Pet Stories Blog

Linda Fortune

Author of Regal: An Intimate View of One Magnificent Feline

The animal sanctuary.

A feeling of accomplishment had filled me. And, as potentially upsetting to Tux as the experience of me chasing her with the fish net might seem, it actually didn’t seem that upsetting to her. She had easily kept ahead of me and out of reach. And, as you know, Tux sized up the inevitable and simply acquiesced after a good effort to resist. It was quite amazing. she must have remembered Jasmine’s advice that “she could help herself by being cooperative.”

We arrived at the animal sanctuary and the host graciously welcomed us with open arms. We felt much relief and were warmed by the reception we received. We placed Tux and Millie in their carriers in a room together and then toured the facility. There were more animals there then I had previously anticipated. I started to develop an inkling that Tux would be more comfortable with smaller numbers and so began to feel a bit of discomfort. On the other hand, the sanctuary was amazing. All the animals were happy and appeared at ease with one another. The cats had free reign in two rooms and seemed very happy and comfortable with each other. The dogs were separated from the cats. They all appeared secure, relaxed, and happy. And the sanctuary owner was warm, inclusive, and loving.

My vague discomfort, however, continued to linger in the background. Not only was I concerned about how Tux would handle things but I wondered if Millie would get as much personal touching as Margie wanted her to have. Since I did not have the clearly defined understanding of Tux as a ‘one-person cat’ and with the host assuring us that all the animals did have their private holding time, Jim and I proceeded to leave after a time. Jim and I were both feeling a little uncomfortable and we expressed our vague feelings to one another i.e.  would they get enough attention? Jim and I then proceeded to leave, each returning to our own homes.

Later, unbeknownst to each other, our individual feelings continued to surface, kindle, and burst into flames.

Next entry: Intense feelings surface.

Check out Regal’s video in the previous blog.

With blessings, Linda

Linda Fortune

Author of Regal: An Intimate View of One Magnificent Feline

Plan B and Tux surprises us all!

Welcome,

As you know, Ardine was on call and came over immediately. With Tux hiding upstairs, we closed off all the doors that we could and set up a blockade at the bottom of  the stairs. If Tux were to run down the steps, the only place for her to go would be into the cat carrier. With that set, I proceeded upstairs with the first net in hand. Ardine held her position at the bottom of the stairs and was ready to shut the cat carrier door in a flash.

As I got upstairs, I immediately looked for Tux in her usual hiding place under the bed. To my amazement…no Tux! Where was she? Had she been able to sneak downstairs without my noticing? Feeling totally deflated and energetically drained, I stood up…only to catch a glimpse of her huddled next to the wall on top of the bed table. Relief filled me. I immediately put the fish net down and slowly approached. Tux looked at me with her big, round eyes and did not budge. Feeling totally surprised, I was able to gently secure her by holding on to her fur at the back of her neck. Ardine immediately came upstairs with the cat carrier and I was able to to smoothly lift Tux into the carrier by holding on to her fur and supporting her hind quarters. No fight, no resistance, no claws, and no scratches. It was like she had read the writing on the wall and totally acquiesed. She had put two and two together and accepted the inevitable. She had resisted as long as she could and finally just gave in. Ardine and I were absolutely amazed at the ease with which she let me pick her up and place her in the carrier.

As you can imagine, Ardine and I both sighed with great relief as we proceeded to take Tux downstairs, gather up Millie, and to place them both in my van along with their toys, cat food, and litter.

Upon closing the door, Ardine and I both fell into each other’s arms and cried uncontrollably. The intensity of my tears surprised me. It was such an emotional release for both of us. Our tears seemed to reflect the building tension of catching Tux and of our heartache with the reality of Margie’s situation.

Just as our emotion was dissipating and our tears had stopped flowing, Margie’s nephew Jim arrived. As Jim had pondered the situation, he surmised that it would be better if Millie and Tux remained together since they had lived all of their 13 1/2 years in each other’s company. He felt both should remain at the sanctuary rather then his taking Millie home with him. Understanding and accepting his concern, we set off to deliver Margie’s two felines to the animal sanctuary.

