Does your pet have a history that seems to match a work of fiction?
If I had to name a novel that is most like one of my pets, it would be to place my gray cat Emily in Jane Eyre—as Jane herself. We’re not sure of her history, but we know it was difficult, until she settled into an easy life here with her Mr. Rochester—our cat Merlin.
Merlin used to meet other cats, even those he turned out to like, with a lot of hissing and grumbling and suspicion. But he fell in love with Emily at first sight, eager to welcome her into the house. We weren’t so sure about this skinny cat with her gray hair all dirty, brittle, and falling out. (In her modest, dove gray governess dress?) She was timid (terrified) of Merlin and us, everyone in fact but the dog, who even as a puppy I hesitate to compare to Jane’s charge, with her hair in ringlets—even though Emily became his surrogate mother and he is somewhat spoiled in a charming, innocent sort of way.
With Merlin, though, it was as if he stood at the door, opened it wide, and beckoned her in, saying to us, “Isn’t she beautiful?” while we looked on in amazement. She always did have lovely eyes, I must admit, but—but—we feared she was out of his class. Merlin never fussed over her presence, and he shared everything he owned with her from the first day. Up until then, I was his favorite. I hope that doesn’t make me the mad woman hidden in the basement attic. Er—no, that’s too literal.
What novel has your pet lived?
Interesting question but I’ll need to ponder longer. Our current cat, Sabrina, was rescued from a neighbor’s garage and has accompanied me since, moving from house to house, always staying indoors. Eating and sleeping mostly, which might mean her life has been like a very boring literary novel. Not much plot!
What an interesting challenge. I’m hoping that sometime in the next day or two, I can come up with an answer.
Smokey Joe is a young rescued Maine Coon cat, and we’ve had him just about a year now. He’s a dashing sort with an unhappy past. I’m sure there’s a story in his past, and I hope I can come up with it soon.
Thanks for the mental exercise.
What a charming tale (tail). I’ll think about Jasmine and her story and see where she fits in. You do have the most wonderful ideas!
Our cat, Biscuit, is totally the Queen of the House. Probably she is the evil queen in Snow White…when her sister was alive, she was always attacking her when she got too much attention from us.