She was sweet and affectionate. When I brought her home she spent about 45 minutes exploring my small home, then hopped up on to the back of the couch and went to sleep. So I raced off to buy her the things she needed. When I'd gone to the shelter earlier that day I had not honestly thought I'd bring a cat home, so I needed everything.
That very first night she snuggled under the covers with me. It was wonderful. She'd apparently been living with an older woman, much like me, which is at least part of why she adjusted so quickly.
The people at the shelter are wonderful and do absolutely the best they can, but of course a shelter is not an ideal place for any animal. Had I not take her, it's possible she'd have spent those last weeks in the shelter. I was so glad I had her. I am sorry she's not still with me.
A friend, after that cat passed, asked if I wasn't a bit bothered by all the money I'd spent, sort of for nothing. And I didn't think of it that way at all. In fact, the fee on a senior cat here is practically nothing, and since I am myself a senior citizen I pay half of the fee. Both times I've said charge me the additional to a full regular fee and that's a donation to the shelter. I appreciate that I can do that.
My current cat is about as different as she can be and still be another cat. We are still adjusting to each other. I think this cat originally lived in a home with dogs, because she has various dog-like behaviors, including meeting anyone who comes to visit, sprawling on the floor, and a distinct lack of interest in vertical spaces. One great thing about her is that she purrs, loudly and easily, which I love.
I understand that these days, with so many people staying home, cat and dog adoptions are way up. Which is wonderful.
Some years ago I did volunteer work at an animal shelter in the city I then lived in, and it made me understand and appreciate the issues around shelters and the animals in them.
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