cats

The benefits of having a cat while living with MS

Because of the emotional and mental toll that my relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis diagnosis had on me, I wanted a cat to help me cope with and navigate life with the condition. I knew having a pet would improve my mood and give me a reason to get out of…

To Love Living Things, and to Let Them Go

In her poem ā€œIn Blackwater Woods,ā€ Mary Oliver concludes with 10 breathtaking lines: ā€œTo live in this world/ you must be able/ to do three things:/ to love what is mortal;/ to hold it/ against your bones knowing/ your own life depends on it;/ and, when the time comes…

Walking the Dog, an Adventure Story

It’s 7 in the morning, and it’s raining cats and dogs. I need to walk our dog and the thought of it is not very appealing. We live in a condo, so this activity requires getting dressed, squatting down to feed Joey, squatting again to get him hooked…

Look What the Cat Dragged In!

Like one third of America, Iā€™m a cat lover. Iā€™ve had kitties in my house since I was a child, often in sets. Currently, Iā€™m the proud parent of two fur babiesā€”Ivan (the tabby) and Baker (the Wegie)ā€”and theyā€™re a great source of joy, entertainment and…