What marvelous progress Masi has been making! When she first arrived, she would stay in her bed and shyly watch as people and cats move past; then she started to gather courage to show her trembling anticipation as someone approached and, maybe, she would slither from her bed onto a lap if someone sat beside her. Then, over the next week or so, she started making her way on her own, with slow wobbly steps out to take a look after someone went by, then scamper quickly back, to wait in her safe zone, when that someone would turn and approach her. As the weeks went by, she sometimes would visit (with some encouragement and gentle lifting) during lunch as caregivers picnicked on the floor outside the entrance to her bedroom. At this point, her interest in toys had her goofing around with them, always within view of her alcove. As time went on, her curiosity had her stepping out of her closet, perhaps five feet into the lobby, then laying down—trusting, correctly, that a nearby caregiver would notice and give her a big time. But lately, Masi has been walking across the floor from her bedroom to the runner-mat right in front of the kitchen counter, where we prepare the food for distribution all around Kitty Motel. She will, once has reached a satisfying spot, still lay down on her side, trembling but ready for the next interaction, whether it be batting at legs or sniffing noses with another cat. At times, she lays herself right beside the working caregiver, at her feet. She can’t help her friendliness and will come right out if she sees a familiar caregiver beginning a conversation with her. Certainly, often enough the kibble bowl gets tilted or she wades for a step or two through her water bowl, but no obstacles stop her in her path. An interesting object might also draw her out. A few days ago, it was a scarf dropped on the floor. Once in Masi’s power, the scarf went through several transformations, starting from being a very large and soft but cooperative toy for kicking and grabbing, then ending up as a comfortable nest to plop and rest on. Just yesterday evening, as we were getting ready to leave for the day, we spotted Masi on a bed around the corner from her alcove—just comfortable as pie beside a wicker basket inside of which lay her friend, Mouse. This marks a milestone in her development, as she gains courage and self confidence and discovers her ability to move around and feel safe in new places. Her perseverance is inspiring!
