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.