Early last month, when I had my interview with the cats only boarding facility, one of the things they mentioned they were looking for was sympathy. Compassion. Not only for cats in all different states of mind, but for the owners, too.
Often, the owners are dropping off their babies for the very first time. These pets have never been away from home, maybe never spent a night without someone from their human family. Part of my job is reassuring the human family that their feline friend will be safe and loved and attended to.
And I can sympathize. Remember back in October, when I went back home for a friend’s wedding? I was so anxious about leaving my dogs in the care of a friend. Not because she doesn’t love dogs in general and my dogs in particular. Not because I didn’t think she could handle the responsibility. I was worried about all the things that could go wrong.
What if Moose or Lally got sick or hurt? What if one of the neighbors’ dogs got loose and picked a fight? What if Lally refused to eat? What if Moose never stopped barking?
My friend Julie handled it all with her usual grace and gentleness. Lally ate all her meals. When Moose was agitated, she settled him down. They did have a run-in with some of the dogs who are allowed to run loose, and all parties involved were just fine.
That doesn’t mean I don’t get nervous anyway. I’m going away again and Julie is coming to stay with Moose and Lally. And I’m resisting the urge to leave notes and signs all over the place with little details. Lally likes to have the back of her neck scratched. Moose has been limping more lately, so keep his walks short if you can. Lally gets the ceramic bowl because she is allergic to plastic and will break out if she eats from a plastic one.
I can definitely sympathize with the cat owners who bring along their cat’s favorite treats or beloved toy. I can reassure the folks who take time from their vacation to call in and check on their furry friend. I can do it because I’ve been on their side of things, too.