Editor's Note: Sparky is an adult cat who grew up indoors, in a huge house in rural Michigan. She was orphaned suddenly, just after New Year's Day. Memingwanz adopted her, and now the two of them live in a small seniors' housing unit in Saginaw. The place is tight for two beings, and Memingwanz is hopeful that Sparky will learn to appreciate the outdoors.

Sparky is adjusting to living in a mini-house, and to me. She sits on my lap a lot now, which seems a bit miraculous to me, but she loves to be brushed and knows that if she sits there, the brush will come. Cats seem to understand such rules, maybe better than humans.

Yesterday we went outside for the first time, wearing a harness and leash, as cats are not allowed to run free here. The first 20 minutes or so were devoted to extracting Sparkle from my armpits, inside my t-shirt, up my pant legs on the inside, and my jacket pockets. The noises were the worst for her, and the wind caused saucer eyes and a Halloween tail of epic proportions. This kitty LOVES to scare herself witless!

Don't believe anybody who tells you cats can't climb after they're declawed... on top of my head in three seconds flat! And me, wanting not to laugh (knowing how offensive that would be to my high-strung friend), trying to keep my balance while she used my legs as a maypole wrapped festively in her new red leash! Hey, flat on your back on the lawn isn't a bad place to be - just glad I didn't squish her when I fell. My own fault, as I tried to walk over THAT way, which turned out to be an error in judgement on my part. The horizontal position proved to be more efficient for both of us. Sparkle had easier access to all hidey-holes on my prostrate person, and I had a chance to catch my breath and smell the grass, which is exactly what I was trying to do, anyway, nosey neighbors. What did you think I was doing, anyway?

Finally, I coaxed her into the herb garden, and she felt more at home there. Her nose worked overtime, sniffing all the delectable plants. I'm glad I planted so many smelly ones.

So we had a nice hour outside, and we will be going out again today, as soon as I get the knots and tangles out of the leash. She checked the doors when she woke this morning, and I take that as a positive sign, as she stayed off my head.

I think this will all work out in the long run.

Thanks to Jelane for the "catbar" graphic, and to Webshots for the photo.

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