Be it known: Brielle is not ready for her close-up.
I know what you are thinking. This is a tragedy. A travesty. A trauma to all involved. How can a cat of infinite beauty possibly scorn the camera, when it can only love her?
Answer: very easily.
I discovered this earlier this month, when I was asked to select my favorite Tabby’s Place cat with whom to be pictured in my mandatory staff photo. (And, yes, the entire staff emitted a unison “ugh” when told our photos would be taken. I attempted to submit a pic of Audrey Hepburn, but Jonathan wasn’t buying it.) Knowing that Brielle would be in the picture with me (of course it would be Brielle) eased the indignity ever so slightly.
At least, so I thought.
When the day came for the photo session, I gathered my courage, mustered my lipstick and prepared to embrace Brielle. I’ve held and cuddled and kissed Brielle before, so I assumed (foolish woman) that it would be no big deal to wrap her in my arms for a few silly photos.
Unfortunately, it was a Very Big Deal to Brielle.
At first, Brielle started to settle into my arms, offering me smiley half-closed eyes. But no sooner did she see fellow staff member Jane brandishing a camera than Brielle became a very different cat. The best way I can describe her reaction is insulted.
“This is an affront to my dignity!” Brielle exclaimed, by which I mean she spread-eagled, yowled and started clawing every surface in sight (all of which had the unfortunate habit of being my limbs). Aghast and disgusted, Brielle stormed off in a huff, hunkering down in a cubby and flashing us a look of disapproval. I felt terribly for having betrayed her. But who knew she’d react this way?
Rest assured that we will not be conscripting Brielle into any future photo shoots without her express permission, signed in triplicate. (And don’t worry about my stupid staff photo; camera hog/glamour girl Peachy was more than happy to serve as Brielle’s understudy.)
Dear sponsors, thank you for helping to make it possible for Brielle to have a life where her biggest worries are goofy humans attempting to photograph her. Our healthy, happy, well-loved Brielle and I send you our gratitude and affection.