Survivors

When Fred and I moved to Germany one month ago, we brought our cats:
Birdie

Juju


The responses we got when we told people the cats were coming with us on an international move ranged from congratulations on our "Responsible Pet Owner" decision to incredulous "you're taking the CATS?" Meanwhile rumors brewed in Kassel before we even arrived. Brea had spread the news to the dance company about our four legged friends. By the time we got here, a myth had grown. And I can guarantee you, our girls lived up to the legend.

They didn't make it without a fight. Thank God Fred only took half a sleeping pill. You know when they make the plane completely dark and we all pretend it's night? Well, Birdie is nocturnal. She leapt at the chance to escape. Fred was dozing off when he felt a bite on his leg. Yes, she BIT him. Her whole head was out of the carrier. She had gnawed her way through the mesh.



One helpful stewardess, one plastic tray, and a twenty minute trip to the bathroom later, Birdie had finally decided that being in the carrier was the best of all the current options. Then Juju started freaking out. Bathroom trip was repeated. They stayed put and quiet all the way to Kassel. Until we gave them a bath, that is. ("Responsible Pet Owner" revenge)





Now that things have settled down, they actually seem really happy and playful. But for those of you who know them personally, don't worry. Despite the move, they haven't gone soft since leaving New York. They still hiss at overnight houseguests. Sorry Kate!



But they're here, Fred's teaching them German, and Pin-Cheih had fun chasing "the meow-meows" at our first dinner party.