The good news continues with Sammy. In her new digs, in a much smaller suite, she has adjusted well. I wandered in to visit her just the other day, and she was lounging around on one of the chairs. She looked up at me and hardly seemed to mind my presence, which is a major change from when she resided in Suite C. Any entrance from me into that suite would have sent Sammy running for cover. But no more!
Emboldened by her calm demeanor, I sauntered across the room and spent some time petting her suitemate Max, trying to “pretend” I wasn’t in the room for her. Then I oh-so-casually slipped sideways and reached out and let Sammy smell my hand. Before I knew it, I was actually standing next to her and petting her, and I thought -— wow —- I have made some real progress with this super shy girl.
My hopes began to soar. I began to imagine that if I were patient, just maybe, I could lure Sammy into my arms. At that very moment, of course, the unexpected happened. Another volunteer wandered into the suite to visit one of the other cats. Sammy, who seemed so content, glanced up and scooted off the chair she was on and ran for cover underneath the chair.
Well, I retreated across the room and decided to wait it out. The volunteer left, and after a few minutes, Sammy emerged and walked over to the food bowls, which I read as an excellent sign that she trusted me. Then she jumped up on a nearby chair, and for a moment I thought she was going to make some kind of friendly contact with Max. Almost, but not quite. But they both seemed to be quite tolerant of each other.
Finally, Sammy returned to her perch on the chair. That was my clue. I stood up and again sauntered over in her direction. Very slowly. I began to pet her. Yes. And then I had the idea that just maybe she would let me pick her up. Why I thought this was possible at that moment, I can’t explain, but I carefully tried to wrap my hands around her mid-section.
And you can guess what happened. Sammy wriggled once, twice and then flew out of the chair and disappeared underneath. Gosh darn. But I haven’t given up. In fact, I am quite determined to one day hold Sammy in my lap. It will happen. Someday!
I’ve also heard through the grapevine that the staff at Tabby’s Place, if they are willing to be patient, have had great success lately in making contact with Sammy. Recently they have been able to approach and touch her! Even more astounding is that some staff have discovered that Sammy has a weak spot for being brushed. So, the little girl who used to like to spend all her time underneath the cages, hiding, is learning to trust.
Sammy and I, as always, thank you for your continued support.
Enjoy the holidays. Avoid the stress. And we hope that you have ample opportunity to spend time with family and friends.