Frequently
heard
Our companionable pets like to accompany us at all times. Where we go, so go they. Going to the loo? We’ll come, too. Having a shower? We’ll show you the way. Bedtime? Up the wooden hill to Bedfordshire we all go.
One of the favourite places for them to join us is the kitchen, the heart of the house, where interesting things happen and titbits may be available, especially for good dogs. If something very tasty and possibly fish or cheese-related is being prepared, Jellicoe is at the head of the queue. He has the advantage of the dogs because he can – and does – leap onto the worktop, ready with teeth and talons to help himself to what is NOT on offer to him.
Hence he finds himself enticed into the conservatory from where he watches through the internal patio door in disbelief that once again he has been fooled into entering a temporary, though extremely comfortable, prison. Loud miaous and scrabbling, if not falling on deaf ears, elicit no reprieve until all preparations have been completed and the repast has been safely stowed in fridge, freezer, cooker or stomach, depending on the stage of preparedness. Then is he released, to caress and purr and otherwise express his delight at being allowed to rejoin the family.
Herschel is a cat of a different cast. He is not as greedy – or desperate – as his brother and does not push forward to steal whatever he can hook with his claws. When Jellicoe is incarcerated, Herschel enjoys a transitory respite from his sibling, who, though smaller and lighter, nonetheless bullies him, swiping him as he passes on his innocent passage elsewhere. It must be said, though, that occasionally the claw is on the other paw, resulting in a feline boxing match as each brother tries to gain the ascendant. The sharp order, ‘Stop squabbling!’ usually halts them in their tracks.
Meanwhile, the dogs sit to attention, closely watching every movement, helping to tidy away morsels that drop to the floor, though some things are sniffed and rejected. Raw onion is not appreciated, but carrot, cucumber, blueberries, tomatoes and most savoury ingredients are gratefully consumed.
Sometimes, though, the situation becomes untenable and then the kitchen has to be cleared of all four-footed chums. It is not possible to move quickly when furry obstacles present themselves at every turn and the frequent cry of ‘Mind away’ is heard with increasing desperation. This utterance is a contraction of ‘Mind out of the way’, with an implied ‘please’, naturally. As with all friends, our cats and dogs deserve courtesy and respect.
‘Mind away’ is probably one of the most commonly heard expressions in our house.
All your furry beings are just beautiful but Hershel & Jellicoe have the most gorgeous markings on them. I am glad you have one that jumps on the counter top too as I also do & some folk think this is most unsatisfactory I think. Wishing you all a wonderful weekend xx
ReplyDeleteSome people are animal-inclined, others simply aren't, and aren't they the poorer for it?
DeleteWhen Roxy lies still and wonders if it's worth her while to move, I know EXACTLY how she feels. She is making a calculation in her head about benefits vs costs: if I go outside to pee, it will be cold, wet and lonely, but on the other hand the pressure on my bladder will reduce. On the other hand, I might find a skerrick of food under the patio table.
ReplyDeleteShe's quite a wise dog. You've introduced me to a new word. I've never heard 'skerrick' before - it's lovely.
DeleteOh that picture of Jellicoe! He is saying "hand over the fish and no-one gets hurt!" Neither of my cats ever jumped up onto the kitchen bench, probably they can see there would be no room for them, my kitchen is tiny. But Lola now eats on the table where I have set aside a corner for her with a newspaper placemat, it seems to be the only place she feels is safe when eating.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of Lola having her own place mat on the table. It's nice to have company when you're eating.
DeleteMr T made a habit of coming quietly to the kitchen and sitting in the middle of the floor where he risked being stepped on by me stepping backwards. In 15 years however I think I only really got his tail only 2 or 3 times and as i go barefoot indoors often felt the fur before the weight was applied. I guess he was simply supervising.
ReplyDeleteCats can move so silently and, of course, they expect their humans to pay attention at all times.
DeleteWe only have two cats, that's enough in our small kitchen, our oldest cat Grace thinks all food is for her, but will sniff and walk away from her favourite food. If I open a can, they think it's Tuna and it's for them and the kitchen becomes a mad place.
ReplyDeleteA hungry, determined cat is not to be messed with. Two such cats will make life . . . difficult;-)
ReplyDeleteYou have a full house with 4 fur babies. That just makes life more satisfying, I feel. I am enjoying Jellicoe's look. Precious sometimes gets on the counter when food if not forth coming quickly enough.
ReplyDeleteCats can be very insistent. Does Precious miaou at you to get a move on?
ReplyDeleteAh, that made me smile throughout, Janice! Our Bess does tend to follow us around everywhere as well, and the kitchen counter is definitely one of her favourite places. We often have to lock her out of the kitchen as well. In fact, she's feeling really sorry for Jellicoe in his conservatory prison! xxx
ReplyDeleteBess and Jellicoe - soul-mates! x x x
ReplyDelete