My Name is Basil.

I met my family at the Humane Society four years ago. It was love at first sight. Licenses were obtained; promises were made; vows were taken. Our lives together began at that moment.

Let me say at the outset that they are essentially good people. And I am a superb cat if I say so myself. A real catch.  Everyone agrees.

They are well intentioned. But there are issues. Aren’t there always issues?

I’ve been keeping a diary. I’ll share.

 

Dear Diary:

I prefer warm food. Most days, my first meal of the day comes directly from the fridge. The cold offends my tender nose.

I like to join them on the breakfast table while they have their cereal. They know I’ll sit only on the front page of the newspaper. Those colorful photo shots enhance my unique markings and lustrous fur.

Regretfully, one of them frequently chooses to reads that section. What am I to do?

Issues…so many issues.

 

Dear Diary:

They put things on the kitchen counters that don’t belong. It’s my job to tidy up. Some of those unwelcome items may break when they hit the floor; others may be only slightly damaged.

Still, they don’t learn.

Issues. Endless issues.

 

Dear Diary:

I thought we’d agreed on the number of snick-snacks that were to be served at cocktail time.   Five at the first pour; eight at the second (when they’ve loosened up a bit and are feeling generous.)

I’ve noticed a reduction in those numbers recently.

Yes, it’s possible I’m a little bigger than I was before the whole snick-snack thing began but I’m not THAT large.

Issues.  Clearly. Many issues.

 

Dear Diary:

I don’t know where the fleas come from…I really don’t. I don’t go outside and we have a pesticide service. I hate the flea treatment. They call it a flea shot….just like their flu shot, they say.  Intended to protect us.

I’m nauseous and lethargic for at least two days after the treatment.

Issues….so, so many issues.

 

Dear Diary:

In re-reading my entries, I believe that it comes down to this. They obviously love me. Oh, some of the things they do in the name of love are difficult to take…the flea treatment, the holding back on treats. Those things are hard, but in the end, it’s all about love.

So, issues, schmissues. We’re all crazy about each other and we plan to keep it that way.