I had a special visit request from Cal State L.A.’s downtown campus. I had gone down there last year, and they wanted to have me back. So my human and I went. The building where the campus is located is only a couple of blocks away from the Metro Rail, so we used public transit to get down there. My human loathes driving downtown, especially during rush hour, which is when this visit was. Plus she wants me to get more used to the Metro Rail, since it’s convenient for some things she wants to do with me.
We got there a few minutes before the dog team — a goldendoodle named Hera — arrived, so I wandered around the hallways on my leash. When I came back, they asked my human if we wanted a table, and she said yes. She figured it would be easier for me to be elevated since I’m small.
Now, I have a confession to make. You will probably think it’s funny (because it is). As you know, cats thrive on routine. So when you have a therapy cat like me, it’s important to create routines around what we kitties do. When we have something familiar to hang a strange experience on, it makes the visits go easier for us. And I think you will be surprised when you hear what my routine trigger was for this visit!
There I was sitting on the table, getting ready for the students. But it didn’t feel quite right, and it was taking me a while to settle in. Then one of the guys brought a black cloth and covered the table with it. When he did that, it all made perfect sense! Because that is the first thing my human does when we go to work at a cat show — she covers the table where our benching area is located with a cloth. Once the table was covered, I knew exactly what I was supposed to do: visit with people, let them pet me and do tricks for them!
So I sat on the table and met lots of nice students and even gave some of them High Fives. And yes, I rang the bell too! About halfway through the visit, I laid down on the table, purred and made happy paws. I did that off and on for the rest of the time I was there.
The last few minutes of the visit, Hera and I walked by some of the classes to make sure everyone got to see us, and visit if we wanted. I wound up having an awesome time… and all it took was covering a table with a black cloth!
That cloth likely made the table feel less, well table like! The hard top would be more appealing with cloth on it for your sweet little paws!
You are a MTC, Summer…that mean Master of Therapy Cat! Maybe you need to get a cap and gown:)
Awesome! Happy that you had a good time!
What a fun experience. Love the idea the cloth. My human bought me a stroller, and just promised me she would let me keep one of my blankets in it at all times. Now I’ll have a piece of home with me wherever I go.
A bit like Rainman, huh? 😉
Yep! I too LOVE my routine. Mom thinks I am a little obsessive compulsive about it!
Purrs
Marv
That’s ’cause your a purr-fessional and you want things just right so that everything goes off without a hitch! Oh I bet they want you to come back again soon! What was riding on the “Metro Rail” like? I’ve heard it goes really fast!
It doesn’t really go all that faster than a car, but it’s way less stressful for my human, and I don’t have to her her say HBO words.
We cats are all abou routine and this proves it.
Well, imagine that! That’s such a simple thing to make you comfortable. Humans should think about things like that for kitties at home,too.
It’s the little things that can make such a difference.
How cute!
We’re glad you were able to do your therapy routine once the cloth was put on the table! We know the students loved your kitty therapy too!
That’s so cool that the cloth was your routine trigger, Summer. It sure sounds like you and Hera spread lots of happiness at CSULA! 🙂
It’s always nice to have something familiar in a new situation, right Summer?!
We are happy to hear you enjoyed the experience since we are certain many people enjoyed you as a result 🙂
the critters in the cottage xo
Did you get a degree?
No, but I got lots of treats!
We think you should get an honorary degree, Summer!
That’s too cute!!!
Hooray for routines and for having a nice visit with the students.
Now your peep knows to have a black cloth at the ready! purrs
Hey there Purrfessor Summer, cat-about-campus!
Summer my little friend not only are you gorgeous, funny, sweet but you are a GENIUS to associate things so well.
Hugs madi your big fan
I know we all have routines. I sure have mine as well.
It’s interesting one cloth can make a big difference, but it sure makes sense! Routine is important!
I think we all have routines that make us comfortable, Summer. Kitties AND humans! What a fun visit : )
Sounds as if a cloth should be part of your “go” bag. Mom loves golden doodles. Was Hera nice? XOCK, angel Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, angel Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth, Calista Jo, Cooper Murphy and Sawyer
Hera and I had to keep a distance from each other (therapy organization rules), but she lives with a Savannah and they are best buddies.
Summer, I hope they gave you a PhD while you were there because you certainly deserve one being as brilliant as you are!
So now your human has learned a new thing! Maybe she can just pack a soft fleecy cloth in your carrier for when you do visits like this. They usually are very light weight and fold up compactly Plus – Soft.
We all luff our routines.
very smart….mom wants to start working with Chanel and having a specific blanket for her when they go out
I bet you made a lot of people happy that day 🙂
It’s the little things in life that can make or break a day. I think that anyone who displays this action is trying to provide a sense of comfort. Mom does it automatically, in her line of work they always cover tables with towels, etc., for the comfort of the pets. That’s pretty cool what you experienced. You are loved! Purrs
You’re such a smart girl, Summer. Glad your visit went well.
Yay, for the black cloth to get you going Summer. I am sure everyone loved seeing you.
How nice the cloth helped out and everyone had a fun time, especially you sweet Summer!
We thrive on routines! Keep up the good work.
Glad to hear that the cloth made you more comfortable. Once again we want to say that we think that you are marvelous going out to meet people.
Isn’t it odd how one little think makes such a difference for a cat, or a person!
We do love routines!