Monday is Menosukhi Day

Monday is menosukhi day - the one in which I go all sentimental.  For a few weeks this means you are sharing my memories of two darling creatures, Jade Dog MacWoof and Jasper Cat MacMeow.

So there it was.  The dog arrived.  Jet Guinea-pig MacSqueak's eyes nearly popped out his head.  But he was a sturdy soul and after the initial cascade of squeals he settled back into routine.  It took all of about 10 minutes.  The new arrival in her turn had no idea what was going on so decided just to stick to my ankles.  Then Jasper wandered down the garden fence, sauntered really.  Well, perhaps semi-stalked is a better description. His keen and clear eye firmly fixed on the little red bundle at my feet.  At this point, he was 9 months old and fully in charge.  He was also about twice her size.  For the time being.

The name "Jade" had jumped into my head during the pet shop embarrassment.  This made it very convenient for introductions.  Jasper was his ever cool and suave self.  About one metre away he sat in his royal pose and simply watched her.  His face a blank canvas. 

Jade continued to skulk.  We all stood there on the back verandah, sniffing the air, and eyeing each other.  I didn't want to move as I had clearly become her lighthouse already.  Better not rock her boat.  It became apparent that Jasper understood this, so finally he just dropped down into 'the Sphinx' pose.  This was the message in unidog that,  "hi, I'm a friendly dude and won't bother you, come on over".  Jade, despite her meagre 8 weeks was of course totally conversant with the body language.  She went on over.

The bond was formed.  I tell you I am still, after all this time, stunned at the maturity and awareness of that cat.  I've known several in my life, but this fella...

First he let her pat his nose with her baby paw.  Then stick her nose in all his various curves.  He - a feline of the most supreme order remember - somehow got that he needed to stick his nose in at her back hip area (unidog for "I like you and I acknowledge you as a friend"), which she accepted.  After about 15 minutes of breaking the ice, Jasper got up and loped onto the grass, looking back to make sure she followed him!

Jade at first sat back on her puppy behind and just looked hapless.  Then Jasper - doglike - dropped down at the front with his backside in the air and tail up.  Unbelievable.  (I know this is April First - but cross my heart, gospel truth, et cetera and so forth.)  He had just said, in unidog, "come play".

She did.  From then on Jasper became Jade's social trainer.  He showed her round the garden, swatted her
nose (close-pawed) when she sent where not supposed to, showed approval when she got it right.  This included behaviour towards Brother Jet.  Which meant, when they all had their bath, I could leave them on the grass together and know it was happy families.

Jasper never played with the usual toys.  Even fluffy catnip mice were of no interest.  He liked nothing better than to play with long grass, or chew on a stick.

Yes you read that correctly.  Jade learned about sticks from Jasper Cat MacMeow.  I kid you not.  (Pastor Goose, Professor of Stickology, are you reading this??!)

Thus, the family unit was sealed and settled.

Next week...the human training...and other antics

(Did you visit Bozo yet?  Do go and say Hi to Pastor Goose also - he's a bloke of wisdom!)