Archive for February, 2009
All Our (Multi-Legged) Friends: Kisa
February 24th, 2009
This four-year-old’s Slavic name may sound vaguely female, and even imply a fragile build (Kisa = Kitty) – but Kisa is definitely a tomcat. A pensive one, but nevertheless a tomcat.
His owner, the commander-in-chief of our Listing Department, Anna, describes Kisa as “very quiet and selfish.” In her infinite kindness (aren’t we, cat owners, just utterly naive in our exculpatory interpretation of the slippery feline character???), Anna ascribes Kisa uniquely human qualities and goes on to qualify his quietness as his inclination to thinking… over acting.
Trying to get Kisa to take part in any activity appears to be an exercise in futility. Anna: “Kisa likes to observe…” Curiously, for a cat for sure, Kisa doesn’t demand attention, he “prefers to be left alone to his own thoughts.”
Kisa’s complexity vanishes when it comes to self-expression. Although never demanding of attention, he will go out of his way to show disdain; when he decides he doesn’t like someone, he will exact his revenge without delay or pretense: he will spray (and on occasion even pee on (!)) the offending guest’s personal belongings.
The opinionated tomcat was a $30 find, his original home a zoo store in South Carolina. We wonder if Kisa is still a South Carolinian deep inside, his soul spending its quiet hours yearning, longing… He doesn’t seem to enjoy New York as much. No back yard of his own – means no cat love for the Big Apple!
It could be that we all just got him wrong. It is quite possible that Mr-Grand-Thinker-Kisa is simply working on developing a surrogate sense of humor… or pondering a feline alternative to zen… or just trying to figure out how to get into MIT next year…
Either way, one thing’s for sure: when wet, Kisa finds it easier to defy gravity, his body mass seemingly shrinking into a tiny, slick, wet version of himself.
All Our (Multi-Legged) Friends: Bessie aka “Messie Bess” aka “Nubbie” aka “Catdog”
February 10th, 2009
Today’s Ideal Pet comes from Puerto Rico. Sure, Brooklyn is a far (however pleasant and homey) cry from lounging on the beaches… but this enchanting Boricua is a rescue dog who excitedly braved the cargo section of a United plane some four years ago.
Why all the nicknames, you ask? Bessie is a proud survivor of a car accident that cost her her tail (“Nubbie”). Never a stranger to danger, Bessie went on to fall from our 4-story apartment building: she got wheelchair bound, suffered a broken hip and her survival ability earned her a new nickname (“Catdog”). The vet is keeping the tab – he’s counted Bessie’s remaining lives down to 7.
“Messie Bess” dates back to when Kelli first brought Bessie home – her favorite pastime consisted of digging up all of our plants and hiding her bones and toys.
Bessie is the sweetest girl who enjoys lounging around the house, and pretty much anywhere she can catch a bit of sunlight. Catdog loves to snuggle up with anyone showing even remote interest! Most afternoons you’ll find her on our bed… under the covers, and with her head (of course, where else) on the pillows. Bessie’s favorite food items are Cheez-It’s, carrots and apples. But if you’re into her giving you the utmost love and attention – go with the occasional ear and tummy rub.
All Our (Multi-Legged) Friends: Gus
February 9th, 2009
Gus is Mike’s final entry into the Ideal Pet hall of fame. Mike: “My roommate after college had this cat, so I can’t claim him. I just thought the way he sits is funny as hell.”
Nicely put. But we’ll let you be the judge:
All Our (Multi-Legged) Friends: Mickey
February 6th, 2009
Mike’s list of pets continues with…. Mickey. In Mike’s own words, Mickey is…
… “a piece of work. My roommate attended the cat show at MSG and thought it would be a good idea to adopt an absolute mess of an animal. We named him after Mickey Rourke, because although he may have looked good at one point, he’s a complete train-wreck now. He has four teeth, a clipped ear, and an insatiable desire to scratch the hell out himself. Yep… he’s a cutter. After a couple thousand dollars at the vet, with four different doctors telling us four different things, nobody can figure out why he does what he does. The answer…. a cone. Mickey’s permanent attachment. Being a rescue, we have no idea how old Mickey is; we know he’s at least two, because that’s how long he’s had the damn cone on! Seriously though, he is a ham and no longer afraid of his shadow.
Yesterday: Mr. Steinbrenner… Tomorrow: Mike’s list ends with Gus!
All Our (Multi-Legged) Friends: Mr. Steinbrenner
February 5th, 2009
With Mr. Steinbrenner we continue introducing you to Mike’s pets.
Always in dire need of a haircut, Mr. Steinbrenner exhibits typical cat behavior – fat, lazy, and “leave me alone unless I want something.” None of us are sure of his age, as he’s a rescue, but we do know he snorts when he’s excited and when he yawns… he looks like the Predator.
All Our (Multi-Legged) Friends: Sage
February 5th, 2009
This week (and probably well into the next) we’re introducing you to our beloved pets. We begin with Mike and his impressively long list of furry companions. Meet Sage, Mr. Steinbrenner, Mickey and Gus.
Sage: This 10-year-old Husky is a bitch. A diva to the bone, Sage refuses to mingle with any other dog unless it’s an unfixed male, and even then just for a sniff. Loves pizza and anything with cheese. Sage has a beautiful singing voice and is fond of howling to “Drunken Sailor” and the theme song from “The O.C.” This is her favorite season, and she’ll gladly sled-dog her way all through Prospect Park until we are too cold to barely hold the leash.
Tomorrow: Mr. Steinbrenner
