Notes on Tolerance from Tiger and Benji

More nose to nose.  Less rebuke and hissing. More close encounters of the peaceful kind. Less misunderstanding the intentions of the other. No, I’m not talking about the country (though that would be good too.)  I’m talking about Tiger the resident tabby and his new little brother Benji. After almost three months, rejection is giving way to tolerance, and tolerance to acceptance, and acceptance approaching understanding.  Friendship is sure to follow.

Tiger –  Benji is my little brother. I can tell by his chopped ear that he had a rough first life.  I went through hard times too.  I’m learning that his annoying behavior is playful and not malicious.  He’s still young and can’t help himself. I guess I was like that too once.  Sue wants us to get along and so I am trying. Someday I may like him more than I do now.  But I do not hate him.  We share the same house and I know he is part of our family. I think there is room for both of us.

Benji – I like Tiger. He is big and strong. I want to play with him but need to learn how. He doesn’t like me to pounce on him so I am trying hard to stop.  He is sure to remind me if I forget.  I hope someday we get along even better and have lots of fun outside together. He is a good hunter and I want him to teach me the ways of the stealthy cat. When I grow up I want to be like him. I think there is room for both of us.

~ Susanne and Tiger and Benji