Leave a Comment | Posted by Rashke on October 19, 2011
After being a lifelong, self-proclaimed “dog person,” my heart was changed forever by one very special feline. I came home from work one day and heard some unexpected rustling coming from the bathroom. I opened the door to be greeted by an ear, a tuft of fur and one eye peeking out at me from behind a rumpled towel. And one small meow.
A cat. My heart sank. I did not like cats at all. I was a dog person and always would be. In my haste, I didn’t notice my roommate’s note on the door announcing our newest tenant adopted from the Dumb Friends League.
For the next several weeks, Riley and I ignored each other as best we could. Although cats are curious creatures, so he paid more attention to me than I did to him. Every time he came near me, I acted like I didn’t care because, of course, cats were “unfriendly and mean” in my book. Every time he licked my arm with his “sandy” tongue or jumped on my desk to investigate what I was reading or found a bed in my just “out-of-the-dryer” basket of clothes, I stood my ground: I don’t like cats and never will. No matter how cute Riley was attempting to be, I kept my steely glare.
We continued this dance of “I don’t like you”…or, at least, I did for the next few days. Then, I found myself unexpectedly out of a job. I went home depressed and shocked. Still in my work clothes, I lay on the couch contemplating my next move. I was just starting to doze off, when a familiar face appeared above my head on the armrest. With a gentle lick of my nose, a former “foe” gingerly jumped on my stomach, curled up and started purring. His warm, furry belly was just what I needed in that moment. I knew I made a new friend for life.
Once my heart opened up, I saw Riley in a whole new light—playful, funny, talkative, sweet and, most of all, loving. In the months ahead, we spent all day with each other and bonded. Eventually, the tables turned and I became more curious about his every move and new discovery.
Needless to say, I officially became a “cat person.” His name comes up often in every conversation I have with friends and strangers alike and I’m always on the search for cat toys. His picture is the wallpaper on my computer and cell phone. I’m a proud card-carrying male of the “I Love Cats” Club and encourage other men to just open their minds to the possibility of a feline friend. The qualities they offer are just as special as dogs. Some might even say more so (myself included).
Riley has taught me one of life’s most important lessons of all—”never say never.” Every time, I see his furry face or hear his soft purr, I’m reminded of just how special he is in my life and to always keep an open mind.
Bryan K. Chavez
Denver, Colo.
