AxBlog

ladies and gents, we’d like you to meet nigel.

now the story. for months, several at least, my wife and boys have been begging for a pet of some form. i’m not much of a pet person, so i’ve been completely hesitant. it is very hard to be “firm” when these boys are pleading… “daddy can we have a kitty? or maybe a puppy?” could you say no to them? i couldn’t either.

so a few weeks back, i set forth THE CONDITIONS(tm). Cat/kitten must have:

all pertinent vet work done - spayed/neutered/heartworm/earworm/flea/shots etc
short hair
free. yes. free.

pretty smart i thought i was. leaving very little room for a kitty to fall into THE CONDITIONS(tm). and then it happened. this past sunday, the phone rang. it was my friend rod. “i hear you’re looking for a free kitty? i know where there is one.” and just like that, it was ON. the boys were bouncing off the walls, michelle was giggling like kindergartener with a new barbie. off to hellmart(ok so wal-mart) for supplies. 1 cat box, litter, bowls, food, etc. $17. Monday late afternoon we picked up the cat.
originally named “curt”, we immediately chose a new monniker. nigel. like nigel marvin of animal planet, like nigel craine of frasier, but not after either of those. we were set. i was soo excited.  i had my reservations, but was more than willing to give the feline a chance. immediately upon arrival, the cat freaked out. bolted around our house finding every room. “this is normal” i told myself. “this will pass” i reaffirmed myself. 5 hours later, it hadn’t. nigel was appearing to be the sort of cat that you HAD to play with. constantly. without ceasing, or you would be jumped upon, and clawed at, bitten etc.
then it set in. this is *NOT* cool. i’m enjoying this as much as a novacaine free root canal.
“give him another day” i hear my brain saying. “he’ll be better tomorrow”
he wasn’t. middle of day 2 the lady who gave us nigel called michelle, to check up on how things were going, a nice touch i thought. and michelle was honest, “yes we’re having some troubles with this kitten.” The nice cat lady offered that if we’d like it, she could, and would, take him back if things didn’t “work out”.
i’m here to tell you that they didn’t.
apparently we’re not pet people. we thought we were or at least could be.
apparently not.
sorry jess. i know this must sadden you deeply.
for more on the issue, and our ensuing horrible parenting moment,
check michelle’s blog over here.
now you know the story, the saga, that is Nigel, the 48 hour cat.