Those of you who have been around awhile know of my challenge socializing Maliik. It took 1.5 yrs to completely gain his trust and another 1.5 yrs to be able to touch him without him cringing. He can be petted now but picking him up is still a work in progress and at great risk to me.
Last night, DH disobeyed the cardinal rule of closing doors and tried to bring in the cat stroller while the garage door was open. Maliik was in the laundry room and escaped. He ran into our neighbor's backyard, low fenced and backing a very busy street. For the 20 minutes it took us to convince him this was a bad idea, I swear I didn't draw a breath and my heart was hammering in my chest. Luckily he realized he'd made an error in judgment and ran back into the house where he took refuge on top of the laundry room cabinets.
I headed to the tequila, poured 2 knuckles worth and downed it in one swallow, staggered to the couch in sheer emotional exhaustion and proceeded to cry at what could have happened and in relief that he was ok. Maliik came into the living room and sat on the floor near me. Then he jumped up on the couch and sat next to me which is not unusual. I invited him into my lap and lo and behold, he puts his paws on my leg and lays his head down. I stopped breathing again. I've waited for this for soooo long and would often tell him that if sat in my lap just once a year, I would be happy.
I wasn't sure what he'd do if I tried to pet him but took the chance and he hurled as much of his body onto my lap as would fit, curled up as best he could and took a nap. I was stunned, started crying so hard I had snot running down my face. Hell, I've got tears running down my face now. HE SAT IN MY LAP. OMG OMG OMG HE SAT IN MY LAP. Those of you who have faced similar challenges know how this feels -- it's indescribable.
So, I got my wish and an early birthday present from my boy, and a reminder that miracles happen.
Last night, DH disobeyed the cardinal rule of closing doors and tried to bring in the cat stroller while the garage door was open. Maliik was in the laundry room and escaped. He ran into our neighbor's backyard, low fenced and backing a very busy street. For the 20 minutes it took us to convince him this was a bad idea, I swear I didn't draw a breath and my heart was hammering in my chest. Luckily he realized he'd made an error in judgment and ran back into the house where he took refuge on top of the laundry room cabinets.
I headed to the tequila, poured 2 knuckles worth and downed it in one swallow, staggered to the couch in sheer emotional exhaustion and proceeded to cry at what could have happened and in relief that he was ok. Maliik came into the living room and sat on the floor near me. Then he jumped up on the couch and sat next to me which is not unusual. I invited him into my lap and lo and behold, he puts his paws on my leg and lays his head down. I stopped breathing again. I've waited for this for soooo long and would often tell him that if sat in my lap just once a year, I would be happy.
I wasn't sure what he'd do if I tried to pet him but took the chance and he hurled as much of his body onto my lap as would fit, curled up as best he could and took a nap. I was stunned, started crying so hard I had snot running down my face. Hell, I've got tears running down my face now. HE SAT IN MY LAP. OMG OMG OMG HE SAT IN MY LAP. Those of you who have faced similar challenges know how this feels -- it's indescribable.
So, I got my wish and an early birthday present from my boy, and a reminder that miracles happen.