The Day With Dukee And Mia

Influences

Dukee laid relaxing in the main walkway between the dining area and the living room. Mia walked in from the hallway and then glanced at Dukee as she walked past him.

“What’s going on?” Mia asked.

“Nothing really, but I did what you told me to do and it worked,” Dukee said.

Mia cocked her head as she looked at Dukee, “um, what did I tell you to do?”

“Last week you told me to wake up my mom if I wanted some attention, like you do with your mom,” Dukee said.

“And she paid attention to you?” Mia asked and then laid down.

“Yep. I stood by her on the bed, meowed once, and she woke up. She fixed the blanket by her and I laid down next to her,” Dukee explained.

“Did she massage you?” Mia asked.

“Well, she pet me nicely for a few minutes and then we went to sleep,” Dukee said.

“Is that all the attention you wanted?” Mia asked.

“Yes, that was good enough for me. My mom needs her sleep, so I don’t like to keep her awake for too long,” Dukee said.

Mia thought for a moment, “well, she can sleep anytime can’t she?”

This time Dukee cocked his head while he looked at Mia, “um, our moms don’t sleep the way we do, they sleep mostly at night.”

“I know that but can’t they take naps if they're tired?” Mia asked.

“Well sometimes, but they have other responsibilities during the day too. You really should let Auntie R sleep more at night. It’s better for her health if you let her sleep,” Dukee said.

“Her health? What’s her health?” Mia asked and licked her right paw.

“It’s how they feel. You know, just like the way we feel sometimes… Tired, achey… You know, stuff like that,” Dukee said.

“Oh, I never thought of that. I guess I can try and let my mom sleep more at night. It’s just that I’m up at night and I get bored,” Mia said.

“Well, you could try and sleep more at night too, you know,” Dukee said.

“But I’m a cat. My instincts tell me to hunt at night,” Mia said.

Dukee snickered, “Mia, you’re an indoor cat who gets fed food. You don’t have to be up all night hunting for nothing.”

Mia thought once again, “I guess you’re right. But, if any critters get in the house at night, I’m ready for them.”

Dukee got up, shook his head, and walked down the hall to his bedroom.

“What did I say? I keep an eye on the house and make sure that no bugs or other critters come in,” Mia said.

It is true that once in awhile a bug does get into the house and Mia is a good hunter. But she could learn to sleep more at night like Dukee usually does so their moms can get more sleep. With every family there are various ways to influence each other. Some good and some not so good. For some reason lately, Mia has influenced Dukee to wake his mom up during the night just for some attention. Mia, your auntie is begging you to please let us all get some better sleep at night.

Until next week, Dukee and Mia want to wish you all a wonderful week.