Conversation Kit: Question #14

Please ask me this question the next time you see me.

Hello, and welcome back to Conversation Kit, where I share tried-and-true questions for meaningful conversation.

In honor of the one-year adoption anniversary of my cats last Sunday, here’s this week’s question: Tell me about a beloved pet (past or present).

Why I love this prompt: Pets are some of our closest companions in life. They bring joy, laughter, and so many fun memories. Whenever someone asks about my cats, I’m thrilled to show them a video of something hilarious or cute they did recently. People love to talk about their pets; it can open up new avenues of conversation.

For example, when I asked my step-grandma Naoma about a favorite pet she had, she immediately started gushing.

After [my husband] passed away, I was lucky enough to acquire the most handsome, intelligent, wonderful cat that most likely ever lived in the whole history of catkind or mankind. And Samson was his name, and he was partially Maine Coon and partially I guess whatever else was running around at the time. But he had long, long gray and charcoal fur with great big white paws and white undertones and huge whiskers. And he just was my companion for almost from the time Hal passed away until about two years ago. He was 19 years old, and he was my companion. So he slept on my pillow, woke me up with a little paw in the face, and if I wouldn't get up, he'd nip my ear or pull my necklace… I love animals, but I'm a cat person. And I love dogs, but I'm still a cat person. And they communicate to me, so [laughs]. Yeah, you don't have to have a language. You have intuition about their needs and they have it of yours.

This is a painting Naoma’s friends commissioned as a gift to her. It shows Samson as a Scottish Chieftain and was painted by Lucia Heffernan.

The other thing I learned is that when she was a child, Naoma had a cat named Lady Bird, which is my tabby cat’s name! Such a cool coincidence.

Try this question in your next conversation, and let me know how it goes. And if you want to share a picture or story of your pet in the comments, please do!

Spontaneous conversations are great, but I also believe that recording those stories strengthens ties across generations. I started Story-Wright to apply my audio journalism skills to your personal history so that you can tell your story in your voice to your posterity. I can meet in-person in Southern California, or record remotely!

If you’re an early bird who’s already thinking about December, check out Story-Wright’s holiday sale! Now through Dec. 24th, you can get $60 off your package. This is a priceless gift that is waste-free, tariff-free, and all-around the most memorable present your loved one could receive! Click the button below to hear samples and make your booking.