I was going to talk about how this was my last good month (I turn 40 in less than 2 weeks, but I figure Samantha Grace will lose her trademarked niceness just to kick my butt.) Therefore, today I'm going to address the other big thing that's going on in my life these days.
Griffin Stone, the 1st Marquess of Catsby (Yes, he has a fancy name. He was already wearing the tux.) If he kills a mouse, he'll be upgraded to King Griffin I. |
But two things we don’t have to try to get him to do is love and appreciate us. He’s pretty much done both of those things since the moment we opened our door to him. Griffin is a 4 year old boy who has lived at least the last year in a no-kill shelter. The cage he was in was pretty big, actually; but he shared it with two other cats. The space he has now, however is a good-sized home for him to roam, explore and (hopefully) protect from outside critters. (We all know my house has a history with squirrels and other unsavory creatures. I’m betting that’s all in the past with Griffin here now.)
I have had cats most of my life and I do still have Geri who is almost 13. Geri is the only one in the house not thrilled with Griffin. Whenever she spots him, she hisses – which is the fastest way to not make friends. Don’t believe me? Get introduced to someone and hiss… let’s see how that turns out for you.
The people at the shelter were surprised that I was interested in an adult cat. Until now, every cat I’ve ever had I got when they were kittens. But I don’t think I have the time or energy for a kitten this time around. I work outside the house 40+ hours a week and 40+ hours is a lot of time for an unwatched kitten to tear up a house. Griffin is also declawed. (And while I could never declaw a cat myself, he came that way to my house so I have no guilt.) I do know that my new couch won’t get torn to shreds while I’m at work. (Deb Marlowe and Catherine Gayle could chant "imported Italian leather" with me right now, I'm sure, as I've said it way too many times. But I really didn't want a kitten shredding "imported Italian leather".)
My son adores this cat! |
And I think he has. I’m not sure what happened in his life that ended with him being in a shelter, but I can tell you that I’ve never felt quite so appreciated as I have since we brought him home. You can see it in his eyes, a little sparkle he has that looks a whole lot like he has a second chance at life.
Have you ever rescued a pet from a shelter? If so, tell me all about your pet. You know the look of appreciation I'm talking about, don't you?
Before we got him, Griffin was well-cared for and healthy at Safe Haven for Cats in Wake County, NC. They have other cats who are in need of loving homes. So if you live in the area and have thought about adding a kitty to your home, do check them out. And if you're somewhere else in the country, I'm sure there are wonderful shelters in your area too. Anyway, I’m providing a link for the shelter where we found Griffin. They do have a donate button, if you’re interested in helping out some feline friends (but don't really want to bring one into your home.) SAFE HAVEN FOR CATS.
* Originally posted at Lady Scribes 06/12/13
* Originally posted at Lady Scribes 06/12/13