It was not totally apparent to us at the time but this was not the best decision for either of the felines or for us for that matter. As you will see in the coming stories, we did alter our plans for the better. For one thing, we have come to realize that Tux is really a one-person cat. And, upon reflection, I had started to sense how absolutely smart this beautiful animal was and this was captivating to me. All this has been proven to be true as you will see in the stories that are to come.

Next entry: The animal sanctuary.

Blessings, Linda

Linda Fortune

Author of Regal: An Intimate View of One Magnificent Feline

Plan A: Fish net time.

Welcome,

Feeling some heaviness of heart, I headed to Margie’s the very next morning as it was Saturday and D-Day. I had borrowed a fish net from a friend and Plan A was in effect. I would use the fish net to catch Tux. If that proved to be unsuccessful, Plan B would be initiated. Plan B was to have Ardine, another of Margie’s dear friends,  come over and, between the two of us, we would catch Tux.

With fish net in hand, I approached Tux who, for the first time, was  curled up under the couch when I entered the house. I surmised that she must have sensed something was up. Having greeted Millie and Tux, I proceeded to gently slide the net along the bottom of the couch seat with the hope of getting  it over Tux before quickly lowering it and catching her. Well, I’m sure you can imagine what happened. Tux, being on high alert, was fast, and was not going to tolerate this intrusion into her space. She immediately bolted and ran upstairs.

Ok, stop it! I know you are chuckling with the mental image of me following Tux upstairs, trying to nab her under the bed, only to follow her downstairs and doing the ‘under the couch’ routine. Upstairs under the bed, downstairs under the couch.  Upstairs under the bed, downstairs under the couch. Upstairs, downstairs so it went. Your mental picture is, I am sure, very amusing and at my expense might I add. Tux was very alert, swift, and always easily escaped my efforts to place the fish net over her body.

Finally, realizing that I needed reinforcements, Plan B was initiated with a call to Ardine. “Help!”

Next entry: Plan B and Tux surprises us all!!!

Blessings, Linda

Linda Fortune

Author of Regal: An Intimate View of One Magnificent Feline

Welcome,

Since we had ruled out the use of medication because of its unpredictability, I decided to attempt to do the towel grab. On my next visit, I sat down on my usual spot at the far end of the couch from Tux and with Millie in the middle. Very gradually, I moved closer to Millie and, while scratching her ears and speaking kinds words, gently moved her closer and closer to Tux. I kept my attention on Tux and spoke to her too. She would glance at me with her big open eyes and then would periodically glance away.

Very gradually I maneuvered the towel up over the back of the couch behind Tux and continued to get into position. When the moment seemed right, I swiftly moved the towel over Tux and attempted to grab her. This was not to be! She shot out of my hands like a streak of lightening and immediately ran upstairs.

Dejected, I followed Tux upstairs and found that she had positioned herself under the bed and at the farthest point from where I would lay on the floor. Knowing that she had won this round, I left feeling increasingly frustrated and resigned to the fact that I may, in fact, have to use the fish net. Tux would obviously be more on guard with me and the only thing left in my arsenal was the utilization of a fish net. I was also starting to feel the pressure of our transfer deadline. The very next day, Saturday, was D-Day.

Now you might be smiling as you imagine the upcoming scene in your mind…I with fish net in hand chasing up and down the stairs after Tux. But, please have compassion. I was desperate and thought “so much for not wanting to traumatize her.” With our transfer time at hand, I had run out of options.

Next entry: Plan A: Fish net time.

With blessings, Linda

Linda Fortune

Author of Regal: An Intimate View of One Magnificent Feline

Consultation with my vet.

Welcome,

As I mentioned in my last blog, I will keep reentering my Regal video so that it would appear at the beginning of each new blog entry. That way, the video would always be immediately visible and available. Now, back to the continuation of my evolving Tux story.

You might wonder why I did not choose to wear gloves when I was on my Millie and Tux adventures. To be honest, I usually did not think about it. However, I did sometimes ask myself that very question as I winced after one of Tux’s unerring swats. Basically, it seems, I felt that it was important that Tux become familiar with my scent and learn to feel safe with me. Needless to say, I unconsciously chose to always leave my gloves in the car.

