do with cardboard boxes for his nests to curl up in. He has never complained, but has eagerly investigated any boxes or containers he found.

Well, on Sunday, Shirley, a friend of mine who is very fond of animals and admires Snowflake a lot, came over with not just one, but two new carpeted cat houses for Snowflake!

The one is a simple, one-story bungalow, with a sunning roof. It has a streamlined circular architecture, made of sturdy plywood and lined inside and out with a thick new carpeting that is both warm to curl up in, and great for exercising one’s claws.

The other one is a two-story townhouse, also with a sunning roof, and designed by the same architect, with matching decor to the bungalow.

But how would Snowflake like these new houses? While Shirley was around he merely sniffed them over carefully and politely peeked inside. Seemed clean enough, no scent of previous residents.

After she left, while I was making myself a light supper in the kitchen, I turned around to find Snowflake was inside the first story of the townhouse which I’d placed in his sunny south window, right in the room where he spends most of his days. I ran for my camera and took a snapshot. (When I’d finished supper I emailed it to Shirley).

The bungalow was parked under my desk, and I’d turned it so that I would be able to have eye-contact with Snowflake when he was in it. About 7 pm I glanced down and found that he had managed to move in, and curl up snug as a bug in a rug. His face looked up at me from the round door-window. Satisfied, I thought. So I grabbed the camera and took another click.

Later, when I was ready to go to bed, I didn’t have the heart to pull him out, as I usually did with the cardboard boxes. Instead, I picked up Snowflake, bungalow and all, and carried him to his room for the night. Wow, no need to wake up the sleepy pussycat!

I’ve left the boxes around in case he missed them, but I think he has fully moved into his new homes, so I can clean up the shabby boxes - as soon as I have time.

By the way, Carol, whom I haven’t seen in several years, phoned up last week to ask if I knew someone who would be willing to board her cat for 6 weeks while she is moving. If you live in the Saskatoon and northward area and would like to do this, do get in touch. I can’t see myself doing that, but said I’d ask around in case I heard of someone else.