Something life with Murphy has made me realize lately is that Wayne, me, and our fur kids are one tight knit clan. Which is sort of a remarkable thing in one respect.
On the one hand, we’re a family made up of humans and animals. We’re not related by blood, but our bond is as strong as any blood bond could be.
On the other hand, it’s hard to believe that just a little over a year ago we were a house divided. (Literally. Wayne was in Florida working a new job while I stayed behind trying to sell the house. Mr. Meow and Tabby were just starting to tolerate each other.)
But this experience with Murphy has put a lot of things in perspective. Namely, how we’re there for each other, good times and bad.
Playing Together
The cats relish play time. Used to be they loved their play time with me and Murph. We used to have a routine in the mornings after we kissed Wayne goodbye. Murph would grab a toy and I’d chase him around the house. The cats would dive into their respective huts and would jump out at me and Murph as we raced past. Then, when Murph needed a break and wanted to chew his toy, I’d wrestle with the cats or wave the wiggy wand around for them to attack.
But once the cats became play pals, they also started developing their own private play games. The other day I realized just how much they enjoy each other.
I was hanging up towels in our bathroom. Mr. Meow was helping. I’d stopped to thank him by petting him and then wrestling with him. (He loves grabbing on my hand and biting and kicking me.)
Suddenly Tabby walked into the bedroom. Mr. Meow instantly released my hand and dashed off to stalk her. She wasn’t paying attention, so he dodged into the closet to lay in wait. Seconds later he sprung out and surprise tackled her. Next thing I know they’re tearing around the bedroom, hiding behind things and hunting each other. In other words, they were having a blast.
Pottying Together
You know you live in a close knit family when there are no closed bathroom doors –especially when the bathroom’s in use. We have a very open door potty policy in this house.
The cats share litter boxes, all the animals follow Wayne and I to the bathroom when we have to go, and even Wayne and I don’t bother being ashamed about going in front of each other. And of course we’re there when Murph goes. The cats long to be, even watching for us to return from walks from the window.
Drinking Together
Because of Murph’s cone head, I thought it’d be easier for him to drink out of a regular bowl instead of the drinking fountain one they all share. I put a bowl full of water on the floor just for him, but do you know those cats are now drinking out of it instead of the other bowl? Apparently whatever bowl Murph’s using is the one they all want to use.
Sleeping Together
We may not always sleep in the same bed (although most times the bed is pretty crowded), but we’re almost always in the same room. (Except for the next eight weeks while Murph heals. Even then, Tab’s been dividing her time between our room and the living room.)
Healing Together
Doesn’t matter if it’s a cold, a broken heart, or a hurt paw. If one of us goes down, the others are there to help with the healing. Every time I’m sick they all give me a little extra TLC. (Especially Mr. Meow. He does his “holding paws” thing with me even more, as if to try and comfort me.)
When Tab had her mastitis we did all we could to nurse her back to health. And speaking of that Tabby Girl, she’s been great about using her special powers to help ease the pain I feel about my mom dying.
And now Murph’s down with the most severe injury he’s ever had. We’re all doing whatever we can to help him, literally, get back up on his feet.
Yep, we sure do a lot of things together as a family. I guess that’s what helps us stay together.