Short Bus Family

Growing up, my family had lots of pets.  My parents were (and are) animal-lovers, so my two sisters and I were destined to follow.  As adults, all three of us have pets that we consider our own "new" families. I myself have two cats, my sister just lost a cat but also has a dog (beautiful Auggie,) and my other sister, the violinist (if you know a musician, this story will probably not surprise you,) has three cats and a dog.  This sister's "family" is very loving and very spoiled, as they should be.  However, these pets are slightly different than most.  For some reason, my sister attracted or was drawn to, a most interesting collection of animals.  Seemingly "normal" on the outside, in reality they each have their own special "quirk," something that sets them apart from the general flock.  And I would expect nothing less from my sister.

My sister adopted her dog from a local shelter when he was just a puppy. Murphy is a black and white bird dog who had gangly ears and long legs from day one.  Although he eventually grew into a medium-large adult dog, his ears were still a little, well, stunted.  When my nephew was very young, he so perfectly said it in his awestruck way, "he (Murphy) kept growing and growing, but his ears stayed the same size!"  Murphy's handsome, but somewhat awkward, shape and size isn't all that makes him "unique."  This tall, lean hound makes a distinct grumbling noise that sounds EXACTLY like a Wookie from Star Wars.  It's amazing!  You couldn't imitate the sound as perfectly if you tried.

Winston, a large, black, male cat, was my sister's "first born."  He is a good, mature-seeming boy, with the appearance of sophistication and esteem.  When I look at him, I actually think of Wilford Brimley, however, he's not amused when I get in his face and recite the Liberty Mutual commercial, "I'd like to take a minute to talk to you about life insurance..."  As the most stable and sensible (it seems) of the family, my sister calls Winston her "rock."  So, it's somewhat surprising to hear this intimidating, big male cat's "meow."  This badass cat has the highest pitch "Castratti" voice, not unlike Mike Tyson.

Then there's Parker.  Parker was a preemie kitty, who wasn't expected to make it.  But he was adopted by a veterinarian's office, more particularly, the black lab who lived there.  The lab nursed baby Parker back to life, but Parker would never develop fully as an adult cat.  Small in stature, he is always cold and constantly looking for someone (cat, dog, human) to snuggle up to.  Parker acts more like a human baby or even Cabbage Patch Doll, perfectly content to be swaddled in a blanket or wrapped and zipped up in your hoodie.  As small and petite as he is, however, mysteriously Parker thumps down the hall so heavy-footed, you would think he weighed 100 pounds.

Fergus is my sister's somewhat recent addition.  He is a youthful red-head (orange kitty) that lived on the streets and probably ate out of garbage cans for years.  A healthy young brut, Fergus looks to be an all-American feline boy.  However, three year-old Fergus, as it turns out, still likes to nurse like a newborn kitten.  My sister discovered this phenomenom when wearing a particular green cotton nightgown.  Her new cat, rescued from the hard streets of Memphis, suckled and found comfort in the lining of the fabric.  Years later, Fergus has kept up the habbit, continuing to "nurse" on that one green garment.  When my sister goes out of town each summer, she makes sure to bring along Fergus' nursing nightie so that he can feel the comforts of home even when he's away.

To know her pets, is to know my sister.  Her family is a unique bunch, to say the least.  I would expect nothing less from my sister who takes great pride in being "one of a kind," which she most-definitely is.  As someone close to her, I also know that she has a special place in her heart for others who are different.  I know my sister as someone more warm and vulnerable than she would ever care to admit.  And for that, I appreciate her and her crazy family even more.