Kat Parson's post about ritual treats made me laugh.  I have developed a
similar ritual with Fee and Milly Grace.  Each morning, when I am ready to
leave for work, I put on my shoes and walk to the kitchen.  Miraculously,
the clip-clop of my heals on the hardwood floor beckons two little fuzzies
from wherever they are hiding.  Fee and Milly race from the kitchen to the
bedroom, with me following, vigorously shaking the plastic Cheerios
container the whole way.  After both have climbed onto the bed, they each
dig out a Cheerio.
 
I started giving them treats on the bed to keep them away from the door as
I leave the apartment (they are free roam) but classical conditioning has
taken over.  Now, if anyone visits and walks around with shoes on, out pop
Fee and Milly expecting treats!  They are quite the little conversation
pieces!
 
Peace -
Melissa Sullivan
[Posted in FML issue 3602]