Pet Stories Blog

Linda Fortune
Author of Regal: An Intimate View of One Magnificent FelineA significant circumstance changes the picture.

Welcome,

As I continue writing the story of Tux, I find that I must also share the next part of the story. While I intend to do so, I plan on sharing the story only briefly. As I touch upon the emerging reality, I pray I do so with the utmost respect and sensitivity. My intention is to hold honor for Margie and portray the events as honestly and as simply as I can. With humility, Linda

Margie was a gatherer of both animals and people. She took care of the stray cats that showed up at her door, the crows that dove for food, and the deer that came up from the gulch to feed off of her flowers. You know the flowers, those delicate roses that are so enticing. No matter what the deer wanted to eat, Margie gave full permission for them to be in her yard and take what they needed. Margie was just that kind of person—open, accepting, and inclusive of all, and I mean all! Margie responded to a human being or animal need without question. She was there offering whatever she had to fulfill what was needed.

As for we humans, she was inclusive too! With her attention and frequent invitation, her home was a gathering spot where we all came together and were enriched by the experience. We were kind of like the deer, coming and munching, and enjoying one another. On the many occasions that we gathered, we were a wonderful conglomerate of humanity. One reality is that many of us would have never known one another if it hadn’t been for Margie. She seemed to pull people out of the woodwork from all walks of her life experience. And, let me tell you, each of us is consciously, gratefully aware of the gift she was to us and for what she brought into our lives by her gatherings.

In the spring of 2008, our dear friend Margie was unexpectedly diagnosed with an unusual form of cancer that had already pervaded the lining of her body’s internal organs. By diagnosis time, the cancer was already pervasive throughout her system. It had spread without detection or outward symptoms. Her initial treatments proved to be ineffective, very fatiguing, and with a gloomy prognosis, Margie chose to go into Hospice Care. Shock and grief filled the hearts of Margie’s family and all of her friends. Our rare emotion was pervasive. Tears flowed and we did the best to comfort one another. All of our hearts were aching with grief.

Next entry: Friends helped and duties were lovingly performed.

With blessings, Linda

Linda Fortune
Author of Regal: An Intimate View of One Magnificent Feline

A hypothesis for Tux’s behavior
Tip 4: Animal behavior is, in part, a reflection of their feelings.

Welcome,

From stories that I have heard from Margie and from other friends, many of them saw the softer side of Tux especially early on. Tux would sit in their laps and loved the attention. Over time, she significantly reduced her lap sitting with others and became more single focused on Margie. She would sit on Margie’s lap, rest with her on the bed (usually dozing on Margie’s hip), and established a no-Millie zone in the house. Along with the disappearing act, she took over when all the company was gone. Maybe she had about enough when she was in hiding and so came out and took charge when all was quiet. She ruled the house where Millie was concerned.

Another problem that started early on and persisted for many years was urinating outside of the litter box. There may have been a urinary track problem of some sort because I do know that the vet was consulted and a particular food was recommended. This urinary tract issue may have started the problem of urinating but the remedy did not cure the problem. Possibly, once the odors were established, the pattern was set. Anyway, this problem persisted to some degree for years.

Margie and most friends theorize and feel pretty certain that there was some irritation on Tux’s part with Millie’s presence. Whether she was jealous of all the attention Millie got or was just one of those territorial cats, we will never know for sure. What we do know is that Tux seemed to take charge once the house was quiet. She would boss Millie around by not letting her come upstairs at night time and insisting that she move off Margie’s lap so that she could curl up there instead. The general consensus became that Tux was one of those cats that just needed be the only cat. She seemed to be a one person cat.

While we will never know for sure the cause of Tux’s change in demeanor, we do know that for whatever reason, Tux’s inner state and behavior seemed to change over the years. As for us, we became increasingly reluctant to engage with Tux even if an opportunity did arise and she became known as a ‘pistol’. Millie became the favorite because she was easy to be with and Tux was treated with caution and hesitation.

Next entry: Tip 5 and a significant circumstance changes the picture.

With blessings, Linda

Linda Fortune
Author of Regal: An Intimate View of One Magnificent Feline

Tux, the pistol.
Tip 3: Animals have personalities too.

Welcome,

As I said, over the course of years, Tux’s behavior changed and it seemed her personality did as well. From what I have heard, she shifted from being a friendly and engaging cat to becoming very cautious when others were around. Mostly, Tux would immediately disappear when I or any of Margie’s other friends would come to visit. She always kept her distance or would simply vanish.

I mostly remember Tux as a flash in awareness as she would run for cover either upstairs or down to her abode in the basement. If I saw her at all, it was only momentary. She seemed scared of all other people except for Margie and I felt sadness for her—for being so scared and for, what I would think of as, being lonely or alone so much of the time.

If I were taking care of Millie and Tux for a few days while Margie was out of town, I would always be able to pet Millie and sit with her. Tux on occasion might remain next to the heat register when I entered the house. She enjoyed the heat coming from the register and wasn’t totally willing to give it up upon my arrival. She would watch me carefully from a distance. If I attempted an approach, she would immediately dart in the direction of one of her secure hiding spots. Even at those times, I was never able to get near her.

I do remember two or three occasions over the years when Tux did come out when we were all sitting around the table having dinner. When she approached and moved her body in such a way that I felt she wanted me to scratch her back, I would happily touch her. She would receive the touch for a moment and then would end the session abruptly with a sharp swat of her claws. It was like she was conflicted. She wanted to be touched but then fear would rise up and she would become defensive once again.

Next entry: Tip 4 and a hypothesis for Tux’s behavior.

With blessings, Linda