Out of the Spotlight - Buffy

I stop at the Bi-Rite while I’m in the Mission before my Maddie's shift. There’s a full camera crew plus several photographers on the corner, outside Tartine. It looks more like an art project than news, but in any case, I hasten by, counting on my middle aged invisibility to stay anonymous.

Of course that’s not such a good strategy for the older gals at Maddie's. Not concerned about putting herself out there, frisky adorable 2 month old tabby Ashbury has found a fan right off the bat, and I end up showing her to three different sets of people.

While shyer adults like Buffy and Durga, who tends to hide, are regularly overlooked by people passing by. There are lots of cat shoppers around, but I make some quality lap time available for big mostly white Buffy. She’s a loving cat, though she’s cautious at first, and has been known to nip if handled inattentively. She needs an adult only household, but I think this plus sized kitty would make a great addition for a mellow single or couple.

I’m happy to meet a woman who is specifically looking for an adult cat who’s been here awhile. A staffer suggests both Pebbles and Leta, and we visit them both. She’s clearly a good cat person – calm, attentive, and gently affectionate with the cats. We go over Pebbles’ story – that she came from a hoarder house where there had been litterbox issues.

Pebbles has been nothing but friendly and sweet here at Maddie’s. She’s a lovely tabby and white, and she weaves between us, arching her back for petting and flopping onto the floor for a belly rub. After a brief look at Leta, we return, and the woman decides Pebbles is the cat for her.

I’m psyched for them both, but quickly get sidetracked with other customers. A cheerful woman and her two super polite boys have narrowed their kitten search, and want to meet a pair of all black youngsters. All black cats are good luck back in Scotland, she tells me. The boys are quiet and careful with the kittens, but enjoy pulling toys for them to chase.

It’s interesting to hear their accents – the mom’s is charming and obvious, while the boys already seem to be blending into California blandness. Adorable Sprocett climbs into the mom’s lap and looks up at her, purring and waving his little paws. I can see that she’s smitten, but she wisely waits until the cat has nuzzled each boy and they beg to adopt him. Then they all head off, happy with their choice.

Meantime, word of Pebbles’ departure has spread. I’m not sure how aware her adopter is of the buzz around the place – she’s just come here to bring home a cat – but this low key stranger had brought a lot of joy to the shelter today.

Interested in adopting? Check out next weekend’s 72 in 72 event:
http://www.sfspca.org/adoptions/72-in-72