My Roomie

Well, the time has finally come to talk about my roommate... she is 12 years old, a petite 6 pounds, prissy, loving, playful, friendly, funny, and awesome. Of course, it's my cat, Athena.Originally named after the Greek goddess of wisdom and victory, Athena has been a huge part of my life since my cousin, Felice, and I adopted her from a farm in Las Cruces, New Mexico when she was about 3 months old. She has lived with me ever since, except for about 6 months when she lived with my parents and was quickly made to be an 'outdoor cat' for a while! She then moved with me to Chicago and was quickly deemed 'the best cat in the world' by all my friends. She absolutely loves people... hates other cats! At every party at the house, she is right in the middle of crowd and will NOT be left out.

Here is a pic of Athena in her business-casual clothes:

Yesterday, I was woken-up by this weird sound that I thought was my phone vibrating. I looked around and couldn't see it. Finally, I looked up next to my head, and there on the other pillow all curled up was Ms. Athena snoring away... it was adorable. I realized at that point, how lucky I am to have her share my life... she has been a constant for me. She is always happy to see me when I get home, always wants to be around me when I'm cooking (or even in the bathtub!), watching T.V., or taking a nap. I had been telling people that this was going to be the first time that I have ever lived alone... but now I realize I cannot say that anymore... I still have a roommate! So, Athena, thank you for putting up with me and you can look forward to an extra helping of moist cat food tonight!

I am also posting 'A Pet's Ten Commandments' that I ran across a long time ago. I think every pet owner should commit these to memory and treat their animals as lovingly as they can.

A Pet's Ten Commandments

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Don't be frustrated and impatient.

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand the tone of your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old and weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old and need love, care, comfort and attention.

10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

~ Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. ~
~ Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without God's critters.~

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