First Times – Alma

Took my boy to the vet yesterday. I’m still getting used to a cat who merely tries to back away from his exam, rather than claw and bite at the very appearance of a medical professional. Still, no picnic for either of us; he "vocalized" vigorously throughout the painstakingly long drives there and back.

It’s a familiar cat-wants-out-of-the-box cry one hears now and then at Maddie’s during little transports between areas. There are several new cats on the main floor. I meet peppy little Alma, a 10 year old "leader of the band," who’s happy for company and interested in the goings on she can see from her windows. She’s a tortie with a little white, who has a friendly, affectionate manner. She perches on one of my legs, purring while I pet her, but also keeping an eye on the hall.

Next door, new arrival Wolfie watches from above. He’s a gorgeous snowshoe mix, who looks like the type who would hop right up on the examining table. Across the hall, there’s a sweet and pretty tabby and white girl named Tigger. She’s nervous around other cats, but a soft purring sweetie with people.

I help a woman who’s accompanied by several teenagers. We check out a couple kittens, but they’re deemed too shy. The kids seem eager, the woman less so, for a trip down to the Macy’s windows.

A first time cat adopter, along with her experienced cat guy friend, come with a list of potential cats already scoped out from the website. They’ve already narrowed it to just the right type of cat for her, and we proceed to meet several. She favors the shy but cuddly types. Both the friend and I talk about how the cautious ones are likely to come out of their shells in a safe secure home.

She’s taking her time, really committing to the process, and decides she would like to come back again for a second round after she’s prepared her home for a new pet. I’m pleased that a couple of my favorite gals, Stella and Jojo, appear to have made the cut – never mind being her first cat, it seems like she’ll make a good home for a lucky kitty.

As I’m getting ready to leave, a new young volunteer, who’s just graduated to the maroon apron phase (meaning can facilitate adoptions), proudly points out a woman who’s going to take home Tigger. I offer heartfelt congratulations. Nothing like your first successful kitty adoption.

Happy Holidays; back (airlines willing!) toward the end of the year.

Oh Yeah, the Quiet Moments - Maggie

Switched days off to accommodate my work holiday party, and I tried to squeeze in gift shopping on my way to Maddie's. (The boyfriend's family has multiple round robin exchanges with complex rules.) So I arrive a bit late and frazzled.

There are a few people wandering around, and I try to stay visible. Ten year old Maggie is in a prime condo in hallway 4, face right up at her door as I approach. She's a long hair calico with an interesting, intelligent look, big pretty eyes, and large splayed feet. There are watery paw prints around her spilled dish, and she's got shaved areas. I'm thinking, not the world's neatest kitty.

But she's friendly and sweet, purring and rubbing that funny face around me. She surprises me by being quite agile in going after a toy. Then she settles on the floor across from me, looking like a proud lion (I know she's a girl, but she's got a veritable mane).

I show a couple young cats to a man who's recently lost his. He's considering adopting two, and I talk up our bonded pairs. But his pace is slow, he's still mourning his loss.

Another young couple are looking for a kitten to go with their fiesty young cat. Many of our more outgoing youngsters are at the Macy's windows http://www.sfspca.org/about-us/press/press-releases/san-francisco-spca-and-macys-team-24th-annual-macys-holiday-windows-pe . It's adorable, but not the best place for a timid animal, and I have to agree with the woman that it's a little too crazy down around Union Square these days.

Then another man asks to see a group of half grown kitties. He recently lost one of his four cats to cancer, and he wants one that will appeal to both him and the others. He describes them each in some detail, and wonders aloud how a new kitty will fit in. Our first set is really pretty shy, so we try another, more outgoing pair. After playing with both of them, he picks the braver girl.

Finally, Maddie's quiets down. I sit with sweet Ishi, waiting for him to finish greeting me with happy head butts and settle down. And I quiet down. All the rushing around makes these peaceful calm moments with good company that much more appreciated. (My little holiday lesson.)

Winter Days and Nights – Mason

Winter’s kicking in – on my way up 16th Street, I spot a shivering Chihuahua in a tiny striped sweater, then a big droopy faced dog trying to maintain his dignity while sporting a human sweater. It’s cold at home too. I’ve had to air the place from work being done downstairs. But my boy doesn’t mind; he likes going room to room, sniffing at the windows.

I’m just as glad for some lap time with the shelter kitties. First off, I meet Mason, a super cuddly 6 year old all gray long haired fellow. He’s got extra toes on his adorable feet, and he struts back and forth across my lap, rubbing and purring. He leans against me and bumps his head trustingly on my chin. He’s just the ticket to keep away the cold.

I briefly help a trio of people, politely stopping them from barging into the condos unescorted. They are only looking for black and white cats, and try to get the cats’ attention by rapping on the doors. They’re also in a hurry, which makes for a less than ideal cat selection process. I explain about the personality types; their paperwork at least suggests the household is fairly quiet.

They head for the front, and I enjoy more quality lounging with sweet showshoe mix Shanti. He’s an affectionate lap cat with just a bit of extra flesh to ensure maximum leg warming. He gazes backwards at me with blinking blue eyes and gently flexes his claws.

I meet a wonderful new fellow, a 4 year old creamy pale orange tabby named Courage. He’s well proportioned but massive, his head and paws and tail all super-sized. But what a sweetie. I’m thinking his name may be a reference to the Cowardly Lion? I pet the length of his body and reach both arms around to hug him. He nuzzles and licks my arm. Then he wants to play, purring as he zips around after a toy.

Next door, Maybelline – not a third his size – follows the action intently from their shared window. Pretty Shira, a striking mostly black kitty with big yellow eyes, also keeps watch from across the hall.

More people appear towards the end of my shift, and I make a couple kitten matches. Then a pair of young women ask to see Shira. The one has already met her, and wants her friend to check her out. Shira’s delightful and friendly, walking confidently between us and rubbing, seeming to claim the young woman. She’s taken care of other people’s cats, but this will be her first. She’s excited and enthusiastic about it, and assures me she’s responsible.

What I can see is her and the cat already bonding. I’m already picturing them keeping each other warm these winter nights.