I took this photo today when I was in the cat house cleaning the litterboxes. You think that would be a straightforward enough task, except for the fact that blind Herbie loves to climb up my legs when I'm doing this. He swirls around my ankles, then stands on his hind legs and reaches up with his paws to ... yes, pull himself up my pants and hopefully -- this is the end goal -- to eventually reach my shoulders.
"Excuse me," I say to him, "those are my legs, young man!"
This makes the essential task of cleaning litterboxes a wee bit difficult. I have tried to shoo him away, fend him off, and otherwise discourage Herbie's affections in this department, but ultimately the only thing that works is to put him in one of the medical cages.
Thus he sits there meowing from behind bars, protesting the injustice and indignity of it all, while I go about the business of cleaning. The Herbie lock-up doesn't last long, he is soon freed, and I quickly skedaddle from the cat house before I end up going out the door dragging a cat holding onto my ankles.
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Don't forget, you can vote every day for us in The Animal Rescue Site/PetFinder's Shelter Challenge. Enter "Rolling Dog Ranch" and our state postal code, MT for Montana, and it will bring up our listing so you can cast your vote. The site has been very slow in the past couple of days so their servers may be overloaded on occasion, so you may need to keep trying.
Those orange boys think we only live to serve....wait, we do! Herbie is the perfect littly guy...absolutely perfect.
Posted by: Debbie | April 20, 2009 at 07:42 AM
Isn't Herbie the escape artist? If so, what's the problem here? Slacking?
Posted by: Craig from Great Falls | April 17, 2009 at 11:46 PM
If I didn't have bills or responsibilities, I think I'd come and hang out with the cats all day, every day...whether you wanted me there or not!
Posted by: Jamie | April 17, 2009 at 12:48 PM
I agree with Jessica -I live in Calgary AB (soooo far from Montana) - and I would love to bring Herbie into my fold - unfortunately I can only have the two I gots already - condo bylaws - he is the cutest, most affectionate bug! I love him! He'd make anyone a fantastic buddy - I think he's lonely.
Posted by: Tracye Jorgensen | April 17, 2009 at 12:23 PM
I just adore Herbie. What a great personality! Being put behind bars for affection & cuteness is hard for a kitty to understand but Steve I understand your plight. Erin doesn't try to climb me (thank goodness) when I'm cleaning his box but I do get supervised. He sits & watches every move I make & then when I'm finished he immediately crawls in the box & I have always assumed to make sure I did a good job!
Posted by: Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin | April 17, 2009 at 09:26 AM
I love having the Shelter Challenge on my tool bar where all my 'must see' sites are..........so easy to remember to vote every day :)
Herbie's 'look' is the epitome of kitty martyrdom !
Posted by: Bibi | April 17, 2009 at 08:17 AM
Hahaha, this reminds of last summer, when I was cleaning the litterboxes in a room full of foster-kittens having the same fun as Herbie, but without the help of a cage! I looked like Quasimodo most of the time ;-), the easiest was just going around on all fours with the most room on my back ...*sigh*.
Poor guy, I hope you do cuddle a BIT with him before you leave??
Posted by: Jessica, NL | April 17, 2009 at 04:41 AM
I can't believe somebody has not adopted this LOVE BUG!!!! Herbie is so full of affection. He really has filled out too!
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | April 17, 2009 at 02:11 AM
Herbie sounds like the ultimate love bug. He's just thanking you in his own special way, for taking such great care of him. You got your day in the sun, Herbie! How's that for being a pest to Steve?
Warm hugs to all,
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit
Posted by: ginger & Tobias (the greythound) | April 16, 2009 at 11:09 PM
Oh Geeeeez, I wish I was so much closer to the ranch. I adore Herbie and would apply/beg to adopt that little stinkpot in a heartbeat! So much personality in a darling little package too!
Posted by: Pam Rose | April 16, 2009 at 10:11 PM
I have to love Herbie! He's a wonderful character. Poor Steve, you need claw-proof coveralls to stand up to Herbie's affections.
Posted by: Moon Rani | April 16, 2009 at 10:05 PM
What a precious photo!!! Looks like Herbie is behind bars...for just being cute?!
Posted by: Nina | April 16, 2009 at 08:41 PM
Herbie,
Really, it's okay; it's for your own good. Cats are not the hot fashion item this year. But I do understand your affection for Steve; anyone who cleans litter boxes is okay and worthy of climbing.
Posted by: Janet in Cambridge | April 16, 2009 at 05:02 PM