cats

after i made my decision to move to portland, ray & i talked about which of us was going to keep the cats. mimo & sherpa really love ray. a LOT. i wanted them to stay here in durham with their best caretaker. (i was also concerned that my new job would take me away from my apartment too frequently, and i wouldn't be around to look after them as much as i'd like, or provide them with a gentle transition to their new location.) but ray thought they'd be better off with me. i was skeptical, but agreed to take them.

ray moved out about 3 weeks ago and i freely that admit caring for the cats has not been my first priority. packing, saying goodbye, quitting my job... all of those things have been in the forefront of my mind. meems and sherps have been getting fed & watered, and their poop scooped, but beyond that i haven't had the time to really care for them in the manner they've been accustomed to under ray's watchful eye.

ray & i took them to the vet last week for their health certificate (which the airlines require for on-board pets) and i think the reality of what was in store for the kitties finally hit home. the tranquilizers, 8 hours of travel time, no litter box on board... not only a truly uncomfortable travel day for them, but for me, too. plus, i already know that my job is taking me out of town the first weekend after i begin work... it's hard to find a cat-sitter when you're completely new in town.

anyway, all of this is to say that ray has now decided to keep the cats at his house in durham. i'm really happy for this turn of events. i mean, i'm going to be very, very sad to leave them behind (i'm crying a little right now) -- they are easily the most loving kittens i've ever lived with. but ray has a special relationship with these two kids, and i know they'll be happier with him than with me. ray's giving me visitation rights, too... whenever i'm back in durham i'll definitely stop in for a leg-rub.