After posting photographs of Katarina last week (or Catarina, as Pedro knows her name is really supposed to be spelled) I think Sox and Rascal had it in for her. Those two single her out and harass her constantly. I don’t know if it’s her size (she is much bigger than both of them), her majestic superiority or what it is that makes them try to bring her down, but they bully her on a regular basis. They get a sudden look in their eyes and will hunt her down from across the room, striking when she’s least expecting it.
Well, today they were at it again. After breaking up several scuffles, I witnessed something completely unexpected happen when yet another brawl was underway. Sweet Billy Bob in Black and White Armor stepped in when Sox was out of control. Sox was bouncing off the walls, just wild from the fresh air he’d taken while out on the porch. Billy Bob literally put himself in between Sox and Katarina to interrupt the clash (just as I was on my way over to do the same). He just walked right into the middle of the storm, and Sox ran off in the other direction, leaving Katarina in peace. FINALLY!
There is something special about Billy Bob. He is really unlike all of the other cats in the room, and really different from any cat I’ve ever known. While he is very skittish and uneasy about receiving affection (but loves to be brushed and really, really loves a good ear rubbing), he is eager to be near, and always curious about what’s going on. He never seems to rest like most cats. Ever alert and always paying attention, he is at the ready for whatever is coming next. And while he does not seem to be peaceful (in the sense that he is not a tranquil, relaxed sort of cat), he is a peace-seeker and a peace-maker. He has never once started a fight, and he never responds when provoked by one of the other cats. He is ready to be a friend to any cat who wants one, always offering his forehead for a rub to the other cats. When I observe him, I am struck by his composure because I don’t understand its source. It does not come from an inner serenity. When I look into his eyes, I have the impression that he simply understands it all, and is just accepting his life for what it is, and rolling with it, moment by moment. No hopes, no regrets.
Billy Bob has lived at the shelter for many, many years, and will most likely be there until the day he dies, but he seems like he’s entirely okay with that. I’m trying really hard to be okay with that, too.
, which always takes precedence, of course!
