Dana adores Nicky. He's actually very chatty for a cat who isn't a Siamese or a Mau. And he will tolerate such indignities as being dressed up by her with perfect aplomb. It's true... stray cats are very grateful when they've adopted a new home. I think I'm actually allergic but Nicky's 14 yrs old (estimated by a vet) with a hypothyroid. And after the way we found him (with a hole in the middle of his head, looking like someone had shot at him with an air rifle, covered with ticks, scrawny and scruffy) ... he's staying. I'd like to write how Alex and Nicky have formed a bond that affirms all those things people say about special needs children and animals. But maybe it's just a cat-thing... they accept people on their terms. But it has taught Alex something about caring for another creature. I've seen him put cat food in Nicky's bowl when it's empty or he'll give (ok... more like toss from a safe distance) Nicky some cat treats. When we go grocery shopping, Alex has been very good about not grabbing things off the shelves. He will for cat food. I ask him, "What are you doing, Boo?" And he'll look at me and say "Nicky" as he continues to put one can after another in the cart. There was one winter when we stayed overnight in Mystic and it was snowing. Alex watched the snow come down, went to put on his coat, took my hand and said "Nicky" with his tone and eyes showing genuine concern. When we got back and the cat sat in the kitchen, he went over and gently pet Nicky's head. It took him a year to get to that point but he got there. Curiously both have the bathroom obsession. Sometimes when I'm in there I'll hear a bump against the door. If I call out "Nicky?" and I hear an answering meow then I know it's the cat (Nicky will respond to his name and usually come if you call him). If there's no sound then I know it's Alex. I've opened the door to find them both on the floor, on either side of the door frame. Some day one of them will tell me what the deal is. I'm hoping it'll be Alex and not the cat.
