With the chilly weather, not a day goes by that I don’t appreciate my warm “lap” kitty. My cat and I derive mutual comfort from our lap time together. I can’t help but wonder if she has forgotten her transient past which landed her in the Humane Society of Moab Valley.
I recall our meeting when “Ms. Boots” chose me for her forever home. I had been a volunteer at the Humane Society of Moab Valley for most of the summer. I live in Castle Valley and the highlight of my weekly “town run” has become the “kitty visit.”
I look forward to brushing and talking with the older “guys” while the kittens amuse me with their endless energy chasing wand toys. My friends were amazed that I could visit repeatedly without bringing “a friend” home. I never felt the need because I already had my best buddy at home. We had gone from a two-cat to a one-cat family a couple of years ago, and “Mr. Long Tail” and I had become closer than ever. If a cat can be your soul mate, he was mine.
Yet, suddenly late this spring, I found myself having to adjust to a world without Mr. Long Tail.
My cat went missing and after a couple of weeks, I knew in my heart that he wasn’t coming back. With this piece of reality under my belt, on my very next visit, a cat I had not seen before met me at the door. I couldn’t help noticing the white front paws walking directly toward me — and the door. Her incessant meowing and unsettled nature gave pause. I could sense she was very upset as I swept her up in my arms and so, this story begins. I adopted Ms. Boots the following week.
Adjustment to her forever home meant she did not beg at mealtime, and bedtime comfort was realized when she settled down in her own quarters next to ours. For me and my husband, it meant a great deal of patience with her well-developed vocal chords. I feel we have reached equilibrium.
Immediately, I sensed she was not comfortable in the out-of-doors. I introduced her to my vegetable garden. It’s caged to keep the deer out, and I could feel a sense of safety for her there. Her trust and our companionship continue to grow among the broccoli and tomatoes. Ms. Boots’ anxiety has settled and her confidence builds while she explores anything that moves.
We discover new things about each other still. She gets lost in fire flames through the wood-stove window as if it were a movie screen. Venturing a bit too close for me, she takes in the radiant heat like a moth to a light. We are enjoying snuggle season.
I meet great numbers of cats at the Humane Society of Moab Valley. Lately, the numbers are up and my heart goes out to each of these animals. Each week I pray they will find their forever home. I think, what can be done to facilitate adoptions for our cats and dogs? I suggest to Janette that we need a campaign to bring in potential adopters. While the facility is exceptional, at the end of the day, these animals need someone to love and care for them in a forever home.
If you or someone you know needs a furry friend, please drop by the Humane Society of Moab Valley, located at 956 Sand Flats Rd., call 435-259-4862 or go online at moabpets.org.
Diane Ackerman grows and shares fresh vegetables with her friends, and volunteers with the Humane Society of Moab Valley.
“We discover new things about each other still. She gets lost in fire flames through the wood stove window as if it were a movie screen. Venturing a bit too close for me, she takes in the radiant heat like a moth to a light. We are enjoying snuggle season.”
