Achilles and Hektor – Ragdolls of the Week
How a REALLY BAD DAY ended in a REALLY GOOD DECISION.
Welcome to Planet Hartwell. Stress Capital of the known universe. Please check your blood pressure at the door and make yourself a Panadol sandwich.
They say that God never sends you anything you can’t handle, but sometimes even the best of us (and I’m so not one of them) need a helping hand.
Meet Achilles and Hektor, furry guardian angels and purveyers of peace at Planet Hartwell. I know this is supposed to be RAGDOLL of the week, not RAGDOLLS, but bear with me a moment and you’ll understand why they’re in this together.
This is Firstborn. He’s 16. He’s a senior in High School, works part time, is a keen learner driver and mad skill gamer. He has Aspergers Syndrome, complete with OTT stress levels, a hair trigger emotional thermometer and a mad desire for order in a chaotic universe. And this is Hektor. Named for the Prince of Troy, ‘cos that’s how we roll. He’s just turned 1. He’s a blue bicolour who enjoys eating, sleeping, shedding and specialises in stress management and unsolicited displays of adoration.
This is Firstborn’s brother, Second Son. He’s 12. He’s a senior in Primary School, plays a wicked drum kit, and enjoys epic battle movies without too much meaningful dialogue. He also has Aspergers , with different manifestations and triggers. This is Hektor’s brother, Achilles. Named for the Greek hero who built the Trojan Horse (and kicked Hektor’s butt). He’s also just turned 1. You get that in a litter. He’s a seal bicolour who excels at climbing the unclimbable, catching the uncatchable, (and leaving the remains on my pillow….NOT cool) and wicked loud purring and skull cracking headbutts (and kicking Hektors butt).
Get the picture now?? I could no more pick one of my furrboys over the other than I could pick one of my sons. They’re a set…..like my boys. When it was suggested to us that we try Ragdoll cats as therapy for my sons, my first thought was “OMG do I really want to add more work, more stress, and more responsibility to every day??” . Followed by “and what if it doesn’t work”.
Fortunately, as you can tell from the pictures, it did work. From the second they arrived from Ravera Ragdoll Cats. As for the stress?? There is none. They’re teflon coated stress repellers. It’s scientifically impossible to raise your blood pressure with 13 pounds of centrally heated smooch on your lap. And the work?? It’s not work. Doing things for the ones you love isn’t work. It’s a privilege. Whether they’re your kids or your cats. And they give it back to us times infinity. Again, and again, and again.
Kjirsten Hartwell
Supreme Commander of Planet Hartwell, Mother of the Tribe of Two, Cat Wrangler Extrodinaire.
Hi, I’m Jenny Dean, creator of Floppycats! Ever since my Aunt got the first Ragdoll cat in our family, I have loved the breed. Inspired by my childhood Ragdoll cat, Rags, I created Floppycats to connect, share and inspire other Ragdoll cat lovers around the world,
Thanks everyone….we think they’re pretty special….just like all your furbabies!!
Sounds like you all live on a great planet with a highly nurturing Supreme Commander. I can sense that there’s a whole lotta love goin’ on there! And I deeply respect the respect you show for your family and your sweet Raggies.
Thanks for sharing so much with everyone here. Your story is inspirational and clearly, you handle the stress with grace – thanks for sharing that too. Your family, your photos, your story and your telling are all beautiful, gentle and piercing. Keep reaching out.
This is such a sweet, heart-warming post! the best one I ever read for ragdolls of the week on floppy cats! you should consider your own blog, your writing is great!
You are a kind and loving mom and know your boys (and kitties) are so fortunate that you could see their needs and give them an angel to take care of them.
I would not have been able to cope with my back injury for the last 10 years had it not been for my 5 kitties. They are able to communicate without speaking and offer comfort beyond what other humans understand.
What a beautiful loving story
Thank you for such an excellent, witty, touching story and the beautiful pictures! Purrs and blessings to your kitties, your sons, and YOU! :0
What a delightful–and well-told 🙂 –story, Kjirsten! The therapeutic benefits cats can provide, without even trying, are amazing, but I honestly think Ragdolls must be among the best at it. Whether it’s the heart-stoppingly gorgeous, forever-kittenish faces, the exquisitely-plushy fur coats, the near-constant need for attention, the clown-like behavior, or the companionship, just wanting to be in our presence at all times… there’s definitely something undeniably magical about knowing and loving a Ragdoll. 🙂
What a wonderful family of males, human and feline. My Rag Doll, Baby, is better than any medication and relieves all stress at our house. You have double the love and what a wonderful story. My husband has ADHD and when Baby gets in his lap, his attention is only on one thing, his Baby. I wish you and your sons lots of love and happiness and long life for your kitties.
OMG! So cute pictures!