Monday, September 21, 2020

Into the Deep

Austin


He sees more than you think; he knows more than you suppose...he grew up on the streets, and that's about all you really fathom of this creature more complex than a mathematical conundrum.

Although you've gained his trust after way too many years of trying, the panic seen in his eyes when just a single ripple enters into his world, confirms he will always deflect to the wild side when your life crowds in a bit too much.

You're cautious to a fault, as his memory never seems to forget your error of judgement when you choose wrong on his behalf, and forgiveness seems to be a fault more than a strong point in the eyes of this creature.

If a thousand cats showed up on your doorstep pleading choose me, choose me instead, you'd send them all away, because...well, because he choose you, and you'll never ever let him down.

He's a bit vocal with his complaints, causing everyone to admit he's in the building when he gets stressed, but in the peace of any of his days, he'll rub your legs until he gets the petting he requests.

You keep up with all his little quirks and his preferred methods of affection; and no matter the occurrences throughout his day and yours, he's always the apple of your eye come nightfall and bedtime.

I never ask myself why I can't live without cats, because I could, you know; but the void would be as if a thousand universes could easily exist within; and my home without a cat would be a home without me.











As a child, I grew up with indoor/outdoor cats that never saw the inside of a veterinary clinic.  If one became ill, it suffered, then died.  If one met a cat hater, it was sure to be poisoned at one time or another.  Male cats might show back up at the door next morning bloodied with an ear torn and limping.

They interbred, and when nature didn't eliminate the little ones fast enough, well... one day mom took photographs of the eleven to remember them, then dad stuffed them all into cardboard boxes (including my favorite), drove them out to the desert, and blew their little lives to kingdom come with his shotgun.  I was never the same again.

While this may seem a horror story, it was business as usual back then, and judging by the number of discarded cats at animal shelters, a practice that is still going strong today.  It was a black lesson in what goes wrong when one does not become responsible for the well-being of what they have tamed.

A lesson that has never been forgotten.  I never allow myself to think of anything in nature as less important than me.  It would be nice if we who believe this way were as common as pebbles on a beach; but, in reality, I think we who believe this way are a rarity more precious than gold.  That saddens me.

I need a pick-me-upper, so I'm going gardening today.  I have wild petunias, sideoats grama grass, pussytoes, columbine, cardinal flower, and bee balm to plant before we get too far into autumn.  Hopefully, something doesn't come along causing me to drop everything and chase it with a camera.  Wish me luck :)



Little White (Cabbage) Butterfly (female)
on Ironweed plant









Wind swayed long branch back and forth
two feet each way.
She stayed around for half hour
while I worked in the garden.





36 comments:

  1. It is ironic perhaps, that having spent my entire lifetime involved with wildlife in one form or another, and still occupy virtually all of my time in this manner to this day, I have never had the desire to have an animal in my home, and given the extent to which I travel (pre-COVID, of course) it would be impractical anyway.

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    1. It's work and time consuming, so perhaps you have chosen wisely. We all do what's best for ourselves, and you love nature where it was meant to be. It's kind of ironic for me that I hate the concept of zoos, but will confine a cat to my house for too many reasons to list here. Always like hearing from you.

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  2. I love cats and dogs and think this post is wonderful :))

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  3. Hello,
    This post made me think of my younger days, when I would come home with any stray dog I could find. I am a dog lover, but I understand your love of cats. I love all wildlife, always amazed by what I see. Loved your post and the Cabbage White photos are beautiful.
    Take care, enjoy your day! Wishing you a happy week!

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  4. I always loved Cats. Austin looks mighty fine. It´s she am I right?

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    1. The name is used either way, but Austin is an adorably handsome he.

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  5. A sweet tribute to your sweet and handsome companion. I suspect your childhood memories of indoor/outdoor cats are shared in some form by most of us “of a certain age.” It was accepted behavior. Our treatment of *all* animal life is evolving . As are many of the behaviors we accepted back then. Always room for change for the better.

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  6. ...I love ironweed and cabbage butteries, but they fly around too fast for me!

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    1. I have that problem with the Gulf Fritillary butterflies. I see one darting around, then I'm looking all over the place to see where it disappeared to without much luck.

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  7. a beautiful cat and cute butterflies :)
    Thanks for sharing your friend. :)

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  8. I love cats :) Beautiful photos of butterfly also!!

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  9. Right, the Austin has a deep look and looks straight into the heart? Fortunately, he has a person like you, a soul that can read his wishes and fulfill them.
    Such a handsome man, I wouldn't send him away if he knocked on my door!

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  10. Cats do pick us and I've had many over the years. I've never hurt a kitty or a pup. They deserve to be happy. I know there have been awful things done to get rid of unwanted cats and that makes me sad.

