Oliver

{Brown Pen in Sketchbook, 2008}

{My Studio Cat, Oliver}

I never thought I would fall in love with a cat. I have always asserted that I am a dog person. I sort of stumbled into getting a cat in April, when my neighbor took me to a friend's house to pick out a free kitten for herself. As I watched the little kittens tumble over each other with their fuzzy little bodies, I couldn't help but pick them up and cuddle them as they tried to squirm away. Then I noticed Oliver, with his distinct target pattern on his sides..."I have never seen a cat like that" I said to myself. I called my husband, and long story short, I brought a kitten home, with no prior knowledge of how to take care of a cat.
Over the months, he has been a naughty kitten, and he often plays with my neighbor's cat, Bombi, who happens to be Oliver's brother. Mostly, Oliver has to be with me constantly...in my studio, kitchen, when I sleep, and he watches me from the window when I go somewhere. He is smart, and not as independent as people claim cats are. He is sweet, talkative, and adventurous. I still love dogs, but I think I am learning that all creatures have something to teach us...I've gotten over my bias towards cats...I guess I am a cat lover too!