In the meantime, making no real progress in getting close enough or in a position to pick Tux up, I decided to get the advise of my vet, Peggy. We explored the possibility of a tranquilizing medication but I immediately set that option aside as I found that medication could sometimes have the absolute opposite effect.  Peggy then suggested that I utilize a towel and do a cover and grab as I quickly moved to pick her up. As a last straw, she suggested using a fish net to catch her.

I do have to say that the thought of a fish net did bring kind of a chuckle at first as the visual image arose in my mind. However, not having a sadistic kind of humor and even with my bit of justification considering the presenting problem, the chuckle quickly faded as the seriousness of the situation and the image of her resisting inside such a net arose. The reality was not a particularly beautiful one and it did not represent the peaceful, un-traumatizing transfer that I had hoped to make. But, considering the presenting problem of not being able to get close enough to pick Tux up, the fish net was an alternative that I needed to consider as a last resort.

Next entry: Here’s what happened…the catching of Tux.

Blessings, Linda

Linda Fortune

Author of Regal: An Intimate View of One Magnificent Feline

Video of Regal

Welcome,

I just wanted to make a comment about Regal’s video which will continue to be posted here.

Two things are going on simultaneously where my writing cat stories is concerned. My Regal book was published last August and this wonderful video and its message is an extension of this creative process. Obviously, I want to share it with others. Please enjoy this video and let others know about it too. The message is very important as our world becomes more conscious and that includes a deepening awareness about our animal friends.

Secondly, I will be continuing on with the beautiful story of Tux’s transformation which ultimately is the result of love, Reiki energy, and Tux’s melting into the safety of her new home. The change is so incredibly beautiful that it leaves me breathless at times and very joyful.

Next entry: Consultation with my vet.

Blessings, Linda

Linda Fortune

Author of Regal: An Intimate View of One Magnificent Feline

Welcome back!

    Feeling refreshed from my vacation, I am excited about continuing to share The Evolution of Tux and Linda with you. And, might I add, we are getting to the beautiful steps of Tux’s transformation…..and mine too.

     As you may remember, I had been working on building a relationship with Tux.  This usually meant trying to get close to her by following up her upstairs and then lying on the floor and reaching out with my hand as she crouched under the bed. She was very leery of anyone except Margie and she kept her distance by huddling right in the middle area under the bed.

     On one particular morning, about the fourth day into my routine, I again approached Tux who was lying at her ususal spot on the end of the couch as I arrived. She let me sit at the opposite end of the couch and I stretched my hand out to give her the opportunity for a friendly sniff. As was common, and with her typical explosion of energy, she immediately made her mad-dash-run up to her safety spot under Margie’s bed. Then, as was typical of me, I followed her upstairs. Talking with my soothing voice and finding my prone position, I again reached out with my arm and and hand, trying to get close, to let her get familiar with my scent.

     Tux sniffed as usual but, instead of pulling her head away, she totally surprised me by literally diving her head right into my hand. My heart silently yelped, “She wants to be touched!” With a sense of awe and excitement, I immediately scratched behind her ears, on her cheeks, under her chin, and on the top of her head. She moved her head vigorously, pressing hard into my hand, and inviting my continued scratches. She then rolled her body so that her back was totally towards me. I was amazed that she would place her back to me. Moving in ecstasy with saliva gathering on her lips, she let me scratch and scratch while rolling her body back and forth. Obviously she wanted to be touched and, I’m sure, had been missing Margie’s physical presence immensely.

      My thoughts went to how vulnerable she was, and yet, how confident she must have felt to place her back to me. My heart was deeply touched. And then, as quickly as she had engaged my touch, she disengaged. The swift, defensive swat of her claws once again drew blood. I pulled my hand back feeling startled but, at the same time, understanding. It was almost like she could only take so much pleasure and then had to reestablish her guard.