    Have a fabulous day and thanks for visiting Comedy Plus. ♥

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  11. Hi!Beautiful little kitty cat!And the story is cruel but true.Before and today they just leave kittens in the water or something more cruel I even dont want to take those words in my mouth.Luckily here where i live (little community)We have sterilized many of the feral cats so there are not so many on the street anymore.I have received several i nmy house from the cat's protection and treated them until they got a new owner.One had diabetes and had to have insulin twice a day.I have none cats now because of my work .I want to say thank you very much for the tip regarding the blog and how to delete photos in the post.I have shared it with several others who did not understand it either.What I was wondering.Since I understand you are a master with data. How do I get a picture from the sidebar with blog followers? I have clicked several times that I want the picture and excerpts from other blogs but only text comes up. What am I doing wrong? Kind regards Anita

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  12. Your post made me think about our last cat named Stick Tail. He adopted us by coming in the kitty door to partake from the bowls in the kitchen for our other two cats. I chased him out several time before I relented and sat on the floor allowing him to come to me. Part of his tail was missing and recently crusted over. We got him to the vet and his tail was shaved, the raw end trimmed and stitched up. His hairless tail looked like a stick, hence his name. He lived for 23 years. For a short time towards the end of his life, he became my mom's constant companion. They both ended their long lives together, each getting the love and cuddles they needed. After Mom passed, Stick came back to live with us. It wasn't the calm, indoor condo life he had become used to, but it was an exciting end with outdoor cabin decks to explore and mice to chase. Hardly a day goes by that I don't see a black flash out of the corner of my eye. Like David, we travel too much (in normal times) so we haven't brought a new cat into our lives. Who know what the future will bring. - Margy

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  13. I never had a cat steal my heart until I moved to New Zealand. Our latest one from a shelter is a Russian Blue and more affectionate than any cat I've ever seen!

    I am glad you joined us at 'My Corner of the World' this week!!

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  14. I have a Austin at home called Montague. Your Austin is very handsome and so loved. He does look very comfortable now, because of you. I am glad that there are people like you in the world.

    -Soma

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  15. Oh, and also, gardening is wonderful when you need a pick-me-upper. The butterfly is beautiful!

    -Soma

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  16. What a beautiful tribute to your precious furbaby!

    God Bless people like you!

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  17. I once had a pet cat together with a pet dog when I was a kid. It is sad that animals are at the mercy of humans. Many of them have been ill-treated, abused and killed.

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  18. Austin is so sweet
    I love cats since I was a child

    greetings
    Rosi

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  19. I would have rather not read that, but I guess that happened on my farm too growing up. I can't live without cats either. They are better than people in my world. >^..^<

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  20. They have a wonderful, deep relationship with cats after these heavy, sad event in childhood. Her cat is so cute and I still have a lot of nice moments with her.
    The butterfly is beautiful. These are great photos. Autumn is coming and I also took pictures of some wildflowers before the cold and autumn storms hit me.
    Greeting Elke

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  21. I enjoyed your post ad the photos of your beautiful cat.

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  22. Lovely cats. Such a sad ending to your childhood story. But yes, people killed kittens because there were too many of them.

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  23. Hello. Lovely cat. Beautiful butterfly.
    Take care.

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  24. Hello, Austin is a cute cat, love the photos. I have never owned a cat, only dogs. Beautiful captures of the butterflies, they are like flying flowers. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Enjoy your day, wishing you a great weekend. PS, thank you for the comment!

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  25. How beautiful...you took such nice photos! Love that little butterfly too and your pretty flowers! Happy weekend!

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  26. Beautiful butterflies. Interesting observations about cats.

    Be well... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

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  27. what a beauty austin is!! i am a lover of butterflies and purple flowers, your combinations are superb!!

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  28. Beautiful pictures of the cat and the butterflies.
    I am a dog person myself.
    Happy Sunday and greetings Irma

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  29. What a powerful post. I had someone comment about drowning over 40 neighbourhood cats. It shocks me, still.
    We adore our cats.

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  30. Austin is so handsome ~ Human Nature is sad ~ your post is 'right on' ~ Way of the world ~
    Live each moment with love,

    A Shutterbug Explores,
    (aka A Creative Harbor)

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  31. What a fine looking cat Austin is. It's definitely sad how some people treat animals. I grew up with cats and dogs, love them both but have none at this time.

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  32. Horrible story but well said and unfortunately true. I love animals and have had a cat for many years. Dogs now and then. Austin is lucky to have you and you him!My plan is to always have a cat. No more dogs. Too old!

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  33. Thanks for visiting my blog Yvonne. Loved reading about Austin and your dad story about your cats while growing up. We always had cats ever since I was a child, my Dad used to bring home stray cats that showed up at his work. We got dogs after getting married, but then went back to cats, as they seem to "adopt" me.

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