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Under New Management
Originally published at Jean Marie Ward. You can comment here or there.
This isn't the bunny you want.
Squirrel Terrace has been acquired by Basement Cat–or Ninja Cat, as he prefers to be called. Later on, he may add Pirate Cat to his list of titles. His collar boasts tiny skulls and crossbones, but we’re waiting a few days to attach the jewelry. Right now he needs no adornment.
He came to the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter in Alexandria (the physical model for the Madeleine Humphrey Shelter in “Fixed”, though the characters are all products of my demented imaginaton) named Pumba. Puma’s more like it, and we’ll see whether he wants to make the change. He’s about ten months old and fascinated by ZhuZhu Pets (thanks for the tip, Martianmooncrab), very vocal, very playful, very affectionate, and very, very black.
I understand why a prospective pet owner would gravitate to a certain breed and seek out a reputable breeder to obtain it. As long as you love and care for the animals who share your life, I don’t think it matters whether your pets are purebred, shelter animals or a gift from the universe.
But if breed isn’t important to you, I highly recommend seeking your next animal companion from a reputable shelter like Vola Lawson. All the animals are examined by veterinarians and veterinary health professionals. They’re tested for all the big diseases, vaccinated, and where appropriate, neutered. When an animal is surrendered to the shelter, they take a history, and they follow it up with an assessment of their own. The information my not be as complete as that of a breeder who’s known the animal since birth, but it comes close. Plus, you’ll know how the animal reacts under stress. In addition, if they’re clever (translation: sneaky) like the folks at Vola Lawson, they hold educational programs and invite people to gt to know the animals on hand.
Pumba’s response to shelter life was to call to people when they came into the “Cat Room”. He called to me on April 9. Now he’s claiming our house as his own.
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Tomorrow I spend the first part of the day giving free rabies shots to our area kitties - have to be up early. ARGH :)
I'll expect plenty of catspam.
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The good news for VL is the sign apparently works. There was a small black Persian in the cage next to Duz. She'd been in a home with a FLV cat (though tested negative) and came to the shelter so tangled she had to be shaved. She was miserable, too, crying (not calling) all the time. But she was adopted out even faster than Pumba, and he was only there a month.
You're a braver person than I am to help your local shelter, Pam. I was afraid if I hung around much longer I'd try to take at least half of them home with me.
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The rabies clinic is held at the town hall meeting room. It is a bunch of volunteers, our local vet and animal control all working together. I've been doing both the dog and cat clinic for many years now and it has become a well oiled machine. And, it is the only time of the year I eat donuts with my coffee. LOL.
What are the ten reasons to adopt a black cat?
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I couldn't remember all ten reasons, but those two stuck, because they were so appropriate.
Enjoy the donuts!
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Yeah, the Zhu's are fun little toys for cats..
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He will indeed be majestic in the fullness of time. Right now, though, it's nice that he's a bit of a goof. :-)
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