A Best Friend Can Come in All Shapes, Sizes

** Read more of Phil’s BG News columns: Spring 2013 **

By Phil Martin | Columnist

The BG News: Forum

Feb. 20, 2013

I love Martha.

Martha will be a 12-year-old house resident this September. She still acts like a shy, little girl.

She wears a small coat, black with splotches of white. A small black dot also covers part of her little pink nose.

Martha walks around with her white shoes. With them, she takes delicate, tender steps, as if she’s afraid to break her little, frail legs.

She likes to walk over to her favorite door mat and scratch her favorite corner.

Martha stands with great posture. She stares at you with such seriousness, even though her mouth may show a misleading smile.

Her cute, green eyes glare deep into your eyes when she wants attention by day. By night, her eyes glaze as bright as dim street lamps, piercing the darkness.

Martha has a small voice. I wonder what she would say if she spoke English.

She has a few friends, whom she may consider closer than friends. She often calls loudly for her friends when she desperately wants their company.

However, Martha likes to hide from her friends. Martha mostly likes to keep to herself because she lives by fear.

Although she loves company, she won’t let you get near her unless you earn her trust. She would rather sleep each day, nestled in her little tight space of safety.

Martha barely gets into trouble, as a consequence of her fear.

She gets aggravated by change, and she hates to travel. Also, don’t make Martha upset. She hisses a lot.

Martha makes me sad when I see her uncomfortable and afraid. Part of her anxiety is my doing from early on. At times I feel like I should give up part of myself to see her happy.

For that, I consider Martha one of my closest friends. We developed a mutual respect for one another. This is why I miss her so much when I leave home for college.

Finally, there’s something else particular about Martha: She is a quadruped. She has long white whiskers. Her face is shaped like Ohio. Martha is my favorite cat.

Martha, my favorite family cat, gives me a stare down while I’m home for Christmas. Her sister Mary is behind her.
Both of them were hiding behind our living room couch.
Photo by me, Phil Martin.

As I said, Martha is my beloved friend. Even though she hides most of the day at home, she’s eased my loneliness. I will miss her when she perishes.

Although I’m afraid to rub Ms. Martha Partha anymore, I still prefer her over any dog. Most dogs scare me, no matter what size. Most dogs I’ve encountered were always energetic, loud and quick to jump and bark. A cat like Martha is perfect for me.

If you’re a pet owner, you most likely can relate. Your relationship to your pet might be like mine with Martha.

Each time you see your beloved pet, express your love to them. Whether your pet is a puny goldfish or a bear-sized dog, go do it.

Cherish your time with your pet. Live in the moment. Remember the moments.

How fitting to speak of pet love during February.

Martha hides behind the couch again. Although she appears blurry, you can see her actual green eyes.
Photo by me.

Respond to Phil at

thenews@bgnews.com

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