A cat dilemma--- input, please.

[Padraig18]

As many of you know, when we purchased the bookstore last summer, it came complete with a 'bookstore cat', Merlin. Merlin is quite a lovely fellow--- pretty, personable and affectionate. Since July, Tony and I have become quite fond of Merlin, and have even begun bringing him home at night on the nights we close up, which is usually 4 a week, including Saturday. Thus, Merlin spends about 5 nights a week here at our home, and he's fitting in quite well. Now, the dilemma...

One of our employees is a 78 year-old widowed school teacher whose children and grandchildren live away. She is a delightful person who Merlin has known since kittenhood, and she is also genuinely fond of him (and he of her); after the store's previous owners died last March, Ruth assumed the task of feeding Merlin, groomed him, petted and played with him daily, etc. . On Saturday, Ruth stopped in and talked to Tony about Merlin, basically saying that if he didn't 'fit in' at our house, she would be delighted to have him as a pet.

Tony and I are somewhat at a loss here, because we're not sure if a.) the offer was just exactly what it appeared to be, no more and no less, or b.) if Ruth was trying to left-handedly ask if she could have Merlin as a pet. We suspect that Ruth may be a bit lonely, frankly, and that she would actually like to give Merlin a permanent home with her, where we have no doubt he would be spoiled outrageously. We're not in the least offended by her raising the subject, but we're torn about what or even whether to do anything further, such as ask Ruth flat out if she'd like to have Merlin as a pet.

Your thoughts would be appreciated.

:)

[mhr]

1. It Could Never Hurt To Ask If She Is Sincere In Her Offer

eom

[Midlodemocrat]

2. I would come right out and ask her.

If you guys don't mind giving Merlin to her, which I happen to think is a wonderful gesture, I would just find a creative way to offer Merlin to her. It might be a nice respite from loneliness for her.

[Padraig18]

3. That's how we're leaning, atm.

He couldn't possibly find a better home; of that we're genuinely confident. Can you say 'outrageously spoiled kitty'?

:P

[Dookus]

4. Sounds like she wants Merlin...

I'd offer him to her.

[opihimoimoi]

5. From an ole cat slave I would say ask Ruth...if she indeed wants the cat..

release the cat to her... and if desired, get yourself another one. Then everyone is HAPPY...including Merlin and the new cat who faces the torture chamber known as the DEATH ROOM.

[Padraig18]

9. We thought of that, too.

We could save another cat from the Kitty Holocaust, if Ruth gave Merlin a home.

[Jessica]

6. If you think ...

she offered because she'd really like to have him & doesn't want to come out & say it, then you're probably right. Although it's most important that she'd be a good owner for him, also try to think about what he could do for her. If you think he'd make her happy & be great company, then I'd go ahead & ask her if she wants him. You could tell her that it's not because he's not working out at your house, but you just thought he might be happier with her ... maybe because she has more time for him.

:)

[Shadow Drifter]

7. I would give the cat to her

She's all alone and she odvious;y likes the cat. Companionship is a much need thing when you start to get older.

[jonnyblitz]

8. what every one else says so far ,Paddy

seriously.

[Padraig18]

15. That's how we're both leaning.

She'd be a marvelous 'mom' to Merlin.

:)

[melissinha]

10. Agree with others..

I agree with the others... come right out and ask her.... and maybe Merlin could live permanently with her but continue to frequent the store as he always has so you could see him and everyone could enjoy him.

[MissB]

11. Merlin is a very lucky cat

I too would offer Merlin to Ruth.

[hickman1937]

12. She may be too proud to ask.

A lot of depression survivers are like that. Could you subtly give her the impression that she'd be doing you or the cat a big favor?

[LiberalinNC]

13. It sounds to me that Ruth wants the cat, but

doesn't know how to ask for him. I'd ask her straight out is she was "asking" for Merlin. Now if you don't want to give him up, maybe you could tell her that you and your family have fallen in love w/ him and wish to keep him...if she seems depressed about that, maybe you could think about getting her a new kitty. (But ask first, don't assume she'd want any cat!)

[Kilroy003]

14. Wow, if that's what you call a dilemma...

I'd love to be around when an unambiguous proposition was offered.

[LynneSin]

16. I would let Ruth have the cat but....

...I'd also stipulate that if anything happens that Ruth couldn't take care of the cat you would like to have the cat come back to you!

If she seems like she'd take care of the cat - then let her have it. It would be good for her!

[Padraig18]

17. OK, the decision is unanimous, then.

We're going to offer Merlin to Ruth, with the stipulation that if she becomes to ill or he proves to be more than she bargained for, we will re-adopt him. Thanks, all!

:D

[LynneSin]

18. I'd toss in some visitation rights for the cat to boot

Why not ask Ruth to stop by from time to time with Merlin.

[Padraig18]

19. That works.

We do like him, after all. Maybe we could go visit him AT Ruth's too, and give her some company at the same time.

:)

[opihimoimoi]

20. The Hawaiians would say Vunderbar