I've heard of the boy in the bubble, but the cat?

The bus I took home yesterday was jam-packed with students, and along the way three people got on: this kid, a young woman, and an older woman. The boy first sat in the seat ahead of me, then when the bus cleared a bit, moved over with his family. It took me a moment to realize what I was seeing on his back:

OMG, the poor cat! I asked the young woman if the cat was a girl or boy (female) and if she had been to the vet. She said yes to the vet, but as they were not English-speaking, I really don't know if she understood.

Anyway, I felt awful for the poor cat, stuffed into that carrier on a packed, noisy bus. She meowed piteously at one point, but then was quiet. The boy was not careful with that backpack carrier, either, he banged it around a lot, which I'm sure added to the cat's discomfort. Bloody stupid thing to do, IMO, especially during the afternoon rush hour. Take a taxi, people.

I'm actually surprised the driver let them on, but as it was so busy it's possible that the driver didn't realize the boy was touting a live animal. Only service animals are permitted on our city's public transit buses.

I hope they got her home safe and sound (they got off long before I did) and that she was okay.

Can you imagine either of my boys in a bubble carrier on a bus in rush hour? Both would go berserk. Anyway, I'm still shaking my head over it today.

Oh, hey, we're closing at 12:30 PM today because of the snowfall armageddon we'll be having. Someone wish me luck getting home. And digging out tomorrow!

Peace.