| Ornji taught me that ILLNESS IS NOT TO BE SAD ABOUT about but to work through it and continue to live with as much quality as possible until the last day. I'm afraid I'm still working on this lesson among these many 'teachings' of Ornji . |
| 'SUPPOSED BAD DAYS CAN BE GOOD DAYS' - Ornji didn't let his illness get him down and, In so doing, Ornji bonded with me, especially in the last 'bonus' four months. I had determined to savor these last months, as much as possible; as I tried to give Ornji the best, he seemed to appreciate and gave it right back. These were probably the most satisfying for me - and maybe Ornji, despite what was coming. We took one day at a time - and sometimes I thought he was doing so well I almost fooled myself into believing Ornji was going to make a miracle full recovery. As it was, we got an extra year with him including the initial surgery. |
| Ornji brought out the caregiver in me - and ORNJI GAVE AS MUCH OR MORE than I gave . I've never had it so good; pets seem to give back unlike some people - at least Ornji did, despite his tough past and illness - not in material but in love and appreciation. |
| Unlike with some people, it was true with Ornji, if not all cats, the THE MORE I GAVE THE MORE HE GAVE BACK. (I think pets are largely a product of their human. They have an inate, inherant abililty to give back and develop wonderful personalities if their masters give them that opportunity. |
| Ornji taught me 'EARLY TO BED , EARLY TO RISE' and it was especially nice to be able to get up early to be there with Ornji, sharing in his morning breakfasts while adding more hours to the day. I'd been on the lazy side before ,easily sleeping in, but by going to bed when Ornji seemed to, we got on the same schedule which bennefited both of us. I've noted now I don't need as much sleep and have better eating habits, not eating late. |
| ORNJI the ORGANIZER - Ornji has his schedule and agenda and taught me to stay on schedule and GET MORE DONE, to be more efficient. It was fun to see Ornji go through his daily routines including eating well sessions, going outside,cleaning, etc. He had his favorite spots for different times of the day, including using the many new cat peds and places I put out for him - in windows or otherwise. He even had some favorite hiding places those few times he wanted to really 'get away.' |
| ORNJI the COMMUNICATOR- Ornji was a great communicator, even without speaking a word. He would direct me to different places, including eating time, play time, brush time or going outside time (in his favorite 'indoor-outdoor extension.') Ornji knew instantly if he liked a certain new food - he wouldn't even have to smell it. Just a quick look and I knew not to try too many new , weird foods on him. I tried to spoil Ornji with new 'gravies' from time to time - some he enjoyed better than others. |
| SERIOUS but AFFECTIONATE - Unlike his playful brother Zack, Ornji went about his life in a meticulous way. Sometimes I worried that he wasn't happy, but Ornji never was the smiling type -yes cats can smile - but he loved to be petted and brushed and would often come to be for that. He never slept on the bed with me - but then Zack doesn't either - but Ornji was affectionate in his way, never hiding and always accepting of his medicine and shots - amazingingly so. Ornji even seemed to like to travel in the car, never complaining about the long rides to and from the vet.; wish I could get Zack to do that. Ornji never played much with toys, perhaps having to do with his condition, but had so many other good qualities. |
| SMART - Ornji showed his smarts, from the first day he came to me, directing me to the basement door, behind which he asked to live - and did nights for the first three years. Ornji KNEW EXACTLY what he wanted and was able to communicate most of that to me, I believe. First an indoor-outdoor cat, he made the most of the back yard in his favorite places, then the same when inside. . This from a cat who was left on the streets before coming to me; I'm just glad I could share his last years as , hopefully, happy ones to go out on... In Summary, Ornji SHOWED ME HOW TO LIVE EACH DAY WELL AS IF THERE WAS NO TOMORROW. Perhaps, he KNEW, too, that his days were numbered and appeared to make the most of his situation. I have enough trouble sometimes getting myself going each day, being organized and efficient, but ORNJI WAS and showed me this; I am now trying to follow in his footsteps. When I have a little less grief, I will try to stick around the house more so as to clean up his room and better arrange the house. As for now, Ornji's room remains untouched. Zack still likes to use Ornji's litter box and may one day take advantage of the cat tree and window perch, as Ornji did. |