Lama Yenta

I think I found Moojie a giiiiirlfriend!

I was meeting at the Stupa Café with one Gloria, a Columbiana with the unlikely last name O'Meara, who’s recently arrived to manage FPMT’s Mongolian Community Center (soup kitchen, clinic, and, of particular interest to our project, a poor women’s sewing collective we’ve engaged to make several hundred cloth covers for the texts we’re printing). We’re starting to wrap it up, when she says, “Oh! I heard you were a cat…” – and here she summoned her characteristic Latin grace and bit back the word “sucker” – “…lover. We have a cat that needs a home. You want to see her?”

I managed to play it cool but, frankly, she had this unreconstructed monk when she said “lover” in her South American accent (to all KPC nuns: relax – I’m exaggerating to make the story funny).

“The cat’s here?” I nonchalantly asked.

“Yes.” – actually “Jess” – “Up in my room. Come on, I’ll show you.”

Up we went and there, reclining on Gloria’s bed, was little Dharma (I don’t care for the name either, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves), convalescing after a recent operation to have her spayed, but still able to stretch, squint, and loudly purr in response to friendly skritches. Of course, she came complete with poignant story.

Seems several weeks ago, á la Floki, she dragged herself, frostbitten, one ear half off, and very nearly dead, onto the grounds of Dolma Ling, FPMT’s nunnery that’s adjacent to the Community Center. That was where she hit three cherries, karma-wise. Of course she was bundled in by the nuns, lavished with love and care and yummy treats, hustled off for a complete workup to the same vet I use, and thus resurrected.

She was brought over to the main FPMT center, but the resident feline princess (forget her name) didn’t care for her presence one bit. The squabbling was incessant and Dharma had to be confined to Gloria’s one-room quarters. Then she was given to a French couple on a trial basis, but the combo of Dharma going into full yowling heat, and the advent of the man’s allergic reaction terminated that relationship.

And then…oh, forget it, let’s just ‘fess up. I fell in love with her immediately and the only reason I didn’t take her home then and there was I was worried that any possible fighting with The Mooj would endanger her surgery stitches (she’s about half Mooj’s size). Once she’s healed sufficiently, we’re gonna give it a go. This will probably happen next week, as I think I’m going to go to Kharkhorin this coming weekend to check in on Floki (who, by all reports, is thriving), see a Nyingma lama who’s there, and take a needed countryside break from UB. It’s also the beginning of spring migration and there are birds at which I must peep. Full reports, with pix, on all this posted here, natch.

Comments

[rho1640]

not to get ahead of things but who will be watching Mooj and his sweetie when you are here for your visit? Geeze I am such a worrier.... I KNOW you have something in the works yet I still worry. lol

[Konchog]

No worries, Rho. I was thinking I'd just put them out in the courtyard to fend for themselves for a few weeks. What's the worst that could happen?

[Carol of Seattle]

I remember the FPMT resident cat, I think she was a rescue from one of the embassies? She was lovely. Introducing cats is tricky, but it'll be easier with a male/female mix. And Mooj may be missing his puppy pal enough to welcome a new buddy.
I had a lovely visit to the soup kitchen last year, they had a visiting art therapist who did finger painting with the group of young kids. What wonderful work, just to know that these families can be sure to get at least one hot meal a day is fabulous. I hope to visit again on this trip.

[Carol]

Ah yes, I too am a cat sucker..err..lover. A word of advice. If you don't want a cat to be added to you rhousehold, NEVER go to "just take a look"! They always wind up coming home with you....

[sis Laura]

When we introduced our teenager female cat to our geriatric oldster, there was squabbling and hissing and otherwise lots of fear and unpleasantness. Now peace reigns, as long as she remembers that he is king. I think the opposite gender works much better, and Mooj, bless his little heart, has just had his position in your heart tested, and he should be feeling pretty secure. Pictures????

[marylee]

Welcome to the pride! We currently have 10 cats, 10 compelling stories and a few less than the typical corresponding number of ears, eyes and toes. Spatting is just a part of the integration process. Congratulations. Do I sense a trend coming on? Hope so.

[minnie]

there are many people from latin countries with irish surnames. when the potato famine happened, they didn't all come to america. the two famous ones that come to mind are bernardo o'higgins and eamon devalera (he was half cuban)

and we had the fun of REintroducing a cat. while it wasn't pleasant, they only spat occasionally now (the "home" kitty is 13, and is to the point where she doesn't let any one near her except hubbie (she's always been his cat)). the "explorer" cat went to my house for 2 years, and when we got married, and moved into hubbie's house, he came home. it will be interesting to see what happens when we move into my house later this spring.

[Ma]

Remember Ralphie? You and your sister Laura are the most hopeless animal suck---no, no, lovers I have ever encountered. Just don't do the old trick of bringing them home to Mother when you have a problem! With a sigh of resignation, your loving Ma

[Konchog]

Ladies and gentlemen, a round of applause for my long-suffering muddah. No worries, Ma, these guys'll stay in Mgl.

[Ryan]

Je pense que je suis jalouse, mon cousin. Deux chat! Deux! Quel chose!

(And, no, I have no idea why I'm busting out in French today. It's Monday; what can I say.)