We’ve been talking about getting a pet for a while. Ever since Derek said the words “…if we ever get a dog…” while he was building a fence this summer, the door to getting a fur baby was kicked open, in my view. And I’ve been tapping on that door ever since.
But did we really want a dog? Our back yard isn’t fully fenced and the road we’re on is very busy at times. It’s too risky unless the pooch is always on a leash. And after my disastrous experience with Sammy the rescue Beagle/Bassett cross, I’m reluctant to adopt a rescued dog. But I also don’t want to experience puppy-hood again. So what to do? Get a cat.
I’ve been trolling the local shelters for adoptable felines and became quite infatuated with one named Aaron. I would have named him Aaron Paul, after a brilliant actor who stars in Breaking Bad. But I missed him by just a couple of days.
This week I found a senior in St. Thomas named Spice. He was described as quite unhappy about his situation. At age 11 he was surrendered when his caregiver died and although he was friendly, he was also pretty pissed off about spending his days in a cage. And as a senior citizen he was getting overlooked by adopters who preferred cute little kittens. Spice needed us. So I made him ours.
Animal Aide of St. Thomas is at capacity. They have 125 cats and when you walk in, you might expect to be overcome by odour or another unpleasant reality but these critters are extremely well cared for. As I walked by, paws extended from clean cages to tap my arm and say, Pick me! I’m here! Spice got up and greeted me too. A kind person would call him big-boned. He’s friendly, affectionate and as soon as we got home he started to eat. He’s not put off by the change in scenery – at least not yet – and he has explored every square inch of the house. He was on the couch beside me enjoying a belly rub within the first hour. He did get a little miffed at being told he couldn’t chew on a house plant but he got over it. Because of his age, Brother Howie suggested we should call him Old Spice! So we do.
I don’t know if you can see it but the hair on his head between his eyes and ears is worn away from rubbing it on the cage wire. He’s just been aching for some affection. Here he is completely worn out from all of the excitement but he’s forcing himself to stay awake while I putter on the computer in front of him.
I love that he’s an older cat. I love that he is prowling around his new domain. I love that we saved a little life and I love that we have another beating heart in the house. Welcome home, Old Spice.
Congratulations on your new family member! I was surprised you went as long as you did without a little ‘furry’ one. He has just hit the jackpot. Hopefully you have many years of happiness with him.
Congratulations on your new friend! Old Spice could easily be yours for ten years. It’s great that he’s an affectionate cat. Keep the catnip coming!
Congratulations Lisa, many happy years of fur balls. And here is an insider tip for your readers who might be considering a dog.
If your considering a new dog, but would like to some how avoid the puppy stage and your not really into the rescue dog thing, here is a possible alternative. Schools who breed and train service dogs, such as those for the blind, breed more dogs than are required each year and as the various dogs go through the raising/training process many are weeded out as not being suitable for the task at hand. These dogs will have had their shots, been spade or neutered, house broken but something in their temperament the school feels makes them unsuitable as a service dog and thus are released from the program, we call it a career change. Some of these dogs serve as drug, bomb, and search and rescue dogs while others find new homes as just plain pets.
So if you’re considering a new dog, wish to avoid the early puppy days and would like a dog with the foundation training already established, try calling your local service animal organization and see if they have a release dog program. There is a training school in Oakville called Canine Vision I believe.
Good tip Allan, thank you.
Congrats to you and your hubby on your new furry family member. This is one lucky cat to have landed in your lap! I don’t know how you lasted so long without some kind of animal in your life.
Fear! The experience with Sammy the sad and ruined Beagle/Bassett basically broke my heart and scared me from another, potentially similar experience. But here we are and couldn’t be happier. Thanks.