Rosencrantz

Rosencrantz was born on June 21, 1992. He is an 18 pound long black haired neutered male with green eyes. I was blessed with his presence for my birthday and could not have wished for a more unique feline companion.

As a kitten his antics included unraveling toilet paper from the roll only to distribute it as effectively as possible throughout the apartment, and playing Alien (aka Face Hugger ) where he pounces on and clenches a sweatered arm while attempting to avoid the hand which eventually emerges to cling to his face. For quite some time, except towards myself, Rosencrantz's disposition was less than desirable towards other individuals and animals. Thankfully, and for the most part, he has grown out of his anti social behavior -- this, I attribute to the arrival of Guildenstern (see below.)

Rosencrantz is one of the most friendly cats one could ever meet -- and he loves visitors. When the apartment door buzzer chimes, he runs from wherever he is and sits perfectly in front of the door, eager to receive HIS guests. If the visitors are unfamiliar to him, he will insist that I raise him up and stand close to the visitor. In doing so, Rosencrantz sniffs at and sizes up the guest. If the visitor meets with his approval, or is familiar to him, he will quite literally leap from my arms onto the visitor (he fastens his furry arms around the visitor's neck -- much like a child would) and presses his face into the visitor's own face or neck. Other times, Rosencrantz waits patiently for the guests to make themselves comfortable on the couch, and then proceeds to launch and affix himself to the guest's neck, shoulder and/or chest.

Rosencrantz is also a drooler. He is happiest when either myself or my partner are laying down with an arm to the side. Rosencrantz will snuggle himself into the crook of our arm and begin purring, pushing his nose and mouth into our shoulder or arm, followed by a session of kneading with tremendous force. Shortly thereafter he begins to drool copious amounts of kitty saliva. Despite some behavioral disorders (eating disorder -- read, will eat everything placed in front of him, extreme sensitivity and periodic depression), Rosencrantz is a beautiful warm feline, deserving of much love and care.

rosencrantz@akasa.bc.ca

Guildenstern

Guildenstern was born on December 21, 1992. He is a 10 pound, sleek gray short haired neutered male. His eyes are yellow green, and he bears the classic facial features of a Siamese (he is part Siamese and part Blue Burmese.) Guildenstern is the epitome of daintiness, and when combined with his overactive imagination, makes for a wonderfully entertaining individual.

Guildenstern was, unfortunately, abused as a kitten, resulting in life long difficulties (excessively fearful of all humans except myself and my partner.) I had been wishing for a feline whom Rosencrantz could get along with (at this point, Rosencrantz was not amiable towards any other animals), and my wish came true when Guildenstern arrived on my windowsill, battered and broken, barely hanging on to life. Rosencrantz, affectionate towards him, was instrumental in returning Guildenstern to health.

I believe Guildenstern feels indebted to Rosencrantz as he spends a great deal of time showering Rosencrantz with love and affection. One of Guildenstern's favourite pastimes is to knead his paws into Rosencrantz's belly and purr quite loudly. Guildenstern will also spend considerable time bathing Rosencrantz, who, in appreciation, returns the favour.

Guildenstern is a lap cat with those he is comfortable with. He is content to settle himself onto my lap or legs, no matter what position I am in, and begin purring. If "purrs" could ever be harnessed into usable energy, Guildenstern would be capable of powering an entire apartment building. While he will not allow himself to be held by anyone (even myself), he absolutely loves being vigorously caressed while laying upon the floor.

I've often wondered where Guildenstern's overactive imagination transports him, as he transforms a small bug, a light on the wall, a piece of fluff on the floor and many other similar inconsequential items, into a formidable adversary, in need of vanquishing. His high energy is wonderful and leads to many humorous antics, not the least of which is chasing a flash light beam around the floor and walls, carrying and playing with a small fur imitation mouse, and chasing his own tail so erratically he bounces himself off the living room furniture. This is simply Guildenstern and he is adored for all that he is.

guildenstern@akasa.bc.ca

Together, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are yin and yang, equal yet opposite. Their inseparable companionship is revealed every day in their absolute affection towards one another. They share a gift -- a gift of accepting one another's uniqueness. It's a shame humans are nowhere near as tolerant.

Rosencrantz & Guildenstern can be found at: http://www.akasa.bc.ca/xan/index.html
( Saturday, October 04, 1997 8:34:01 PM )