Thank you for the responses! Samson and Pam, I have owned one cat, or rather, he owned me! His name was Booki, he was a spoiled rotten Persian prima donna hairball. He would get the covers going at my neck, and start kneading at them, and if I didn't have enough balled up until he was done for the evening and ready to rest, he'd keep on going when the covers were gone, and then holler about it. (Not just with his mouth, those paws were still looking for some covers!....ouch!!) I just about lost it when he died, as he was my first pet from baby to death (still is, if I look at it that way). I have dogs now, but totally can relate to cat lovers. If my mutts would adapt, I'd probably have a cat now. Hubby doesn't think that's feasible, and he's probably right--our dogs have some wild oats in them! But there's something special about snuggling a critter close to your heart, whether it's a cat, a squirrel, or a puppy. I bet Moms feel this on a whole different level--I can't begin to imagine the blessing.
Kat, I agree about how intriguing was the relationship that the dog and orangutan forged. Animals do give us a different twist on our perspective, don't they? Thanks for the opportunity to enjoy chatting about our animals and pets. My dogs are my babies, and since most of us know how it is not to have like minded folks to fellowship with in real life--I really appreciate being able to share a little with you all about my family, and hope you don't think I'm nuts.