ADVENTURES WITH CATS – ACT II
Helen Wilson - Cat Grandma
Our dear black and white kitty, Amy, lived with us for over 20 years. She was born at a construction site in New York, where she learned to hunt and presented the crew with a freshly caught mouse each morning! Endearing herself to Jerry, Amy relocated to our apartment in Connecticut. When we moved to New Hampshire, she headed north with us, along with her buddy, a black cat named Mischief.
After a one-night hotel stay, the cats traveled to their spacious rural home. Amy first plastered herself against the walls of her “transition room” and refused to come out for over a day. But she was now a country cat, and soon adapted.
Amy loved to climb. She started out with small trees at the Connecticut condo, but could never figure out the way down. Jerry had to retrieve her, placing a board from the deck to the tree, coaxing her to cross over. She didn’t get the idea, and ultimately a ladder was put up for the rescue. In New Hampshire, the pine trees were much, much higher! The urge to scale them was strong, and one day Amy reached a height well above ladder level. She remained high above reach for two days, and no amount of coaxing could get her to head down. The meowing was pitiable. New Hampshire firemen were impervious to our entreaties to bring a firetruck down to the woods.
One of Amy's tree-top adventures
Finally, the situation grew desperate and we (Jerry) hoisted a laundry basket up on a rope, hoping to entice Amy to accept the food inside. She finally did so, but not before peeing profusely on her rescuer’s head! A wet Jerry lowered her down to our happy arms. Success!
Amy was a faithful and peaceful pet, who loved to lay by the woodstove and stay warm. When baby Kate entered our lives, Amy took on the role of protector, sleeping atop the new arrival in her bassinet. She endured the tail grabbing of a one year old, inspiring Kate’s first word, “KIT”. She learned to play “hide and seek” and other toddler games.
After 9 years as a country cat, Amy returned with us to Connecticut, where she enriched our lives for many more years.
80s bassinet set up - most likely not approved today