It's kitty check-up time around our house which means a few trips back and forth to the vet's office. Last round, Linus accompanied me to a drop-off appointment for Eliza. He was in awe of the whole spectacle- dogs barking, cats yowling, and owners doting. However, when it came time to leave, he began to get upset. It was clear to me that he was not comfortable leaving Eliza behind. I reassured him that she would be coming home but still he fretted.
Today, we again took Eliza in for a check-up. This time, as soon as the crate came out, his face became nearly as panicked as the three felines. He remembered what happens. Adding to the emotional stress, Eliza's pathetic yowling began as soon as she knew she was the chosen one. Linus immediately began dripping tears and repeating, "Lei-la". He was concerned.
Bending down on one knee, I explained to him that Eliza was going to the doctor and would return. After numerous repetitions of this, he seemed to calm. Accompanying me to the office, he was again wrapped up in the spectacle. I made sure that proper time was given to say "bye-bye" and to repeat "doctor then home" numerous times. He seemed to be alright with it.
It is so neat for me to see him already developing empathy. I assume it's empathy, maybe it's just the separation anxiety he has never shown with us. Maybe those stupid cats are his security objects. Who knows.
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3 comments:
Awe, how very sweet of Linus to feel badly for your cat! I can't believe how quickly the kids grow up; I need a pause button and just hang out at this age for the next 10 years!
I love this. It is one of the main reasons I'm so happy to have our great big dogs making my house nasty all the time. Christopher knows the word "gentle" because of those big dummies, and he loves them so very much. It's amazing.
Pets do teach children so much! How to nurture, how to care, how to empathize... If we didn't have our dog, I think my son would have a much harder time in life. As it is, he can't sleep without him. That mutual love is the only reason we put up with all his other antics. This morning - he threw up on a library book. Sigh.
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