JUNE IS ADOPT A SHELTER CAT MONTH
Though I don’t think I’ll be adopting another kitty this June, I have a fun tale of a previous June adoption. I could reminisce about June 1, 2017, the day I brought Tyler home, but I’ll let him tell you for himself.
Hi, all. I’m Tyler.I was adopted from the Oregon Humane Society. The docs there figured I was about 18 in human years. My new people couldn’t stand to see a cat of that seniority linger in a shelter, so they took me home.
Boy, did they get a surprise! First thing I did was run all over the house, playing like a kitten. I tested out the feather wand and the treat puzzle, the balls and catnip mousies. I chased the blue thingie that goes around, and I zipped up the cat tree to the top as if I could fly. When my people took me to their doctor, she figured I couldn’t possibly be so old, but it was hard to tell since all my teeth were gone. She guessed I was only around 14. A spring chicken, so to speak. That was nearly six years ago. I still run every day. It’s part of my regular workout regimen to keep me young.
When my humans first brought me home, I was skittish. Uncounted years on the streets had done more than make my fur coarse and my whiskers kinky. It’s scary out there! Scary and hard. Every cat has to fend for themself. Nobody’s your friend out there, all grubbing for the same meager sustenance and vying for territory. Whew! I’m amazed I got through as well as I did. Being a big boy dressed in tabby camo helped, I’m sure.
Then Boom! I was stuffed into a plastic box and then a cage! At least I was warm and fed, but it was still frightening, and I kept to myself. When the human Mollie and the human Jim took me home, I wasn’t ready to trust. Who were these new people? I’d lived with people before, and it had not ended well.
The Mollie and the Jim had got me out of that animal shelter, so that was a point in their favor, but it was quite some time before I’d let them approach. Still, they persevered. Darned if they didn’t know exactly where I liked my chin scratched and my ears rubbed! Eventually I let them stroke down my back and even pet my tail. They never once hurt me or tried to do anything bad. And I loved it!
Once I quit being afraid, I discovered my favorite thing in the world! When the Jim sits on the couch, I jump up beside him! No matter where I am in the house (unless I’m eating, of course) I’ll come running! Within seconds, I’ve settled by his side, purring so loudly you can hear it in the next room. Sometimes I do that if the Mollie’s on the couch, but I prefer my dad. The Jim would like it if I sat in his lap, but these things take time. Maybe when I’m 21!
So, guys, the moral of the story is you’re never too old to learn new things. Or maybe it’s that miracles happen. That’s all.
If Tyler’s story isn’t enough to inspire you to celebrate this very special month, then read this blog post from the ASPCA: This “Adopt a Shelter Cat Month,” You Can Make a Difference for Felines in Need
If you do end up adopting this month, let me know so I can share the good news!
