Good morning friends!
My cat (who is in stealth mode in the above picture) is currently tearing about our home (which sadly means she is also tearing up our carpet each time she reaches both the top and bottom of our stairs.)
If I wasn’t so madly in love with her, there would be repercussions.
When she gets into these scamp moods of hers we like to say that she’s “riding her little horse” because of the way she gallops about the house (and the way her gait sounds like that of a young steed racing around a track.)
We adopted Ms. Nymeria from the SPCA a little over four years ago.
I had been badgering M forever to let us get a cat.
Being a remarkably patient, and loving man, he withstood this constant bombardment quite well (and with much grace at that.)
Because seriously, anytime he inquired about gifts, I would immediately, without thinking, blurt out: “A CAT.”
Hey Ethel, he’d say. What do you want for Christmas this year?
A CAT, I’d respond.
Hey Ethel, what would you like for your birthday this year?
A CAH! I’d say, not bothering to swallow that bite of my sandwich before taking the time to respond.
Hey Ethel, what do we need to pick up at the grocery store tonight?
A CAT! I’d answer. And milk, bread and cheese. But mostly though, a cat.
(That joke was always a laugh and a half for me, but obnoxious as heck for him. Still, I couldn’t stop myself.)
Come February 2008, M ever so nonchalantly asked me to come over to his computer. He picked me up, sat me in his lap, and together we looking through the pictures of the kittens that were currently available for adoption over at our local SPCA shelter.
Now, I don’t know about you folks, but there is a very limited time frame in which I can stay on one of those websites and remain a functioning, coherent human being.
Just looking at all the little ones that need homes thrusts me into sensory overload, and I become overwhelmed between two very conflicting reactions.
These are: MUST SAVE ALL THE KITTIES – and – OH NO THERE ARE TOO MANY KITTIES TO SAVE I AM POWERLESS IN THIS FIGHT.
It’s like all of my life force swells to epic proportions but is simultaneously sucked out of me. Like I turn into a superhero just before being administered a Dementor’s kiss.
Luckily, it wasn’t before long that we saw Nymeria’s picture and we both fell head over heels in love.
At the time she wasn’t Nymeria. She was Faye, who – “didn’t play well with others.”
We knew immediately that she had a touch of both Rhoyne and direwolf inside her.
The next day we went to the shelter, and along with the help of two stellar friends of ours, adopted the little Miss into our arms, heart and home.
And she’s been there ever since. Snuggling, purring, meowing (she talks, like, all the darn time), furring up furniture, ripping up carpets, going absolutely bat shit crazy when she sees other cats, sleeping on my feet, and sailing 1,000 ships to Dorne (just like her namesake of course.)
I always joke that Nymeria is my daughter – and while there is a healthy dose of both tongue and cheek in this statement – she is a dear, dear part of my family.
She was with us during our engagement, our marriage, both of our post-grads; she forgave us for going to England without her (that one took a while, let me assure you).
She is with us when we wake up, and when we sleep.
And I love her. (Even if at the moment she is scoping out my lemon bar.)
So what about you dear readers? Who are the furry friends in your life?
Nymeria and I would love to know.
Rant and Roll 
Like animals at other people’s homes, but do not have a cat or dog at the present time. My son’s Maltease is cute and playful, but I don’t want to dogsit! My sister has two Shitzus but the are mostly outside in the summer when I visit.
I always say that when I give up traveling I will get a dog. Have a great day.
Ah yes, the question of travel + pets. It’s something my husband and I know very well. Cats are a little easier just because they’re so independent, dogs are much harder. But equally cute :)
Molly, a gentle little Pekingnese, she will be 10 this year, and Murray, the best little dog ever. He is a Brussels Griffon/Toy Poodle cross and just turned 6. I have has them both since they were puppies…
They sound adorable! And what fab names. Are they best friends? I love dogs as much as I love kitties, but like I said, Nymeria really does not play well with others. It would be a hard fit :/
Murray likes Molly more than Molly likes Murray…typical little brother/big sister relationship
Cute! I can totally picture that dynamic (being both a big and little sister myself.)
Your girl is beautiful! And sounds like she fits perfectly into your family! Great pictures and fun post!
I have a blue heeler named Gunni. She’s 11 and I’ve had her since I was 13. That pup is my hiking buddy. :)
Gunni! I love that you guys are hiking buds :) Pets certainly are part our the families, no doubt about it.
In our tiny, tiny apartment there is my boy, me, Daisy the cat, Walden the dog, and Mooney the foster cat. It’s a tight fit, especially when the boy tries to come to bed and his side is taken up by all three animals. But we love our small ones, no matter how much trouble they may cause (and they cause a lot).
btw, love your Game of Thrones inspired cat name…very appropriate, seeing as Arya spent a lot of time chasing cats in Kings Landing. :) Definitely finding a name for the next animal from those books.
Wow! I love the sounds of your menagerie. It’s also pretty awesome that you are a foster momma. And I definitely know what you mean about unconditional love. You take the good with the ruined carpets. :)
Glad you enjoy the GoT reference. We are big GRRM nerds, and I always knew I wanted a kitty named Nymeria. There are so many great names to choose one for your next little gal/guy!
You kitty is soo cute…
Thanks! She gets away with murder because of those looks though…I am a sucker, but a happy one!
Nymeria is so cute! The more I read of your post, the more it reminded me of myself and my beloved, moustached (no, really) cat- Delilah.
We too always say Delilah looks like a little pony galloping around the house which she does when she is being a little too crazy. Plus she destroys the stairs, couches, carpet (anything really) with her super sharp claws. And even though my boyfriend says he doesn’t like cats, I still catch him patting her while I’m away from the room ;)
I really loved your post and thanks for making me smile today! I’m going to go and cuddle Delilah right now.
Another little horse? I love it! Aw, Delilah sounds just like Nymeria – I love her name too, and the fact that she rocks a mustache!
Thanks for a lovely great note – give Ms. D an extra snuggle from me :)
I like cat. Cat’s are so cute.very nice post..
Thank you!
I’ve always had cats around. Best domesticated animal around, IMHO. However, the current feline seems to get completely freaked out when the friendly relations start between me and Hot Girlfriend, and she (feline) will start yowling and tearing around the house. Tres embarrassing. Even if we don’t do the hoo, the cat will sometimes freak out at 3-4am, I dunno, maybe just for practice.
Repercussions. Yessss.
This totally made me laugh. First – picturing your lovely lady friend yowling and tearing about the house. Second – my cat is a huge pervert! We have to throw her out of the bedroom or she’ll ninja her way in. Seriously, her stealth mode, when engaged, is a powerful weapon.
Like I said, it’s a good thing we love her!
Beautiful kitty – thanks for sharing!
Thank you! She rules my heart :)