An amazing thing happened today. I’d planned to make a rubber stamp of Schroedinger’s paw print so he could sign the book. I kept putting it off because he doesn’t like to be picked up and usually twists his way out of my grip. I expected the effort would result in the application of an entire box of band-aids. They would, of course, be applied to me. I discussed how to proceed with my wife, Sandy AKA Schroedinger’s Mother. I put blank paper on the kitchen table. The ink pad, which I’d purchased some time ago, needed watering after the long wait. Sandy got a bowl of water and wet and soaped a towel to clean his paw. Then, the fun began.
Schroedinger was sunning himself in the bedroom window while lying on my desk. I cautiously approached and began by talking to him. I explained that I really needed his help to do an important job. I didn’t go into the details, but stressed the importance and the need for his help. This speech took about five minutes. Then, I reached over to pick him up. Surprise, surprise, he didn’t try to jump, but allowed me to carry him to the table, sit down and position him for the operation. I explained what would happen and then took his paw, pressed it to the ink pad and made the first impression. I did this five more times. He never complained or squirmed or tried to disfigure me. I was shocked. I held his paw out for Sandy and she cleaned it with the towel. Again, he was as good as gold. I spent the next five minutes saying, “Thank You” and telling him what a good boy he was, before setting him down. I was truly amazed at his behavior. I never doubted that he understood what I was saying, but that never stopped him, from biting or scratching me before. I truly believe that my speech made him decide to help me.
Schroedinger’s paw prints, freely given.