By popular request I am providing an update on Harvey (and I so appreciate everyone who asks afer my new boy); my lover in the laundry. I sent these paragraphs to a dear friend on Saturday as part of a longer happy Harvey mail.I have a lover in my laundry. Oh he plays hard to get, skitters away when I dash in for the loo, a doggy treat, or cleaning equipment . He has even been known to hiss. But the moment I say, 'Hi Harvey' his eyes soften and he moves his body slightly toward me.
I know he wants me.
I go and pat his little head, rub his chest, back and tail. I have even cleaned his ears with a fresh cotton hankie, He pushes into my hand and lets me use two hands to massage him, he eats from my fingertips. He arches his body towards me as my hands move - first his head, and then his bottom, his tail curling through my fingers. He purrs, a wild rumbly purr that trips over itself to let more purrs out.
And when I leave, up to 40 minutes later, his body sags, his eyes say, 'I thought you loved me.'
What happened that this dear little cat who has so much love to give? When did he stop trusting? Why do our love fests take place in the laundry trough? I know, I know, I know that one day he will be on this bed with the rest of the furries, if only I could get him to willingly leave the laundry.
Tonight I sat on the floor with Archer and Harvey, watched my two boys smooch, one purring wildly the other tail wagging madly, both clambering over my legs and pressing against me. They are so comfortable together, Harvey squeezes under Archer, Archer pokes his tongue in Harvey's face and they rub noses continuously. Harvey is learning his name, and this past few days has started to take a few steps towards me as I call him. If I have Archer or Phantom with me he will come right up to us for his scratch and pat fix. We seem, the three of us. to end each day this way, precious, and a few more steps on the journey.
11 comments:
This is the sweetest thing! I've been keeping up with this and I feel so bad for Harvey that his trust was somehow marred.
Our Lucy hung around our back yard. We'd see her laying out there...we'd call "kitty" and she'd look up. One step and off she ran. We did this dance until we started to leave food out....she came when we weren't looking. but soon, she realized it was us that was providing it. Still we couldn't get too close. finally we'd sit on the porch and each day she came closer until finally....we could pet her. What a purr she has. We then got to pick her up. When the rains came we gave her a bed, litter box and food in the garage. I went out several times a day to love her. She was in. I can't imagine our home without her now.
Isn't it something how these 4 legged creatures crawl right in to our hearts and make them fuller.
I can't wait for the day Harvey runs to you, jumps on the bed with you and roams the entire house content and happy.
XOXO
Hang in there Julie it is worth waiting for--we were adopted by a kitten that followed us home one day.
He had obviously been left behind when his owners moved house and we tried to find his owners--HB went back to the area where he started following us and he headed for the empty house.
That's when he became ours--but sadly he is in Kitty Heaven now but we knew we gave him a good life full of love but we still miss him dearly.
What a lovely post. I am so glad that Harvey is showing more desire to be part of your home after such a traumatic start.
Give our love to Archer,
Ky
Harvey will learn to trust you though it may take some time. Once he realizes that all you have for him is love then he will succumb.
He's such a handsome guy!
How great Harvey is settling in finally. what a beautiful picture of him he looks like a new cat more relaxed
Jen
warms my heart on this cold night in ohio....i think it is a harder thing to gain a sweet kittys trust than a doggy for some reason but i know that he is coming around, he knows he is in a safe love surrounded house....
xoxoxox
~k
It's good to hear you being patient with this kitty. Poor things depend on people and not all people are dependable and some are even worse.
I have a skittish cat and 4 dogs all of whom came from less than ideal beginnings. Two of the dogs have to get to know a person before getting anywhere near them without a bark or a nip but once you take time with them they are the sweetest. The other two dogs are sweet anytime. The cat hides if anyone visits. But we love them all and they know it. My husband spoils them rotten.
Oh Julie....what a beautiful post. You write so well and I am so happy that Harvey is getting more and more comfortable.
And that is so sweet that Archer loves him so (he is a special boy).
It sounds like Harvey is getting more and more confident each day. And I know if he loved by you he is very blessed indeed.
I am so happy he is starting to respond to his name. Little Essie took about a month to get used to her name. And now comes to all different variations of it!
Harvey is looking more and more relaxed each photo. Such a handsome boy.
Dotee xoxo
What a cutie!
I have found your blog through My One World - One Heart Giveaway and wanted to invite you to visit my blog.
I am having a give away of an original pen and ink drawing for my One World-One Heart Give Away
Harvey looks most beautiful. And seems more settled than the frightened photo of him in the laundry trough.
Sunshine here today and I walked with my cats to the top of the hill and Elmo caught a mouse and Maurice and Pixie sat regal on a rock and surveyed their world.
Hope your lover settles. Maurice is mie and he has taken to sleeping in the bed with his chin on my shoulder and his tail curled tight around me. He says he is there to watch over my dreams and be sure no monsters creep into the room. I think maybe it is because he loves me.
OHHHH! I just love hearing about all of this !
( I O U A LETTER)
xo and Happy Valentine's Day (well actually it is tomorrow there !)
Love, S.
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