I am beginning to think I should just put a sign on my door that says "Drop homeless pets here". I am usually a sucker for such things as kittens and puppies and I think God knows it. No matter what ugly thing they might turn into, as a baby, all animals are adorable. Again, God knows this, and that is how it is easier for them to find homes. He made them that way for a reason!
As I was growing up, I had my fair share of pets, including dogs, cats, birds, fish and even a squirrel (that is another post altogether). Not always at the same time though. They were spread out over the years in such the way that we were never actually running a zoo or anything. This was because my Dad kept a level head about such things as pets and he could see beyond their cuteness factor. I pretty much had to beg for every animal, and that only worked occasionally. He put up a good front pretending that he really didn't like animals very much except for maybe dogs, but I have since learned it was all a big facade.
When I got married the first time (again, another post altogether) I knew I was in trouble, not for obvious reasons, but because my husband would let me have anything I wanted. He did not know the meaning of the word "No" where I was concerned. That led to 2 dogs, 5 cats, 4 aquariums, and a cow. All this the first month we were married! I could write a book! When my son was born I realized I was in more trouble because he would obviously be bringing home animals as little boys tend to do.
Over the years, and one hubby later, I tried to use more common sense when filling my house with animals,and I learned the meaning of the word "No". Much to my surprise, my son never brought home any animals, not even snakes or lizards or any other slimy boy thing. This was easier than I had expected.
Well, now we live with a manageable level of 2 dogs, 1 cat and 1 parrot. That is if you don't count our friend that moved in with her dog, and then the dog she rescued a few months later. Okay, so we live with 4 dogs, 1 cat and 1 parrot. It took a little getting used to, but eventually everyone settled in nicely and we are one big happy family.
Then it happened - after almost 20 years, and attending his sophomore year of college, my darling child rescued his first animal. I couldn't believe it when I got the phone call. He had jumped a fence to rescue a kitten from a dangerous roadway and she was already settled into his dorm room (which isn't allowed). So, I am told that this kitten needs a loving, understanding mother like he has to give her a safe place to live. All of a sudden I knew nothing of the word "No". What was wrong with me? I knew better. Or so I thought I did. As usual, when it comes to the boys, I challenge them to remember the last time I said "No" to anything that was really important to them, so once again, I caved.
Meet Ella...
Ella likes to sleep in the mail basket on the counter. I think she feels safe way up high where the dogs don't go.
Ella would rather play with her new collar as opposed to actually wearing it. It has a little pink bell that I thought would be useful in finding her as she claimed all her new hiding spots in the house. I guess she has other plans as most cats do.
Ella smiles!!! I think she is happy in her new home!
Oh Honey, Bless your heart!! I completely understand and knew you would take in the kitten..........it's what you do! Take a look at your friends lately? We're all strays and you love us anyway!!!
Posted by: Malia | 24 January 2009 at 15:12
How true, how true!!!
Posted by: Annie | 24 January 2009 at 19:27
Ella has scored!
I can understand why she doesn't like her pink bell. If any one gave me one I'd give it to the dog to eat! :-)
Posted by: Sabrina | 25 January 2009 at 16:59
Oh, she is absolutely adorable!! It would have been hard for me to resist her too.
My youngest loves to rescue animals in distress. The most recent was a year and a half ago when she found a baby robin that just barely had feathers whose momma had been run over by a car. We raised it, fed it wet cat food with a straw until it could feed itself, until it flew away in the fall to head south for the winter. We moved not long after that and I always wonder if she came back when spring came. I'm sure the people in our old apartment would have been like, 'What the hell?' if she did come back and tried to fly in.
I have to admit that even though she was a pain to care for (we couldn't leave her alone for long periods), and considering the fact that she pooped all over my house, and I do mean ALL OVER, I miss her, she was so cute. She used to snuggle up on my stomach while I watched tv and fall asleep, chirping ever so contentedly.
There have been no animal rescues since then. Thank Dog, as we already have 2 cats, a parakeet, and until recently 2 rats (they passed on two weeks ago), but my daughter now has a mouse to make up for the loss of the rats.
Wow, that's a long comment! I'll stop babbling now. Enjoy your new kitty!
Posted by: Jane Doe | 29 January 2009 at 20:57
Her cuteness factor is killing me! She is so spoiled, but sooo lovable that I turn into jello every time I look at her. I am just glad she came to us while the furniture is still old and crappy.
I love your robin story. That is a memory you will always have!!!
Posted by: Annie | 30 January 2009 at 08:30
Awww, that kitten is adorable!! I miss having kittens; all of my cats are grown up.
Posted by: Anna | 03 February 2009 at 19:10
Kittens are adorable, and Ella is extremely sweet, but...she is a kitten and can be a terror. I am beginning to wish for the days when she is grown up and understands the meaning of the word "NO".
Posted by: Annie | 04 February 2009 at 11:31