Today is the day to pander.
Dear Mrs. Zulkey,
Recently I adopted two kittens. I live in an apartment building where
you sign a lease that says that you realize that animals are not allowed and
if animals are found in the apartment the tenant will lose the security deposit.
But here's the thing: I went to a building party organized by some other tenants
and someone told me that half of the people in the building have cats and
one has a dog, and that they all signed the same lease. I have heard the dog
and seen one cat in a window. My father rents an office from the same landlords
and I think he would be angry with me for having cats. And I want to have
a Christmas party. I would love to invite my father to
the Christmas party but at this point it seems like a better option to gracefully
disinclude him. I don't think his feelings will be hurt - I could actually
have two Christmas parties and have the second one at his house. Am I a bad
person for letting some friends and some familiy members know about the cats
while hiding them from others?Should I do something or just let it be? Right
now I have this plan in mind of telling my father when the cats are three
years old. Then it could kind of be funny, right?
Thanks for your advice,
Cats In Hiding
My Dear Ailurophile,
I'm not a lawyer, but based on what you say it seems as if your landlord is
willing to look the other way regarding pets - for a price. You're not faced
with eviction, just the loss of your security deposit. So the cost of your
new little roommates includes not just cat food and kitty litter, but one
or two months rent as well. I assume you think this is worth it.
Now with regard to your Dad, let's be grown up about it. Tell him and relieve
yourself of the sneaking around. If you need to soften the blow, you could
send him a note enclosing photos of the cutest, most irresistible kittens
ever. Tell him that you were lonely and these two companions are preferable
to taking in a parolee from the shelter, not the animal shelter, the homeless
shelter.
Mrs. Zulkey
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