A few of my readers have asked me how Charlie the Dog and Izzy the Cat are adjusting to apartment living. Good question, readers! Or, you know, it's an okay question. I mean, there have been worse. Questions like "Why are you wearing that?" and "How much more could you suck?" So. Onward!
Of course we had informed the pets when we first decided to move, to give them time to adjust. And Charlie was all, "But I need a backyard to defile with my fecal matter" and Izzy was like, "How will I live without a basement in which I can find all manner of dust and crap to rub into my fur?" And we replied, "How about your opinion matters when you contribute some money and/or start picking up your own poop?" That shut them up good. At least for a few hours, and then they started grumbling again.
I am happy to report, however, that they appear happier in the apartment than they ever were in the house. I'm not sure why this is, except that now they can keep on eye on us at all times. Frankly I didn't think Izzy cared all that much, but it turns out she likes having us around. Where she can be directly underfoot, trying to kill us.
Charlie seems more comfortable knowing that we're all in one place, that his pack is safely assembled. It must have been exhausting, keeping track of us in the house. Especially when some of us were upstairs and others were downstairs, a setup he must have imagined we had planned just to torment him. He's also enjoying meeting other dogs, which is a huge surprise—the last time we lived here, he would go ballistic if he saw a dog or anything vaguely dog-shaped. On our walks in New Jersey, we would maybe see one other dog, usually across the street, as the dog and its owner scurried away. Now he's seeing multiple dogs on every block and he's greeting them like they're old friends. Like he's happy to be back in Brooklyn! Or maybe he's just old.
So they're good. Besides, we're in an overheated rental, and what animal doesn't enjoy a nice dry heat?
I bet they're loving that you're happier too. They can be so much like children, and it's amazing what they pick up on. So happy that the move is going well for you!
Posted by: Angela | March 05, 2009 at 01:33 PM
Welcome home Charlie and Izzy.
Posted by: steph | March 05, 2009 at 01:36 PM
And they're encouraging you to blog more often. So we all win!
Posted by: Poppy Buxom | March 05, 2009 at 02:01 PM
Really, a dog would be happiest if the whole family lived in a car. Or one big bed.
Posted by: Carrie | March 05, 2009 at 02:23 PM
It's just so good to hear the lightness in your voice. With the hell that driving is, the suburbs must have been triply hellish. Welcome back to big city living!
Posted by: Elizabeth_K | March 05, 2009 at 02:26 PM
With each passing word: Brooklyn, overheated, rental -- Bossy became more jealous.
Posted by: BOSSY | March 05, 2009 at 02:47 PM
photos? not of animals. of apartment.
Posted by: honesty*rain | March 05, 2009 at 02:59 PM
So glad the animals are happy. One big happy family!! Can't ask for more! Except maybe more money...a vacation...ummmm...
Posted by: Mary @ Holy Mackerel | March 05, 2009 at 03:32 PM
Animals are crazy that way, aren't they? We thought our dog and cat would go baslistic when we moved from a house with a huge yard to our apartment but they're just fine - and as you said, actually seem to like it better. Crazies.
Posted by: amigurumigirl | March 05, 2009 at 04:52 PM
My dog loves the fact that our new place is 300 square feet smaller than the old place. I agree- I think he just likes being able to keep track of us all without leaving his bed in the living room.
Posted by: heather | March 05, 2009 at 05:16 PM
I think my cats are channeling Izzy. They like to be underfoot and try to kill me too. COINCIDENCE?? I THINK NOT!!
I'm glad to hear that everybody's adjusting well. Now I'll just sit back and wait for some photographs =) Hint. Hint.
Posted by: Sarah @ BecomingSarah.com | March 05, 2009 at 05:31 PM
Glad they settled in. Pretty hilarious post.
Posted by: Stephanie | March 05, 2009 at 06:14 PM
I, too, would like to see your new living space, or at least parts.
Posted by: J. | March 05, 2009 at 07:50 PM
Cats are amazing. We had the same 2 cats now (in a house) that we had when we were living in a tiny apartment. When we were in the apartment, they were underfoot ALL THE TIME.
Now? Underfoot ALL THE TIME. It just takes more effort now.
Posted by: Mrs Embers | March 05, 2009 at 08:11 PM
Pets are such an important part of the family. They make any house into a home. We have a yellow lab and it's like living the movie Marley & Me. You can see it here:
http://www.recommendeddailydose.com/?p=256
Posted by: Kate | March 05, 2009 at 10:11 PM
worst question? how about "when are you due?" when you're NOT pregnant!
Posted by: fara | March 06, 2009 at 07:32 AM
Great post. I'm new to your blog and loving it. Actually just moved OUT of Brooklyn to Montclair and having serious suburban lifestyle adjustment issues. Will have to come back often to read more for my daily dose of city life.
Posted by: Sarah | March 06, 2009 at 09:25 AM
Glad to hear that you all are back in Brooklyn, settled in, and everyone is happy. I'm looking forward to more posts (woo-hoo!), and as Elizabeth_K pointed out, it's good to hear the lightness in your voice too.
We live in a city, but in a house. An old house that needs lots of work. I know that I will be reading your future posts on apartment living with increasing envy.
Posted by: Holly | March 06, 2009 at 09:48 AM
It's good that all animals and people are happy...especially now that you are living in a walk-in closet.
Posted by: MamaCass | March 06, 2009 at 01:46 PM
It's good to know that all animals and people are happy...especially now that you are living in a walk-in closet.
Posted by: MamaCass | March 06, 2009 at 01:47 PM
I'm pretty new to your blog, but loving it and (as a former New Yorker) am really looking forward to hearing about your daily life in Brooklyn. Looking forward to living vicariously, as it were.
Posted by: Elizabeth | March 06, 2009 at 03:39 PM
Reader transported over via Daddyscratches...
my word, I'm in a silent library, busting a gut over your blog. The med students are starting to get mad at me...thanks for making me smile! :)
Posted by: Melanie | March 06, 2009 at 09:52 PM
So glad you are all enjoying your return to Brooklyn. And I think you've summed up Charlie's reaction - dogs really do worry when one of the pack isn't within their eyeshot. Will apartment living mean even more walks than before without the fenced yard? Heaven for a dog!
Diva will miss seeing him though! And of course we will miss all of you!
As for Izzy, I find cats are pretty adjustable.
Posted by: Mauigirl | March 06, 2009 at 10:46 PM
YAY! A fully successful move and new friends for everyone!
Posted by: bea | March 07, 2009 at 12:45 AM
Dogs love their den . . . and cats love it when their people around, but they don't haev to show it. Glad you're having fun!
Posted by: Elaine at Lipstickdaily | March 07, 2009 at 07:52 AM
Glad it's all working out for everyone.
Posted by: Asianmommy | March 08, 2009 at 05:59 PM