I remember my first meeting with Sapphire like it was yesterday. I had just spent the last three hours wooing and impressing her owner, Tricia, over an extended, first-date meal at Rafferty’s.  Truth be told, I was probably a big dork, but I suppose I was suave enough to deserve an invite back to her place for a viewing of Wild Hogs and my first introduction to Tricia’s fat cat duo:  Toby and Sapphire.

Upon walking into the apartment, I saw both felines give us the “oh, its just you” look, quietly instructing us with their stares to keep the noise down and to stay out of their way.  It was quite clear that they were not excited or shaken by our presence.  This was their home, I quickly realized; the arrogance in their eyes plainly conveying that fact, glaring as if to say, “I see you there and just need to make it very plain that we run this place and you are the guest.”

I figured I would make nice with Toby first.  Aside from his gargantuan size, he looked rather harmless.  So I headed over to where he was laying and extended my hand in a gesture of peace and welcome.  He gave me a cursory sniff, but made no bones about the fact that he wasn’t excited at all about my approach or my condescending pat on the top of his head.  He was done with me before we started.  Classic. This one’s a jerk, I quickly surmised.

And the next thing I knew, Sapphire was on me like a fat kid on a cupcake…  Read More→