Mondays With Merlin: Teaching Old (Dogs) Or Cats New Tricks
It’s your friendly neighborhood old meezer, Merlin with a not so fabulous photo quote because of Layla. It’s true I accept life as it is but she could have put effort into it but no. She was fascinated by a wedding party being photographed in her favorite haunt, the Persian gardens and blogged about at her other blog Boomer Muse calling it Why I Will Never Be A Wedding Photographer. Oh, there are lots of photos there but scarcely none of me recently, save a few on Instagram. Is it because I’m very skinny and old? No, she accepts my status quo. She says she’d rather spend time with me totally focused without a lens separating us. Okay, I can buy that.
They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks but what about an old cat? Well, it’s never too late to try. Layla and I discovered a new thing, not quite a trick but potentially tricky. She loves her hammock but has been spending more time with me on our picnic blankie but on the weekend she suddenly scoops me up and says, we’re going to the hammock. Whoa Nellie, has she forgotten I’m blind? To have a cat swinging on a hammock could be a catastrophe. Cats hate being on things that sway or are balanced but I accept she know what she’s doing so I go for it. She cradles me in her arms and slowly lowers herself onto the hammock, so gently it hardly moves and then we snuggle under the sun-dappled trees like in bed but only better with the fresh air. So, the learn is: it’s never too late to try something new. Is there anything you have a hard time accepting?
27 Comments
Sammy
What a lovely time that must have been Merlin – very special for you and Mom Layla…….fresh air, Mom, gentle swinging……life can be oh so good even when we THINK we’re too old to enjoy something new!
Love and Hugs,
Sammy
Cynthia Southern
Merlin, I always like how you spend Monday with Layla and report to us about your fun adventures. 🙂
Lola and Dawn
That is so sweet, Merlin. What a great way to spend time with Layla.
maggie
What a great way to spend time together. Merlin the wise, you know nothing bad will ever happen to you in Layla’s loving arms.
meowmeowmans
That sounds like such a nice way for you and Layla to spend time together, Merlin. Have a wonderful summer in your hammock. 🙂
Ellen Pilch
I am happy to hear that you and your Mom are enjoying lots of time together. Trying new things keeps us young 🙂
Dorothy
Oh Merlin. Sometimes I wish someone would pick me up and take me out of my rut. Yes, I know, I’ll have to do it for myself. It’s so easy to think, soon….tomorrow. Well, maybe the Sun’s coming out tomorrow but I need to get off my rearend today. It’s good to know that it might be everything I love, but better. Enjoy floating in the Sunshine, two hearts beating together.
Layla Morgan Wilde
Dorothy, this is a direct message from Merlin. Just do it, now!
ellen
Hammock time sounds lovely Merlin and sometimes as you gently rock together it will seem like you are joined as you feel the breeze and the sun dapples.
I hope you and Layla had a wonderful day.
Layla Morgan Wilde
Ellen, so true and thanks!
Cary Hillman
Sounds glorious!
Layla Morgan Wilde
it’s pretty darn sweet while it lasts…
Flynn
It is easier to accept new things when you know your mum loves you so much and would never let anything hurt you.
Layla Morgan Wilde
Trust is needed for certain.
Brian Frum
That sounds wise and fun to me Merlin!
The Swiss Cats
You know you can trust your mom, Merlin : she won’t do anything unpleasant for you. Snuggling outdoor in a hammock sounds like a great way to spend a day. Purrs
Austin Towers
Merlin you are one trusting kitty! I would never trust my mum like that, except at the vets when I let her cuddle me!!!
Skeeter And Izzy
The hammock sounds glorious!!!
This was an absolute spectacular weekend, a harbinger of Fall………….We love Fall in all of its sunkissed glory!
Merlin, you are still the most beautiful creature. We send you purrs and prayers as always.
Purrs to Abby’s Mom , we know how it hurts.
Luvs to all,
Skeeter and Izzy and the Feral Gang + Twig & Peanut & Romeo >^..^^..^<~
Annabelle
Merlin July has turned into August isn’t that nice and your birthday is growing closer by the day. Guess what? Today is Annabelle’s designated 3rd birthday and our Mom forgot! She has been concentrating so much on Abby lately and today holds hard memories from two years ago. Why is it that some (bad) things reside so crystal clear and other things can’t even be remembered? Mom can scarcely remember last week, but two years ago she remembers well! She felt bad she forgot all about AB’s birthday but Annabelle doesn’t mind. She’s just happy being. We hope you have a great day swinging in your hammock.
Tamago
How nice you spent time snuggling with Layla in hammock! I think it’ll will be your favorite summer time napping spot 🙂
Summer
I’m up for almost anything new! But then, I am a young cat. I think Binga is a little more set in her ways.
Chris Davis
Sounds like heaven to me, Merlin!
da tabbies o trout towne
dood….frank lee we haz never meeted a nap spot we dinna like & yurz soundz eye deel ♥♥♥
Beverly
Snuggling is always in order.
Sue Brandes
Sounds very relaxing. Have a great week.
The Island Cats
We think that’s a great way to spend a summer day, Merlin.
easy rider
what a pawsome idea… so you could enjoy a lot of “layla&me” time that way :o) I have a water phobia… but my mom said no one can trust me… as soon as we will have a pond and fishies she knows what I will do… she probably watched the wrong channel in her crystal ball… I wouldn’t jump in a pond… not even with Moby Dick inside :o)