She's So Shy

You don't know her, but she's here too.  Her name is Elsa.  She is Peri's sister.  Those who visit Deer Run invariably meet Peri.  He's very gregarious, very social, and very "in charge" of all things on Long Beach.  Elsa, however, is a whole different story.  Elsa was a rescue as well, and she was initially living in Miami.  Another big city girl.  She must have experienced some bad things, as winning her trust takes a lot of time and patience.

When she first arrived, I only heard about her, never saw her.  Kind of like the legend of Big Foot.  The other happy vegan began to win her trust after months of giving her some kibble regularly, but for me, she would never do anything but run as soon as I appeared. This was distressing for both her and me.... I would never hurt an animal, and really wanted her to know this.  I persevered, and won some trust.

She stuck very close to Peri for a long time.  Then one night about 3 years ago, a terrible fight happened.  Peri and Elsa were dueling to the death it seemed. Blood was involved, and horrible screaming.  We intervened as best as possible, but Elsa ran away.  She did not return for a while.  Peri had scrapes too, but he went on with life as usual.  Finally Elsa returned, she healed, yet she and Peri were no longer friends.  Through the passage of time, thankfully that has changed. They are now thick as thieves.  When Peri went on walkabout a few weeks ago, Elsa seemed distraught.  Not eating right, listless.  Lonely.  I knew how she felt.  Peri came home, and she was a perky gal again.

Elsa is still very shy.  She does not "hang" with the guests.  If you look at her the wrong way, she runs and hides.  I am allowed to pick her up for a few seconds when I feed her, and that's her limit.  I do not chase her for hugs, no, that is all wrong.  I just always give her a quick hug & kiss on her terms to help keep her social and knowing she is safe at our place too.  Little girl that she is, the Universe is big... she is small.  Elsa is loved, but shy and we accept this.  Her angelic presence is welcomed at Deer Run... she too likes to tan on the deck, but admire her from afar, otherwise you will not admire her at all... the invisible kitty that she can be.