Just about 20 minutes from where we live is an itty bitty country town known as Juliette. There’s not much in Juliette except for back country roads, houses, and one little road that has become a tourist destination thanks to the 1991 movie Fried Green Tomatoes. I’ve never seen the movie, but apparently it was filmed at the Whistle Stop Cafe, a down-home Southern cookin’ restaurant located in Juliette. Since the restaurant became somewhat famous, the little country road it is located on has grown a bit to include a few little shops and art studios. It’s a cute little road that Bobby and I thought would make for a fun adventure spot for Sophie and Lucy.
As usual, Sophie had a blast. She blazes her own trails, and we do our best to keep up!
#WobblyWednesday Confession: This outing was more difficult for me than our outings usually are. See, I prefer more quiet adventure spots that don’t really have many other people around. The reason? I hate how some people react to seeing Sophie walk. There’s nothing graceful about Sophie – she weaves and wobbles and stumbles and sometimes just flat out falls on her face/butt/etc… Some people recognize that there must be some underlying medical reason why this is, and they will come up to me and ask about it. Other people point and laugh, or comment about how much she must hate walking on her leash because of how she is walking, implying that I am forcing my cat to do something she obviously hates. I am quick to correct them, to explain that she has a neurological condition, and that she actually loves going out on her leash. This quickly shuts them up, but it still hurts. I know that Sophie doesn’t know that anyone is making fun of her. But I know. And I hate it.
I know I shouldn’t let it get to me – that I shouldn’t care what anyone else thinks or says, that I should be more like Sophie and just keep on trucking along, paying no mind to the haters. I do take the opportunity to raise awareness and explain what cerebellar hypoplasia is, but sometimes I can’t help but get my feelings hurt. I will take a play from the Sophie Book though, and I will keep moving forward. Together we will show the world that CH isn’t going to stop this kitty (or any kitty)!
Summer says
I think Sophie is the most awesome kitty and who cares about silly humans showing their ignorance? That looks like a fun little town, and I wish we had something like that near us where I could explore. There IS a lot around here… it’s just that it’s all wrapped up in the big city.
Tamago says
I’ve heard of the movie. It’s so cool that it was filmed there! Looks like a lovely place to explore and glad Sophie enjoyed a nice day out 🙂
What matters is that Sophie is having so much fun, but it does hurt to know some people make fun of her. She is really an awesome girl and inspiration, and we know that!
Random Felines says
we LOVE seeing Sophie’s adventures. it is sad that people out there judge others – animals and people – by their outward appearance. we certainly applaud you all for taking it in stride as much as you can and helping spread the word about these wonderful CH cats
Tina Barbour says
I am new to your blog and am so happy to find you! Your kitties are beautiful. I love that Sophie enjoys going on adventures. Her harness is very nice. The only time I ever tried a harness on one of our cats, he sat down like he couldn’t move with it on. 🙂 It is very sad that people make fun of and laugh at Sophie. I agree that Sophie has the right idea–ignore and keep on moving.
Laila and Minchie says
That is one of Mom’s favorite movies! How cool you shared those pictures with us. Thanks!
Brian Frum says
Sophie is so adorable and we love seeing her out n’ abouts! Ignore the idiot humans, they are everywhere!
Melissa & Mudpie says
Sophie is such an absolutely amazing little lady and that looks like such a fun outing. It hurts my heart that people would laugh at such a special little angel. It just shows how cruel some humans can be. If only people were more like animals!!!
Fur Everywhere says
It’s great that you try to raise awareness when people are beign so rude – I think I would just walk away and be sad! Good for you for educating people. The more that people know, the better.
It looks like you and Sophie had fun. And you really should watch Fried Green Tomatoes – it’s an excellent movie. Snuggle up with Sophie and make an evening of it. 🙂 Hugs to you both!
Sammy says
You can’t help but take it personally when people stare or laugh when they see sweet Sophie making her way with great curiosity and ZEST even if there’s a wobble here an there…..I would do the same. But you know she’s FINE and she certainly doesn’t understand the pointing and laughing – she just has FUN. That’s all that really matters………and you all do have plenty of that on your excursions with her! She’s so adorable – let the good times roll!
Hugs, Pam and Sammy
Lola The Rescue Cat says
Sophie is one of the bravest girl cats out there. If people are ignorant then poo in them.
Marg says
What a wonderful thing for Sophie to be able to go for a walk like that. She sure looks happy and the people that laugh at her are just ignorant. Which is too bad but you know and we know that she is happy and enjoyed her outing. Just look at her happy eyes.
da tabbies o trout towne says
sophie….thanx for sharin yur fotoz…we N joyed see in ewe N yur mom & dad & da dawg…..
…if we can we wood like ta share thiz quote:
We live on an island surrounded by a sea of ignorance. As our island of knowledge grows, so does the shore of our ignorance.
John Archibald Wheeler
pleez ta tell yur mom ta feed de ignorant two de sharks ~~~~~
♥♥♥♥♥
Deziz World says
Aaaaaw Don’t worry ’bout da hater and scoffers. Mommy sez she’s been gettin’ those fur as long as she’s had cats. And now dat she has Service cats, it’s even worse. You wuld never ask a seein’ eye or search and rescue dog to purrove they are such, but peeps think it’s quite all right to ask to see us dial a fone or sumfin’ else. And when mommy tries to educate peeps on da law, they just grumble on ’bout her bein a liar and us bein mistreated. So just ignore them and enjoy Sophie. We luv how she walks.
