MY LITTLE PRINCESS

MY LITTLE PRINCESS

By John Ross Hart

The evening is getting late.Rancher is sitting on Mommy's lap.Big Luke is sprawled-out next to her.The Property Brothers have just settled a family into a fixed-up home.The clock is showing 8:00 and another episode is beginning.

A loud "meow" is coming out of the master bedroom."Do you have a toy?," questions Laury.Daisy walks into the living room.She has not brought a toy.Instead, she is looking around the room.

Daisy heads for the big chair where Daddy is sitting.Of our three cats, Daisy is the female.She is also the smallest, a Calico of many colors.   

Daisy jumps up on one of the arms, surveys the situation, then settles on top of my tummy.Fortunately, I have a shirt on.  Daisy begins to "knead," scratching the area to make sure it's comfortable and secure.

But instead of settling-in where she scratched, she moves up onto my chest, then proceeds to lay down.Daisy is purring and is quite content.

Daddy talks "sweet-nothings" into her ear and gives her "pets.""My little princess."She is still purring, and getting spoiled.Mommy looks at the scene and smiles.

"She never does that with me!," notes Laury.The other two cats are content as is.Daisy puts her head down and takes a nap.

The hour is getting late.Time to unwind.Daisy catches on and jumps off the chair.I go into my get-ready-for-bed routine, grab a book, and listen to soft jazz piano on the CD player.

Sitting up on the bed, Daisy curls up next to my waist.I give her more "pets," and a few more "sweet nothings."With her paws, she grabs my right hand and starts licking it.As I begin my reading, Daisy is being my personal "lookout."

When I turn out the lights, Daisy moves to the other side.She will stay there until Mommy comes to bed.Then she will move between our legs. The other two cats may join us, but Daisy has her place.

As the first one up, I get to feed the cats.Then it's back to the bedroom to get ready for the day.Daisy has finished her breakfast. She is back on the bed and rolled-over on her back.It's the sign she wants her tummy rubbed.

I give Daisy soft rubs on her abdomen, her tummy, and chest.She rolls over, curls-up, shakes her body, totally enjoying the experience.When she grabs my hand, it is time for her to give me "loves."Daisy is purring.

When I'm sick, when I'm tired, when I'm down, Daisy is always there for her Daddy.I talk to her.Maybe she understands.Maybe she doesn't.But she listens.Maybe she responds in her language.I once did a thesis on cat language.They do speak a language.

But now it's time to go to work.Daisy takes her favorite spot on the bed, curls up and goes to sleep.I give her one last "pet."After kissing Laury goodbye, I head out the door.

Daisy will sleep, Daisy will eat, Daisy will play.This is how Daisy spends her day.When I get home and settle into my chair, Daisy comes to the living room to check things out.

Cats are independent, and some are content to being themselves.Not Daisy.In a way, she is like a dog.A trusted friend.    Very lovable.

Daddy's little girl.

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