This is my cat, Maggie.She's the first cat I've owned as an adult but not my first cat. My parents always had cats when I was growing up. I think we even have a picture somewhere of me as a toddler, in my crib...with our cat, Winky. (Of course my grandma was convinced the cat would kill me, but my mom thought it was cute - "Look at the kitty in the baby's bed!")
Winky got run over by a car, but she wasn't our last family pet. I remember many nights as a teenager, crying to my cats, Hoover and Minnie. I'm not saying they knew why I was upset or agreed that my mom was the meanest mom EV-ER. But they knew I was sad. And they sat on my bed and let me pet them until I calmed down.
Mark got Maggie for me shortly after I graduated from college. He was traveling for work, and I was lonely. So he got me this tiny, abandoned kitten from the local shelter.
You've seen that picture of the ducks who follow around the dog? They imprinted on that dog, believing she's their mother. And that's kind of what happened to Maggie and me.
My cat really believes I'm her mama. It's true. She snuggles up to me in bed every night before Mark gets home - laying on my arm with her head on Mark's pillow. And most nights she climbs up on my lap and makes me hold her like a baby.
Now, in this picture, my baby is just yawning. But to be honest, she pretty much fears - and therefore hates - everyone except Mark and me. And she tolerates Annalyn. So, I'll admit that though she's the sweetest baby cat to me and she's never hurt anyone, Maggie may have shown this face at other times that did not involve yawning.
I know she's just a cat. But to me, she's my first baby. (Of course I love Annalyn more! But you know what I mean...!) So, today, I am thankful for pets.
Do you have a pet? What's your favorite animal?
