Two Glasses of Lemonade on the Porch, and One Very Curious Cat
It's a warm afternoon, and the old porch bench is in the shade at last. Ruth, in a light blue shirt, takes a slow sip from a frosty glass of lemonade, while Harold, in a plaid shirt, raises his own glass and grins. The paint on the bench is peeling, a little succulent sits in a clay pot nearby, and the yard behind them glows in late summer light. Leaning in toward the front of the scene is Saffron, golden eyes bright, big ears up, whiskers forward, looking very interested in whatever smells so tart and sweet.
Hot days call for a little extra care with pets. Keep fresh, cool water available at all times, and make sure your cat has shady spots and somewhere indoors to retreat to. Cats often regulate their temperature by finding cool surfaces, like tile floors or the shady side of a porch. Lemonade itself isn't a good choice to share. Citrus can upset a cat's stomach, and sugary drinks don't offer anything cats need. If your cat seems curious about your glass, a separate bowl of water or a small ice cube to bat around can be a fun way to include it.
Some afternoons are meant for doing very little at all. A cold drink, a shady bench, a spouse of many years, and a curious cat leaning into the frame make for a pretty perfect summer moment.
