194 "Language Barriers"

I feel like it's patronizing to talk down to animals or use little cutesy voices with them, so any interactions with them generally sound like I'm trying to communicate with a foreign person. (The same rule applies with babies and kids, but I think that just tends to end up sounding more awkward than anything else.) I don't want to put words in their mouths, but sometimes it can't be helped.





The cat depicted here is one of my roommate's cats, and it is important to note that his name is Buddy. I am not simply being affectionate. It's like some horrible psychological ploy to garner compassion. He's also blind in one eye, so I suppose that nets him some sympathy points.