Luv ya’
Dezi and Lexi
Ellen Pilch says
I am sorry people make fun of poor Sophie. It is good cats don’t know about these things. I highly recommend you rent Fried Green Tomatoes from Netflix- great movie. My husband and I still joke about the line : the secret is in the sauce”.
Mary McNeil says
You know in your heart that Sophie loves being out and about, and she is truly a beautiful kitty ! And educating people about how “special” animals can make valuable companions is not to be underestimated !
The Island Cats says
What a fun adventure for Sophie! And don’t let the ignorant humans get to you. Just keep educating them about special animals like Sophie and hopfully they will learn. 🙂
meowmeowmans says
Sophie is awesome and wonderful. It makes us sad that some people mock what they don’t understand. Even MORE sad is that some of them don’t even ask. Glad you had a nice time together on this adventure. As long as Sophie and you had a good time, don’t let those silly, ignorant folks get you down.
BeadedTail says
When our mommy first met Sophie In Nashville, it was her weaving and wobbling that made her so endearing and even more special! She didn’t know Sophie and hadn’t heard of CH but never once did she think something was wrong with Sophie – she just thought she was adorable! What’s wrong is people who make fun of others especially a beautiful ladycat like Sophie. Don’t let their ignorance bring you down. Sophie is happy and very well loved and that is what’s important!
Raven says
It’s fantastic that Sophie enjoys her walks, even if they are wobbly. I often got funny looks when we took our nearly 17 year old Golden Retriever out in a wagon, but I didn’t care. I did it for his health & happiness and hopefully inspired some other people to help their dogs get out more. You’re and Sophie are great ambassadors for special needs kitties.
The Swiss Cats says
Humans’ ignorance show is often noisy : please don’t care. Sophie is a wonderful kitty and it’s so cool she loves be outside for a walk, see people, and have fun : that’s all matter ! Purrs
Athena says
People can be so mean. Try not to care. I know it’s hard but just remember you are a wonderful cat mother and you obviously love Sophie a lot and she clearly enjoys her walks. Only you know what’s best for her so please don’t let ignorant people stop you doing what you feel is best.
Purrs xx
Athena and Marie
LP says
We love that last photo of Little Papi. She looks beautiful in her butterfly harness.
People still have so much to learn about compassion and acceptance. They are often quick to point out differences and to assume the worse.They can take an act of kindness and support and interpret it to be an act of imposed duress because of their own shortcomings and inability to understand.Forgive them.Little Papi is incredibly joyous , beautiful and determined to move through life unscathed by her uniqueness. I have witnessed this firsthand and love her for it.Those who recognize her joy, strength and determination will applaud both her efforts and yours. You can teach people who want to be educated about her (when you feel so inclined) then distance yourself from those who wallow in ignorance ; feel sad for their smallness but don’t let it take away or curtail your understanding of what your baby needs. Little Papi loves her adventures ; she is bursting with a love of life! We know she will enjoy many, many more adventures over time because you are the best Kitty Mama EVER!!
the critters in the cottage and their Mama S XO
P.S. Fried Green Tomatoes is a movie that is definitely worth seeing if you get the chance!
Annie says
I saw Fried Green Tomatoes and definitely remember the Whistle Stop Cafe. What a fun place to visit. These are great pics. I can imagine how hard it must be to deal with peoples’ not-so-kind reactions to Sophie. I admire your resolve to continue to want to educate people on Sophie’s condition and compassion for animals and the “undoptable”. Sophie really is a wonderful example of courage, love and pressing forward.
Savannah's Paw Tracks says
I say ppfffttt! On those stupid humans. Mom L hopes to see you and Sophoe in Phoenix. She Luvluvluvs being able to pet her and hold her…her fur is so soft. Thank Ceiling Cat you found her and are giving her such a great life
Robin says
Sophie is beautiful no matter what anyone thinks. She has her own unique form of grace and style (which is totally pawsome). I love seeing her photos and videos. I have to admit, I would be upset with people who criticized my cats too. It looks like she had a great time even though it was busy there. Those little old towns can be a lot of fun! 🙂
Pipo/Minko/MrJackFreckles says
What a fun outing!!
Too bad it was marred a bit by those of lesser manners. We hope they do not have spawsial needs loved ones themselves, cause they are not going to have what it takes to deal with it like you do.
You deserve a medal!! And a huge load of hugs!
Clooney says
What gorgeous pictures you took, that looks that like a wonderful outing, that must have been so upsetting to encounter more of that judgment…Sophie is such a special kitty and how wonderful that she loves to go out on her adventures and that you take her out on them, that is really special.
Melissa & Mudpie says
Sophie is such an absolutely amazing little lady and that looks like such a fun outing. It hurts my heart that people would laugh at such a special little angel. It just shows how cruel some humans can be. If only people were more like animals!!!
Melissa & Mudpie says
Sophie is such an absolutely amazing little lady and that looks like such a fun outing. It hurts my heart that people would laugh at such a special little angel. It just shows how cruel some humans can be. If only people were more like animals!!!
Melissa & Mudpie says
Sophie is such an absolutely amazing little lady and that looks like such a fun outing. It hurts my heart that people would laugh at such a special little angel. It just shows how cruel some humans can be. If only people were more like animals!!!