Pet Stories Blog

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