"Alone, even doing nothing, you do not waste your time. You do, almost always, in company. No encounter with yourself can be altogether sterile: Something necessarily emerges, even if only the hope of some day meeting yourself again." (E.M. Cioran)

Saturday, July 09, 2011

New Housemate


Where does time go? Now that I've started with a well-worn cliche, I feel I should apologise for the lack of posting lately. Basically, I've been run off my feet - mostly the usual projects and distractions, but the last three weeks by a little new housemate who is proving to be very high maintenance. But then, she is so utterly sweet and gorgeous that I don't really mind at all and we're steadily getting used to each other.
Little Gertie was given to me three weeks ago today, as a birthday gift from friends. OK, so it's inappropriate to give people pets as presents, but somehow I think these friends of mine understood from the start that I wouldn't be able to resist her and it's true. The only rub really is that there have been a few associated expenses - a checkup at the vet, an expensive 'hay bungalow', plus a brand new cage - something sizeable enough for her to be happy in as a solo pig, whilst also fitting in with my apartment lifestyle - ie my living room, so that she can feel a part of things. All completely worth it, I should add.
Apart from spending much of the day holding handfuls of her poo and the constant cleaning up after her generally, she is just so funny - and quite smart. A bonus is definitely the variety of noises she makes - from high-pitched, long squeals, to little purrs and 'tuk tuks' as she forages around in her hay or jumps around excitedly. Still getting used to her twice-a-day cuddle time (thanks for the advice, Julianna!), she prefers to sit across my chest and nuzzles my chin - and even my mouth at times - and nibbles my hand when she wants to be put down again. She eats A LOT. My fridge is like a vegan paradise and she's already getting used to the sound of the supermarket vegetable bags being taken out.
To put it simply: she is utterly delightful.

2 comments:

Weaver said...

Cool - sounds like you and Gertz are getting on fine :) lucky for for those friends of yours :) - all good! (speaking as one who is totally owned by two cats : p) hope to catch you guys soon

Julie said...

You should know that from the start I trusted "these friends" knew what they were doing (btw, I didn''t intend for that phrase to sound as impersonal as it reads to me today!) and very much appreciate the kickstart back into creature care. I only wish she'd like me picking her up a bit more. Such a feisty little 'Devil Girl' (current nickname)