The Star: September 15, 2016

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The Star follow us on facebook.com/riseupchristchurch Thursday September 15 2016 27 Murray the moggie is purr-fect HE’S affectionately referred to as the Big Brother of the family. Our first baby. Our fur child. Yes, our cat Murray (aka Muzz) is now truly established as kingpin of our property and fancies himself as the centre of our world. Not long after I fell pregnant with our first child, hubby made the executive decision to get in some parenting practice before our bundle of joy arrived. When I was four months pregnant, he gave me a kitten for Mother’s Day. The runt of the litter, this little ball of fluff stole our hearts and gave us our first insight into the requirements and demands of looking after a wholly dependant thing. Having been with us on the parenting roller coaster from the start, our cat is now an important family member, and we couldn’t be without him. Over the years, Muzz has watched our brood grow. As the babies kept coming, he had a keen sense of what was (and wasn’t) permitted. When I held the baby, he kept his distance and cautiously watched from afar. Yet when the baby slept, he whipped around my legs and jumped on my lap at any chance. He seemed to understand the changes in the household, and came to respect the new dynamic. As our little ones graduated from the cot to the floor, he started to show more interest. The girls were intrigued by this fluffy lion, who paraded himself so close, yet remained so far. Close enough to play, yet away from grasping hands. When they started to crawl, he issued encouragement. He often remained in one spot long enough to entice, only to quickly to move out of reach at the exact time a chubby little hand reached for a fistful of fur. He purrs, she chats. He’s King Muzzy, and she’s his Princess. I always marvelled at how brave the girls were to be hanging with a cat that was the same size as them – it would be like me mooching around with a teenage tiger. But he’s never provided them with a cause for concern. He’s quick to reinforce the boundaries with a soft swipe of his paw when they get too annoying – enough to warn, but not enough to hurt. He’s commanded their respect, yet remained their close companion and playmate. When they head to bed, he often darts into their room for a quick good night. He knows he’s not allowed to sleep on their beds, but makes the most of his permitted five-minute pat-down with our eldest girl before lights are out. It’s a kind of ritual, and meditative wind down for them both – he snuggles in to her, and she showers him with love. He purrs, she chats. He’s King Muzzy, and she’s his Princess. The most valuable thing about having Muzz is the love, empathy and sense of responsibility he’s provided for our girls. It’s their job to feed him, ensure his cat door is open, and his biscuit and water bowls are full. He’s taught them to be gentle, respectful, and understand that animals need just as much attention that people do, all the while reciprocating their affection, time and love. For that reason alone, long live King Muzz as the official “big brother” in our family, and great mate to our girls. You’re purr-fect! BIG BROTHER: Tabby Murray is the kingpin of the property. up to 30% off 14 Years History • 5 Year Warranty 252 Annex Rd, Middleton, Chch Ph: 03-595 0688 Email: info@unicornkb.co.nz Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 10am-2pm
The Star follow us on facebook.com/riseupchristchurch Thursday September 15 2016 29 Great escapes With warmer weather, longer days and fewer crowds, spring is a simply stunning time to plan a short break. These premier accommodation and activity options will inspire your next trip. The Fairways, Kaikoura Surrounded by natural bush and farm land, and bordering Kaikoura Golf Course, the Fairways is a perfect getaway. Laced with biking and walking tracks, it’s only five minutes to town, where opportunities abound to explore many natural wonders. www.thefairways.co.nz Phone (03) 319 3058 stay@thefairways.co.nz SiloStay, Little River Dream a little. Shoot for the stars and while away a moment in luxurious comfort in your very own silo. Run away to stimulating design, and pamper yourself, or even better, be pampered by another. www.silostay.kiwi.nz Phone (03) 325 1977 email info@silostay.kiwi.nz Earth & Sky, Tekapo Earth & Sky runs star-gazing and observatory tours throughout the year, beneath the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. Let the highly enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides take you on a journey of the southern night sky. Watch as they open a window to the universe. www.earthandsky.co.nz Phone (03) 680 6960 email info@earthandsky.co.nz Canopy Camping, Nationwide Canopy Camping escapes offers a carefully curated selection of glamping and offgrid accommodation in 22 locations around New Zealand. Experience nature-filled surrounds in total privacy, star-studded skies, outdoor baths, crackling campfires and toasted marshmallows. A peaceful and rejuvenating escape from everyday life. www.canopycamping.co.nz email hello@canopycamping.co.nz Bay of Many Coves, Marlborough Sounds Need a reason to escape to one of nature’s finest sanctuaries? On October 14th-16th, experience jazz by Fran Barton and Kevin Clark, and a very special Champagne Master Class with House of taittinger. then, on the 28th-30th, Opera at the Bay combines soul-stirring Italian cuisine with arias from New Zealand opera stars. www.bayofmanycoves.co.nz Phone (03) 579 9771 email enquiries@ bayofmanycoves.co.nz
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The Star: September 15, 2016

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