Last weekend we took a little walk! Random Guy and I hadn’t had breakfast yet, so we decided to wander downtown to get some food. We usually always consider weather or not it’s a good idea to bring Zero.
What are the deciding factors?
- Where we are going
- How we’re getting there
- What works/didn’t work on our previous outings
- How stressful it could be for Zero
- What he’s already done today/is this too much for him?
- Whether he seems to want to or not. The other day we were going to bring him to dinner and he hid under the couch so we didn’t push him on that.
- How flexible we are with aborting the mission if he’s really not having it (If this is ever not possible, we don’t bring him because we can’t force him too far out of his comfort zone, it’s not fair).
Off We Went
We decided to try carrying Zero in Random Guy’s vest because he was nice and cozy when we went on our bike ride, so that’s what we went with! Biking felt like too much today, so we set off on our feet! As we walked Zero bobbed along in Random Guy’s vest. A two-headed wonder. I loved the sight of it, it was so cute.
The Pit Stops
It started to rain, and I put up the umbrella. This was very creepy to Zero. He thought it was rude and now this big thing was following him. We let him out for a break when he got restless. He meowed and was confused about where we were, but he sniffed the grass and was able to distract himself. We picked him up and carried on.
We made one more stop and Zero seemed a little less impressed. We decided to change course to make our trip a little shorter. We turned to go into Old City Quarter, then set our sights on White Rabbit Coffee Co.
We Have Arrived
White Rabbit was the perfect spot! They had a seat on the patio. I went in to take a picture of the menu and the staff were all admiring Zero as he peeked through the window. I mentioned to the person behind the till that we had the cat outside and it felt like everyone in the small coffee shop turned to look at Zero through the window. I laughed and confirmed that he was my cat and hustled outside so we could decide on what to eat.
Zero and Random Guy peeked over at a dog while I was inside and scanned the perimeter of the building. There were many smells to smell. We decided on some food, and I went in to order. The same staff member I chatted with before took my order and I told her that this was a new adventure for him. She said he could come inside if he was inside Random Guy’s jacket, but he couldn’t be free-roaming. I thought that was fair. I never know what people will say so I always err on the side of caution bringing him into places (though we’ve had limited experiences with this). I know some people have big allergies so I wouldn’t want anyone to be uncomfortable.
Time for Breakfast
I took my coffees outside and waiting for the rest of the order. The lady brought our food to us, very kindly and gave Zero a little bit of love. Zero sat calmly wrapped in a blanket on Random Guy’s lap. What an angel baby.
We loved the breakfast sandwiches we ordered, mine was so filling I couldn’t eat it all! We shared a yogurt parfait (all three of us), and for dessert we had a pecan pie bar and it was so tasty with our coffee.
Zero Keeps Making Friends
Shortly after eating, Zero was getting antsy. As we gathered our things to leave, we talked to a man coming into the café for longer than I would have guessed about Zero. He said that Zero was a handsome guy and commented on how healthy he looked. He asked how old he was.
“Two and a half, I guess now.” I replied. I told him he’s been in a harness since he was a kitten.
He smiled. “Have a nice day.”
“You too!”
Maybe it disarms people seeing a cat on leash. I don’t know exactly what it is but it’s always so nice when people come up to meet Zero. We get to have a nice little chat or learn about their animals and Zero gets to meet new friends and smell their smells. It’s just a nice feeling knowing that he brings people joy.
Even when we walk and we see people notice him, they will light up and smile and point him out to whoever they’re with. He’s spreading so much joy.
Homeward Bound
Leaving the café was a bit slow-going. Zero started meowing the way he will in the car, I think he was confused and wanted to go home. He ended up calming down and we bundled him up in the blanket this time. The walk home was quick and downhill. Zero’s little head was damp from the rain, but he didn’t seem to mind too much. We made it home and he had a cozy night of napping.
Another good day.
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