WHO?
Strümpel
WHERE?
Andernach, Germany
WHAT?
"You are the best dog I have ever met!"
HOW did she react?
Sitting on my lap she looked up. She kept treading against my legs, purring. Then she hid her face in my elbow pit. And went to sleep.
HOW did I feel?
Relaxed. I was studying for my psychology exams. When she jumped on my lap I remembered something I'd read an hour ago: Stroking an animal for ten minutes is proven to be relaxing and generally health promoting.
Growing up I was always surrounded by cats. My family's oldest cat died at the age of fifteen this past week. He was a very special man who had been sick forever. I miss him. Rest in peace, Diabolo.
Our youngest one's called Strümpel. Though my mother didn't aim at it she came up with the ultimate German pronunciation test creating Strümpel's name. If you happen to be a non German native learning the language this is a great word to practice. Go ahead and try. Sounding hoarse and like you're sneezing, wheezing and spitting simultaneously? You're on the right track! Feel free to send me a recording. I'll get you a case of finest German beer if you're there. And a compliment on your language skills :)
Strümpel is transcational: She goes beyond cat. She is a dog in a cat's body. And a human. She likes when you sing to her. When she had just arrived at our house she would leave her hideout under the oven only if she heard someone sing. Once she was out she didn't mind being touched. Quite the opposite: She started purring. And climbed up any body she could jump on, looking for a spot to hang out at. Back then it used to be heads and shoulders. For hours. Now it's laps. As soon as you sit down she comes. And stays until you get back up. She hides her face in armpits, elbow pits or pockets. There she drools. Now all this is catty, I know. But I have never lived with a cat that feels when when you're sad before. Strümpel does. Cry with her in the house and she will come running from another floor and snuggle up to you.
She is always happy if you grab her, no matter if she's just been playing, sleeping or hunting. There is nothing in this world she likes better than cuddling. The face she makes during that tells you: "I love you.". When you come home, she comes running, ready to love. I am still waiting for her to start wagging her tail yet I am sure she was born in the wrong body- no matter how soft and cute that body is.
Strümpel
WHERE?
Andernach, Germany
WHAT?
"You are the best dog I have ever met!"
HOW did she react?
Sitting on my lap she looked up. She kept treading against my legs, purring. Then she hid her face in my elbow pit. And went to sleep.
HOW did I feel?
Relaxed. I was studying for my psychology exams. When she jumped on my lap I remembered something I'd read an hour ago: Stroking an animal for ten minutes is proven to be relaxing and generally health promoting.
Growing up I was always surrounded by cats. My family's oldest cat died at the age of fifteen this past week. He was a very special man who had been sick forever. I miss him. Rest in peace, Diabolo.
Our youngest one's called Strümpel. Though my mother didn't aim at it she came up with the ultimate German pronunciation test creating Strümpel's name. If you happen to be a non German native learning the language this is a great word to practice. Go ahead and try. Sounding hoarse and like you're sneezing, wheezing and spitting simultaneously? You're on the right track! Feel free to send me a recording. I'll get you a case of finest German beer if you're there. And a compliment on your language skills :)
Strümpel is transcational: She goes beyond cat. She is a dog in a cat's body. And a human. She likes when you sing to her. When she had just arrived at our house she would leave her hideout under the oven only if she heard someone sing. Once she was out she didn't mind being touched. Quite the opposite: She started purring. And climbed up any body she could jump on, looking for a spot to hang out at. Back then it used to be heads and shoulders. For hours. Now it's laps. As soon as you sit down she comes. And stays until you get back up. She hides her face in armpits, elbow pits or pockets. There she drools. Now all this is catty, I know. But I have never lived with a cat that feels when when you're sad before. Strümpel does. Cry with her in the house and she will come running from another floor and snuggle up to you.
She is always happy if you grab her, no matter if she's just been playing, sleeping or hunting. There is nothing in this world she likes better than cuddling. The face she makes during that tells you: "I love you.". When you come home, she comes running, ready to love. I am still waiting for her to start wagging her tail yet I am sure she was born in the wrong body- no matter how soft and cute that body is.