Ha - made you look for all the wrong reasons!
No - it's a cat.
Won't bore you but it's been as 'interesting' year. Actually no - it's been an effing difficult year. On top of some horrible things, such as a rat infestation in our home, we lost our beloved cat of 17 years. A very bad time for it - as my daughter has been diagnosed with depression. The cat was really good for her and she looked forward to cuddling her when she came in.
It has been a while since the cat died. My daughter is in a really bad state at present and we are going back to the doctors on Monday. She really really wants a kitten from a rescue centre. One to name, call her own and to love.
But here is the complicated bit. Recently I told my mother about my lymphoma. I had hidden it from her as she lives a long way away and worries. A lot. Now she seems to think that she will end up looking after me, which she says is fine. I am hoping that will not happen and I can manage my condition. I do not want that scenario at all. But when I mentioned the cat, she went potty. Usually she is lovely and we are close. She has a phobia about cats and cannot come into any house with one in it.
At present my mother does not visit very often. We don't go to see her that much but I talk to her every day. We have other animals (chickens) and to be honest, my daughter and I have a full and busy life where we are. I often get very tired too - so I don't do too much travelling. She feels that she will be unable to visit or look after me, if I should need it.
I have got a bit cross with her and told her this is my household and that I am a grown woman. An animal would really be beneficial to a very unhappy little girl. I think she should get some treatment for her phobia and not expect to dictate that we cannot get a cat.
Please don't say you hate cats - as that will not be unhelpful. But am I being unreasonable if I get the kitten? I am really worried about my little girl. We have never been without a cat and we are very much animal people.