Father's day must be Oliver's day! He's the only father (that we are aware of) here. I'm always happy to have another reason to celebrate my Oliver!
Pierre still adores his papa. I've seen them cuddling quite a bit, however, anytime Pierre notices that he's being seen by a human he bolts. So, that means I don't have many good pictures of Pierre.
Pierre has taken to enjoying the hanging basket on the cat tree,
which was one of Willow's favorite places.
I love seeing Pierre inside. He wanders around the apartment with his tail straight in the air talking to himself loudly, just like he used to do in the yard.
As you've might have noticed, I've not posted much lately. Over the past few months, I've been battling a significant depression, which has zapped most of my energy. Before we moved I started taking an anti-anxiety/depression medication, because the anxiety related to the move was overwhelming. The med helped for that, but it's not been helping with the recent blahs. I believe it was blocking me from connecting with and thus expressing the emotions under the depression. I think has been part of why I've not been able to get a handle on grieving Willow's death. My heart is now coming more online and it's good to feel once again.
Meanwhile, the miniature size of this apartment along with the appearance of the community cats outside is really cranking up the tension in the Fourwhitepaws cattery. Theo has been very mean to Oliver, constantly swatting at him and picking at him. Oliver sees and hears the community cats and gets all fired up about them and has resumed his spraying. Easy going Nahum even decided to get in on the spraying one day. Seeing the delicate balance of the cattery unravel has been really tough. We've taken some more steps to try to help (which I'll write about soon - I promise!) What we really need is to move into a larger space, so the cats are not always in each other's space.
Oliver goes to the vet on Monday to see if he might be a candidate for medications to ease his angst about the outside free roaming cats.
One thing I'm grateful for today, is that I was actually able to have lunch with my father today. It's been quite a few years since that has happened. Living closer to family was a big reason we moved, so having opportunity to meet up like that felt affirming of our decision, even though many other aspects of life-post move have been very difficult.
I hope you all had a lovely Father's Day and are enjoying your summers.
I have thought of all of you multiple times and wondered how you are doing..each one of you. I am so sorry that the space is so small. You are right of course...larger quarters would be wonderful if available. I am definitely sorry that the spraying has begun again after such a long space of time and that others are joining. that activity. I hope so much that the Vet has something to offer the cats so as to help ALL of you in that regard. And for you, I am hoping that perhaps a change of medication might be in order due to the side effects you are having with the one you are presently taking.
ReplyDeleteHugs to every one of the fur family and to you both.
I hope you and Laura soon will be able to find a larger place, one that's more suited to you all.
ReplyDeleteI also hope that coming off the meds (or changing them?) will help. It's so tricky to find the right one, or combination of ones. As someone who has had a history of depression, I can understand (some of) the challenges. We're all different, of course, and respond differently, but mental health issues seem especially difficult to get a handle on. :-/
Sending universal Light and Love and wish you all the very best.
I too hope you can find a larger place soon. Oliver has a special place in my heart as do you. I suffer from depression also and the last few months have seen me tip over with it. I am on meds and have started counseling and it's helping. Sending hugs!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Dad's Day! Sorry to hear about the cat's behavior, and your own health struggles. Take care.
ReplyDeleteguyz....heerz two happee timez a head for ewe all N dad az well N hope thingz start ternin round; we understand N send big time hugs for everee one ~~~~ ♥♥♥
ReplyDeleteHappy Belated Father's Day to a wonderful cat Dad!
ReplyDeleteI have been thinking about you a lot lately and have been missing your blog. I hope things settle for both you and the cats soon.. and the right house comes along for you
ReplyDeleteSending you (((hugs))) so sorry you have been depressed, but as you said it IS nice you were able to see your Dad! Praying things get better for you catchatwithcarenandcody
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