So long, Benji

A couple of months ago I started a post that I never finished about how chaotic it had been to have 3 animals in our tiny house. I had Deja before I even met Jason. Then about a year and a half ago, I was working at Town & Country Elementary and three little kittens were found. We were told that they would probably be euthanized if they were brought in without their mom. Jason urged me to bring one home, which surprised me, since he didn't really like Deja then. So, then we had two cats, Deja and Benji.

Benji was so cute and liked to cuddle. But he often terrorized Deja. He grew so big, and he was just always getting into things. By August, we got our miniature schnauzer, Desmond. For most of that time since then, I was always having to keep Desmond and Benji separated, or I had to get onto Benji for pouncing on Deja. It really was driving me crazy.(This picture was a constant sight) But, when Jason said he was ready to give Benji away because he was constantly getting into everything, I resisted. I'm very sensitive about animals, and I probably assume too much feeling on their part. Like, I thought he would feel rejected (even though I know that as long as he's fed, he's probably content). But I hate seeing them at the pet store or in shelters, because I always feel bad for them.

Anyway, I had asked one of my friends to take him. I thought that he'd be great as an only cat. But, on New Year's Eve, he (not on purpose) scratched my hand. He had been sitting on my lap minding his own business. Desmond had gone after Deja, who cried, which perked Benji up. He went to jump off of me to get in on the action, and his claws scratched me. It was a pretty bad scratch. But that did it for Jason. So, the next day I contacted my friend, but she wouldn't be able to take him for a couple of weeks (plus, I think she was just being nice). She suggested St. Francis animal shelter, because they don't euthanize the animals. They foster them before adopting them. I told Jason that he had to do it, I couldn't. So, that was it for Benji.

I cried. It was a little traumatic for me, especially on New Year's Day! But, I told myself that Benji would be fine, and he would go to a family that would love him. And, I had to admit, I saw the difference in the other two that night. Before, Deja always had to sneak around, watching out for an attack by Benji. And like I said earlier, he and Desmond were constantly after each other. (Jason thinks Benji was giving off some sort of vibe to Desmond.) But now, I could tell Deja felt more freedom, and Desmond has been a lot calmer. And, of course when we have kids, I wouldn't want them to get scratched up by Benji, whether on accident or on purpose. Because that wasn't the only scratch from him. I have two scars on my foot from one time he ran past me, and his claws sliced my foot. So, I'm sure most people are wondering why it was so hard for me to get rid of him, but I felt like one of those people who adopt a child and then give them back. I'm a lot better with it now, though. It's the best thing for us.

It's funny, though, Deja seems to sometimes like being chased by Desmond. Yesterday Jason and I were both in the kitchen. Desmond was in there with us, and I saw Deja in the living room walking by the kitchen doorway. I saw her act like she was going to take off running, stop, look over at Desmond, act like she was going to take off, stop, look at him, and so forth like three times. I laughed, because I knew she wanted him to chase her, so I said, "Hey, Deja!" knowing that Desmond would run after her. Sure enough, Deja shot off, then they ran around for a couple of minutes. Cute.

The thing I miss the most about Benji is that he would come sit on my lap or sit on the arm of the couch and put his paws on my shoulder. Deja doesn't do that. I wish she did. But, I don't miss all that chaos and constant scuffling between them. So I have to say, it's a lot better. (Even though I still love Benji)