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Spencer was still new to our household when I realized that I would have the same trouble with him as I sometimes had with Holmes--the rules of their behavior (and thus my interactions with them) seemed to vary day by day. It was like waking to find that one plus one is three rather than two.
One day, Spencer would submit to as much petting as I was willing to give him. Another day, he dodged my hand every time I proffered it.
One day, Holmes would willingly participate in lengthy conversation. Another day, he rebuffed all attempts to draw him into even the most cursory exchange.
On those days when they were both feeling uncommunicative--or worse, were entirely absent--I retreated to my club and the felicitous company there. It was the best compromise, taking into account their temperaments and my own. The cat and the detective may prefer to be aloof on occasion, but this doctor requires regular interaction.