Die Katze

Bringing the cat, Tramp, to Germany created some of the greatest frustration and worry for me.  I became somewhat obsessed with bringing him, so often I had to back off and let things be.  In the end, he passed all his medicals and was allowed into Germany with flying colors!

Since we've been in Kandern, Tramp has often been a source of comfort and of entertainment.  He  can be difficult, too.  Our location keeps him from having ready access to the outside, but, as an inside cat, that's how it should be.  A few weeks after we moved here, though, he made the great escape when we opened the door to go out.  He did not even pause at the door, but darted, racing down the stairs.  Smitty dashed after him, catching him in the basement, four flights down, under some bicycles.   We keep a closer eye on him now.

When we first arrived he would often sleep in the loft or under our bed, and he quit sleeping with us at night.  I've come to believe it was just his way of getting back at us for keeping him in a cat carrier for 18 long hours.  Poor thing.  For the past month Tramp has returned to our bed at night, rarely sleeps under the bed, and can often be found sleeping in the available patch of sun.  I think he has forgiven us for the lengthy imprisionment on the airplane.

His food now comes in little foil packets rather than cans, his favorite "little packet" being "Haechen"-bunny.    Each afternoon he has a "cat stick", something about the size of a chopstick and made for cats' culinary enjoyment.  He comes looking for me to get it!

I learned a great deal about setting my heart on something when I decided to bring Tramp to Germany.  He continues to teach me about loyalty, faithfulness, and reminds me of the home I left behind.  There is joy, and a touch of sadness, in having Tramp here; I am so glad he is!