Dottie Dipped Her Toes Off the Dock. Marigold Had Something to Say About It.
The boards of the old dock are weathered and warm, and Dottie has settled at the very end with her bare feet dangling in the lake. Her silver braid falls over a denim shirt, and she is smiling down at Marigold, who sits close beside her with her face turned up in return. Behind them a watering can, a pair of gardening gloves, clay pots and a plaid blanket pile up in a happy mess, and a few worn sneakers wait by the edge. The water ripples softly and the light has gone gold.
A quiet spot by the water can be a lovely place to unwind, and time spent with a calm pet is a well-known mood lifter. Calico cats get their colors from genetics, and nearly all of them are female, a fun fact that goes back to how the coat color genes are carried. As for dock safety, most cats are not fans of swimming, and a wet dock can be slippery. If your cat joins you outdoors, supervise closely, keep a harness handy if you like, and make sure she can't tumble in unnoticed. Check with your vet about outdoor safety and parasite protection too.
Marigold seems perfectly happy to keep her paws dry and her attention on Dottie. They have the kind of friendship that doesn't need many words. A slow afternoon, a still lake and a good listener is all the day requires.
