Counting the Days

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The first time we left for a weekend after Spike came to live with us, we just packed up and said goodbye. My sister Deb agreed to look after ChiChi, Puss and Spike, so even though it was hard to leave, we knew they were in good hands. That is really an understatement – when we uncovered the bird cage on Sunday morning the odor of garlic was unmistakable. I called Deb to find out why; she, the bird and dog had a pizza party Saturday night – garlic pizza, no less!

We were so glad to be home. We had missed our babies and were relieved to find everything was ok; you know – first time leaving Spike and all. The cat and dog were glad to see us, but Spike definitely was giving us the cold shoulder. WTF? We couldn’t imagine why she wouldn’t respond to us when we spoke to her. She actually turned her back on us! We tried everything we could think of, but to no avail. We finally realized she was mad at us for leaving. It took about two weeks for her to get back to her old self.

Needless to say, we were a little nervous a few months later when we planned to visit friends for the weekend. We kept telling Spike that we had to leave for a few days, that Debbie would be here to feed her and take care of her and we would be back soon. Right before we left I got the bright idea to take Spike out of her cage, directly tell her again all we had been saying and even count off the days for her. “We’re leaving today, Friday; tomorrow is Saturday – we’ll be gone all day, and the next day is Sunday – we’ll be home that evening. That’s 3 days.” I know it seems corny, but she seemed to understand and heck, I was desperate!

We returned home as planned on Sunday evening and it was if we had never left. Spike was just as happy to see us as the dog and cat. We were thrilled. Every time we leave for a trip we go through the same ritual with all the birds. They know it by now, and as soon as Emelio hears “Ok, today is Friday. . .” he says “All right, love you, bye. I’ll be back.”

I also tell them not to bite Debbie, just in case. They seem to understand that she’s there to take care of them. Even Classy, who goes after everyone except me, will not strike at Deb when we’re not home. Spike behaves herself also. She’ll bite me if I put a bowl in her cage – I usually make Mark do it because she doesn't bite him. But she’s on her best behavior when Aunt Deb babysits.


Cathy