Kitties go for a ride

Last night we had to return that Garfield DVD in order to avoid the dreaded late fee- it had to be back by 11:59! So, at 9:30 Darian and I hopped in the car- as did our dog, and two cats.

Now Ellie, the crazy Pom, loves car rides. He was on car restriction for a while since he decided to crap while I was driving, then walk all over the back seat, and hop into the front with poopy coated paws, but that is a story I do not wish to go into further detail. Anyway, since I figured out that I need to *walk him* before riding in the car, all is good between us. He makes a fine passenger.

The original pet passenger is Griffin, our orange tabby. Griffin is the most friendly, outgoing, intelligent cat I have ever met in my life. He knows everyone in the neighborhood- even comes home with notes around his collar from neighbors thanking us for the visit! And since he is so well known as being affectionate and playful, no one has ever complained about him crapping in their gardens. Griffin *loves* to ride in the car. In fact, for a while, he had a car obsession. He had to go everywhere with us. When it was time to take Darian to school, or pick her up, he knew, and would be right there in the driveway waiting to hop in the car. He especially enjoyed sitting in her car seat.

We have another cat, Martini. Martini is Griffin's little brother. He really is a tiny cat- all black with white markings which looks like he is wearing a tuxedo- and he is much more reserved than Griffin. While Griffin roams the entire neighborhood, wandering into other's homes, getting locked in garages and basements, and being a social butterfly, Maritini chooses to wander around our yard and maybe venture across the street to see what it's like, but that's about it. When I walk Ellie, it's always Griffin who is with us- never Martini.

So last night came as quite a shock to me and Darian when Martini decided to hop in the car. We thought Martini hated the car- he has always dreaded going to the vet. If he is outside with us, he'll run away the moment we head for the driveway. Not last night! Granted, it took a little bit of coaxing, but he was curious and wanted to get in. The moment I backed out of the driveway, though, he started crying. Oh, the cries of a sad kitty. They made us laugh and coo "Awwwwww" and get Darian to exclaim that he needed to get back home. Nope, not turning around to let the cat out of the car. I was on a mission to avoid a late fee.

So, while we did get the video back in time, and Ellie and Griffin had a nice mile long ride in the car, Martini was scared to death. He ran right for the litter box the instant we got home and thanked us for the ride by stinking up the entire basement.