Tense Detente

I love this. I laughed out loud when I saw it. I’ve been – and am STILL – worried that Amber will react to Jet’s hiss or spit or swipe and it’ll all be over. The biggest area of contention will remain food. Amber is quite serious about her food, OR getting bites of the good stuff from my husband. I have reminded him several times now that they NEED to be separate during times they – or we – are eating. That includes keeping Jet’s bathroom door closed all the time to keep Amber out of there.

They passed each other in the office this morning when my husband came downstairs. Jet’s back went up and she got very still and big-eyed. Amber was her usual boisterous self, leaping around to greet my husband, not watching where she steps, her tail hitting furniture and whatever else is in the path – the typical bull in a china shop. I tried to act like nothing was happening – though I was holding my breath. Jet managed to pass Amber and go into the living room. Amber followed, but not to confront Jet. Things are definitely getting better.

I am also reminding my husband to watch where he is walking. Jet will try to make each of us fall on our heads, or hurt ourselves trying NOT to step on, or fall on – her. We both need to pay attention, and make SURE she is not in the area when we are going out the garage door or coming back in. For two old folks who kind of drift through things at times, this is a big ASK.

I’m trying to teach myself to pay attention when I go to the kitchen and Jet is right with me. It turns out that she is trying to lead me to her bathroom, where food, water, and kitty litter box await. I did pay attention this morning, and followed her to the door, opened it for her, and watched as she hesitantly walked in. When she was in, I quietly shut the door. I set an alarm to remember to let her out again. We HAVE to keep the door shut so Amber doesn’t eat her food – or the used kitty litter – to be graphic….

Thanks, again, to Cathy, for the great cartoon.