Right in my Own Backyard - Miss B. Ripple - by Brandt Carter
posted: Apr. 15, 2021
Miss B. Ripple (from the archives - Volume 3 Number 6 - 2006)
Miss B. Ripple (see photo) has never seen my backyard for she is the diva-in-residence at our backyard bird store. Her dossier should read:
"Qualifications: long-haired cat able to work full-time; Expertise: eating, purring, watching birds, hunting bugs, mice, and all that moves; Accepts attention: 24/7."
She surely exemplifies John Weitz's quote, "Even overweight, cats instinctively know the cardinal rule: when fat, arrange yourself in slim poses." She personifies James Herriot's observation that "cats are connoisseurs of comfort." A congenial member of our store staff, she greets customers, interrupts their signing charge slips to request attention, walks on the register keys, and spends long evenings curled in the birdbath in the front window display.
Miss B. Ripple
image courtesy of Brandt Carter
I think she read Dr. Phyllis Sherman Raschke's comments, "In reality, cats are probably better off remaining indoors and sending out their humans to deal with the outside world," for Ripple is very good at getting the humans to do her bidding. We are her staff, and she has made the adage "dogs have owners, cats have staff" true again. One customer even brought her a laser pointer so she could chase its bright red light spot for entertainment. (He is now her Uncle Bob.) Another brings in treats and catnip, while others take that extra moment to stroke her fur for the reward of her purring.
Ripple and her congenial store dogs have been an integral part of our business. They are as much of the retail team as we humans. When days get a little crazy, our animals seem to summon us to relax and enjoy life. George Eliot wrote, "Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms." If you need your daily dose of unconditional acceptance, come by and visit Miss B. Ripple. She's always ready to greet you.
brandt@broadripplegazette.com