Mendofleur

What is it about the animals in our lives that seems to take us to another realm of thinking. I defer to my cats, all three of them. They manage to choose the best seat in the house, the most precious quilt, and the most current project that I am working on. Could it be love for them or simply the utmost respect for their impeccable taste? I think Marge Piercy expressed it well in an excerpt from her poem “Arofa” from her book Sleeping with Cats.

When I got a kitten a decade
and a half ago, I didn’t know
I was being acquired
by such a demanding lover,
and a passionate, jealous,
furry, fussy wife.

And so my cats are named according to their taste:

Yo Yo kitty aka Lauren

Japanese Turtle Project kitty aka Sam

Prince of Poses and Ruler of Food aka Willie

But I love dogs too. I find it simply is impossible, with three cats ruling our domain, to bring such a lovely creature into our home. But I think this piece below must have been made for someone who was equally captivated by their dog, one as esteemed as my cats. I like the edging with the subtle embroidery on each scallop. It was probably made in the 40′s or 50′s, no provenance, but obviously designed and sewed with much admiration for a particular pet. Best of all, it helps you to smile and forget for a second the woes of the world.