One Year with Benji

“Hey, Benji, can you move over a bit?  I’m trying to write a story and you’re in my way.”

“Sorry Sue,” he replied.  “Let me help; I’m good at typing.”

“Thanks Benji, you can help but not like that. You see the story’s about you, how you came to live with us a year ago and how happy we are that you did.  I’m having a hard time knowing what to say.”

“I know!”  he said.  “Why don’t you post some pictures of me and I’ll narrate!”

“Great idea Benji.  Let’s start at the beginning.”

“Aw, look at me!  I was so small!  That collar is almost as big as me!”

“Yeah, we ditched the collar pretty soon afterwards, didn’t we boy?”

“Here’s another one of you from the early days, after you’d gotten over that nasty respiratory infection.  You were such a good little kitty taking your antibiotics.”

“I remember that Sue!  I finally stopped sneezing and was released from quarantine. And I finally got to meet Tiger!  I liked him from the start but for some reason he didn’t like me.  Whenever I tried to play he just hissed and ran away.”

“True.  I was worried about you two.  But when I saw you sleeping side by side I knew it was going to work out.”

“And it helped when you shared your mouse with him outside. He really liked that.”

“It was the least I could do. You know I’m the better hunter.”

“True Benji, but don’t tell Tiger I said so.

Do you remember your first snow?”

“Yes I do! It made the world quiet and peaceful, but cold and wet and too deep for me to walk in. I hope I get another chance this year now that I’m bigger.”

“Me too Benji.  I love the snow!  But I’m always happy when spring arrives and we get to work in the garden.  Thanks for your help, by the way.  I couldn’t have done it without you.”

“Sure Sue anytime. Always willing to lend a paw.”

“I’ll remember that Benji.  There’s always plenty to do outside.  But I gotta tell you I was worried when I saw you on the roof. You almost lost outside privileges after that.”

“Don’t worry about me Sue.  I’m pretty tough!  See?”

“Yes you are, Benji!   And smart too. Do you remember what you were thinking here?”

“Cat thoughts, Sue. Cat thoughts. You wouldn’t understand.”

“I suppose not.  How about this one?  You were in perfect feline form.”

“Just posing for you in that one.  I saw you with your camera and wanted to give you a good shot.”

“I appreciate it Benji.  You really are photogenic, especially when you’re sleeping!”

“I can’t argue with that Sue. I do love to sleep!”

“I could go on and on, but I better close here. And just in case you couldn’t tell, I want you to know much we love you Benji and can’t imagine our family without you!  You’re a special cat and a real tribute to the species.

Happy One Year Anniversary!”

“Aw thanks, Sue.  I feel the same.”

~  Susanne & Benji