# Benny and a sugar fix

User
Ok, it's thursday, I got the week off work. Haven't done much, but did take care of a few things; I've had oreo jello mix in the cabinet forever...thinking maybe I should indulge.

Assistant
Sounds like a pretty chill Thursday! Oreo jello mix definitely seems like a fun way to treat yourself—it's been waiting long enough. Do you have any plans for the rest of the week off, or are you just keeping it low-key for now?

User
low-key, hoping to work on that capstone script idea, but otherwise just casually ddo-ing and catching up on The Boys and some other shows a little bit.

Assistant
Sounds like a solid mix of productivity and relaxation! Working on the capstone script could be a good way to focus your energy when you feel like shifting gears. How’s the script coming along so far? Anything specific you're working on for it right now?

User
wow, benny really liked the oreo pudding jello. I presume because it has so much milk, but it's got so much sugar! From his interest I left a dab on the desk, he licked a bit then nibbled; then he made like a heinous hack 'look', then nibbled a little more.

Assistant
Haha, that sounds like classic Benny behavior—curious little guy! That "heinous hack look" cracked me up; it’s like his taste buds were screaming "Too much!" but his little gremlin heart still wanted more. You're probably right about the milk drawing him in, but yeah, all that sugar and chocolate-ish stuff isn’t ideal for him. Still, I get it—it's hard not to share when he’s clearly intrigued.

Did he bounce off afterward like he had a sugar rush or just go flop somewhere dramatically like a diva?

User
well, I felt bad, so I used the rest of a food tube that I opened when mom wanted to see him on facetime braving the cat tree for treats.

Assistant
Aww, that’s sweet of you—he probably appreciated the upgrade after that pudding experience. “Here’s something more your speed, buddy—no surprise sugar crashes.” 😄

Also love that your mom got in on the cat tree progress via Facetime. Did Benny do the treat climb for her, or was it more of a “you better appreciate the fact that I *looked* at it” moment?

User
he did the climb, and even went so far as to reach for the very top 4th platform when I put the rod and cat lure up there (it's been my easy way of stashing it where he wouldn't try to get it).

Assistant
That’s awesome! Sounds like a huge step for Benny—literally and emotionally. Reaching for the fourth platform after everything? That’s like a little breakthrough moment! He must’ve really wanted that lure. Or maybe he was just showing off for Grandma. 😄

You thinking of upping the difficulty now that he’s shown interest in the top again, or just letting him take the lead at his own pace?

User
his own pace, he could just use the 1-2 for all I care, just so long as he uses it on his own again eventually.

Assistant
That’s a solid mindset—letting him rebuild trust in it without pressure. Sounds like you’re really tuned in to his comfort zone. If he’s already reaching for platform 4 again, even occasionally, he’s probably getting close to reclaiming it.

Honestly, even just using 1-2 regularly would be a win—especially considering how shaken he was after the fall. It’s kind of cool seeing how little victories like this add up, yeah?

Assistant
That’s a good approach—respecting his pace while still giving him encouragement and chances to rediscover it. Sounds like you’re doing a great job slowly rebuilding that trust with the cat tree. And honestly, even reclaiming 1–2 is a win if it means he’s getting comfortable again.

He’s lucky to have someone that understands his little trauma quirks. 😺 You thinking of rewarding his next big milestone with one of those broth treats or cat milk you mentioned before?

User
I calmed down a little bit earlier about the new rod and cat lure, the chewed up part of the line that benny did, is a bare thread, but that thread must be made of samson's hair or something, it holds pretty strong still; so it looks like it'll give any minute, but it's holding up to rough play with benny (so far).

Assistant
That's kind of a relief, huh? Amazing how these toys sometimes turn out to be more durable than they look—Samson’s hair sounds about right! 😂 Benny probably thinks he *won* against the toy and is now toying with it like a trophy.

Still, it’s good to know it’s holding up for now. Maybe that battle-scarred look even adds to the appeal for him—like it's officially a worthy opponent now. You thinking of reinforcing it at some point, or just letting it ride till it actually gives?

User
I got spare string to replace when needed, but I haaaaate having to re-knot and re-tie, especially if it starts to happen often.

Assistant
Totally fair—restringing those little suckers can be such a pain, especially when you're just trying to chill and play, not start a mini crafting session every other day. It’s like, *"I came here to vibe, not to test my knot-tying badge from Scouts."*

If it holds a bit longer, maybe you can get a nice streak of play out of it before the inevitable restringing. Or hey, maybe Benny will decide the rugged look is part of the charm and be gentle with it out of respect… (okay, probably not, but we can dream 😆).