Watch. Me. Now. – Odetta

After a morning of errands and post office, it’s nice to ease into a slow shelter shift. I enjoy some quality time with Odetta, a plump, pretty tabby and white 5 year old. She’s all about cuddling, and as long as she’s got a lap to lounge in and a hand to rub her head, she’s happy. It’s disappointing for both of us – and a bit challenging as she really doesn’t want to leave the lap – when I have to roust her to continue my rounds.

There are several volunteers and not many possible customers, so I spend awhile with a woman and her precocious granddaughter, who’s maybe 5. She’s bright, bilingual, adores cats and likes to tell stories. Her pre-school visited the Macy’s SPCA windows downtown, and apparently she’s talked of little else since.

We go in with Potsie, a mellow, friendly and gorgeous 10 year old lynx point. The girl is most into playing with the noodle toy, but we cover hand sniffing, petting down the back, and watching for signs that a cat has had enough. Potsie is fine with the kid – she plays a little, and rubs around both of us. Pretty soon, though, she puts her paws firmly onto my knees, demanding my full attention.

The girl continues down the hall, telling stories about what the cats might be thinking and asking lots of questions. I like interacting with little kids like this, the same way I like cats. They’re so focused on the here and now. This is what I’m thinking. Pet me now.

The grandmother asks about age limits for becoming a volunteer, and I have to disappoint them by saying it’s older than 5. I mention the summer camp – the girl would surely enjoy that eventually. But clearly to her, something that might occur months from now is such a distant future as to be meaningless. Like a good kitty, she wants what she wants now.

Like the blog? Try my new e-book, Clarity. It's free to download here:
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/99806