     It seemed like something had shifted in our relationship that day or, at least, she wanted to be touched so much that she took a chance with me. As I reflected upon it, it had been about a month since Margie had gone to Montana and Tami, the house/pet sitter, had arrived. Regardless of what caused the shift, I was thrilled and feeling elated, immediately went down to the bathroom to again administer first-aid. I was filled with much excitement with what had just happened.

     When I left the house that morning, I continued to feel the wonder and hope of Tux’s small shift. Little did I know that something far more significant had started to happen within me. I was still unconscious as to the deeper effect that Tux’s head dive would eventually have upon my being.

Next entry: Consultation with my vet.

With blessings, Linda

Linda Fortune Author of Regal: An Intimate View of One Magnificent Feline
Merry Christmas and New Year Wishes along with a perfect gift selection for the cat or animal lover in your life.

Welcome,

Today, I simply want to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and let you know that I am enjoying writing this wonderful story of Tux for you. When Margie accepted the fact that I was going to take Tux, she said “Another book!” Well, Margie was right! Whether a book or a short story, I feel that I have received a surprising and amazing gift of Tux’s presence in my life. It seems only natural to want to share her incredible evolving story which vividly addresses the reality of animal feelings.

Having been in the intense process of writing and publishing Regal’s book for the past 2 ½ years, I have decided to take a much needed vacation for the remainder of December and will restart my next blog entries in the middle of January 2009. Please, do tune in, as there is more wonder to share regarding Tux and her transformation. It’s almost like the best is to come!

Being animal lovers, you may want to consider giving Regal: An Intimate View of One Magnificent Feline to one or two of your animal loving family or friends at this Christmas time. Regal is a true biographical account of my Regal Cat’s life which reveals her vast array of feelings, intelligence, and spiritual nature. Regal’s story is heartwarming, softly humorous, and touching. She also draws the reader into a positive sense of responsibility because of the renewed awareness of the magnificence of our animal friends and their consciousness. Regal really represents “Everypet” and any animal lover will relate with her and be reminded of their beloved pets. This is a beautiful 6” x 6”, hardcover gift book of 216 pages. You may purchase this book on my website at HYPERLINK “http://www.catacumen.com” www.catacumen.com.

In the meantime, I wish you a Holy Christmas Season and a Happy New Year.

Next entry: The significant happening.

Blessings, Linda

Linda FortuneAuthor of Regal: An Intimate View of One Magnificent Feline

My subsequent visits with Tux and Millie.

After conferring with Jasmine, I immediately went over to be with Tux and Millie. As I walked through the front door, Millie was in her usual spot—sleeping on the couch—while Tux was crouched underneath. This was about my third visit to the house since taking on the task of establishing a relationship with Tux and I was aware that this was the first time that she was crouched underneath and not on laying on her red blanket on the couch. When I caught the glance of her eyes, her message was clear. “Oh, so you’re the one.” It seemed to me that she knew I was coming and was not altogether happy about my visit. I really could not blame her. A lot had happened in the past weeks and it was a lot to digest.

My visiting routine basically went like this. If both cats were on the couch, Millie was always in the middle and invited loves and touches. Tux, on the other hand, always had very wide-open eyes, watched my every move, and would not let me get close. If my hand got in proximity, she would jump down off the couch, and walk into the dining room. She would then make a mad dash upstairs. I would find her under Margie’s bed hiding just out of arm’s reach.

Lying on the floor, I would talk with Tux with a soothing voice. Slowly, I would stretch my hand out in her direction endeavoring to let her get a sniff of my scent. Sometimes I could touch her cheek or fur in some place before getting a swift swat of her claws which always drew blood. Her claws were very sharp. I do have to say that I was not taking this all personally. Tux had even been difficult for Margie to handle. Some things were a definite no-no—getting Tux into a cat carrier, going to the vet’s office, or getting her toenails clipped. So, her toenails were sharp and she used them now as she felt threatened.

However, slow but sure, day-by-day, she was becoming more familiar with me. Then, on one particular morning, something happened that unconsciously started a shift and, I think, in both of us although I was not conscious of it at the time.

Next entry: Merry Christmas and New Year Wishes along with a perfect gift selection for the cat or animal lover in your life.

With blessings, Linda