4 Birth Months That Animals Walk Straight Up To
Someone is halfway through telling you their pet doesn’t usually like visitors when that pet walks over and settles beside you. You try to look normal about it. Internally, this is an enormous honor. These four birth months know the pleasure of being chosen by an animal who apparently has excellent taste.
March
March, you’re happy to be in a room with an animal without making yourself the main event. If your friend’s cat wants to watch the gathering from the hallway, you can admire it from your chair. You don’t need an introduction badly enough to interrupt whatever mysterious business it has in there.
When the cat finally comes over, you let it take its time. A sniff of your shoe, a brush against your leg, a decision to stay. You carry on talking to your friend, quietly delighted that this apparently very busy animal has chosen to spend some time with you.
Of course, you are paying attention. You know exactly when the cat settles against your ankle. You just manage to save “Your cat likes me” for the car ride home, where you will say it several times.
June
The dog has brought you a damp, battered toy, June, and you’re delighted. You’re asking what it is. You’re complimenting the craftsmanship. The owner explains that it used to be a stuffed duck. You tell the dog it’s lovely.
Animals belong in the fun as far as you’re concerned. With the owner’s okay, you’ll happily join a game and give an enthusiastic return the appreciation it deserves. You can keep up with the human conversation while a dog repeatedly delivers something wet to your feet. You just have a second engagement now. Even when someone else throws the toy, it somehow ends up back with you.
September
September, you remember the particulars. Your friend’s older dog likes a slow scratch along the shoulder. The young one wants you to throw the blue ball, even with four other perfectly serviceable balls available. You asked once, paid attention, and retained this information with the seriousness it deserves.
You take an animal’s little preferences seriously, which is part of your charm. You remember the favorite toy and the greeting they enjoy. When you visit again and they head straight for you, you’re pleased to discover the recognition goes both ways.
December
December, a large dog leaning its entire weight against your legs will receive an extremely warm welcome. You’ll look down at that enormous head with an expression usually reserved for seeing a favorite person at the airport. The owner starts apologizing for how needy he is. You’re already asking his name.
You have very little interest in playing it cool when you’re pleased to meet someone, including someone who sheds. Once you’ve checked that petting is welcome, you’ll happily make a fuss over the dog who came to say hello. He stands closer. You tell him he’s wonderful. By the time the owner explains that he thinks he’s a lapdog, you’ve sat down and acquired a chin across both knees. You ask whether he always does this, sounding hopeful about the answer.