Adapting to Change - Cherokee

I've had that cold that everyone's had, but feel sufficiently recovered to return to Maddie's. Good thing, because there are plenty of cat shoppers there.

Right off the bat, I help a friendly but no nonsense woman with a specific type of cat in mind. Her husband is recovering from a stroke, and wishes for a shy and cuddly tabby to keep him company. We check out two possibilities. She's leaning toward sweet and pretty Aurora, who totally fits the bill, and heads to the front to finish her paperwork.

A woman and her grandson are anxious to go see Fanta, a lovely mostly black 6 month old. Turns out she fostered him as a kitten, and she's worried that he's lonely and scared all alone in his condo. He does seem shy at first, but as they descend on him with coos and cuddles, he warms up and rubs between all three of us, purring. Although she's worried that his shyness is preventing him from being adopted, he's only been on the floor for a week.

I continue on to socialize with a bonded pair, Domino and Checkers, for whom shyness is not an issue. Domino dominates, head butting, rubbing and purring, while Checkers circles, competing for petting. Both these sweet girls have been declawed, but they play as if they're claws are just fine, making the best of their situation.

Across the hall, lovely 10 year old Cherokee is flirting with a pair of guys in the hallway. I ask if they want to meet him but they say no, they've already picked out another cat. They leave, as if afraid they'll be tempted to bring home the whole hall full of cats. Chekokee's prior owner died, and he's clearly missing his home. But he's good at making new friends - I'm instantly charmed. He rubs around and belly flops, luxuriating in having his soft fur stroked. Then he curls like a rag doll into my lap, happy and relaxed.

I feel bad breaking it to him that we won't be spending the rest of the day lounging together. He's a special boy who needs a new situation. Even as I shut the door to his condo, his cat face seems to have a smile. He's got a positive attitude, much like the lady from earlier, who's focused on her husband's recovery.

I peak back into that hallway, and am happy to see that Aurora is already gone, and formerly shy Fanta is right up at his door, ready to flag down his new people.

Watch. Me. Now. – Odetta

After a morning of errands and post office, it’s nice to ease into a slow shelter shift. I enjoy some quality time with Odetta, a plump, pretty tabby and white 5 year old. She’s all about cuddling, and as long as she’s got a lap to lounge in and a hand to rub her head, she’s happy. It’s disappointing for both of us – and a bit challenging as she really doesn’t want to leave the lap – when I have to roust her to continue my rounds.

There are several volunteers and not many possible customers, so I spend awhile with a woman and her precocious granddaughter, who’s maybe 5. She’s bright, bilingual, adores cats and likes to tell stories. Her pre-school visited the Macy’s SPCA windows downtown, and apparently she’s talked of little else since.

We go in with Potsie, a mellow, friendly and gorgeous 10 year old lynx point. The girl is most into playing with the noodle toy, but we cover hand sniffing, petting down the back, and watching for signs that a cat has had enough. Potsie is fine with the kid – she plays a little, and rubs around both of us. Pretty soon, though, she puts her paws firmly onto my knees, demanding my full attention.

The girl continues down the hall, telling stories about what the cats might be thinking and asking lots of questions. I like interacting with little kids like this, the same way I like cats. They’re so focused on the here and now. This is what I’m thinking. Pet me now.

The grandmother asks about age limits for becoming a volunteer, and I have to disappoint them by saying it’s older than 5. I mention the summer camp – the girl would surely enjoy that eventually. But clearly to her, something that might occur months from now is such a distant future as to be meaningless. Like a good kitty, she wants what she wants now.

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Window Shopping – Ashe & Empire

Good news from the volunteer coordinator – we’ve had a banner couple weeks at Maddie’s, with dozens of cats and dogs finding new homes, including a couple senior kitties who had been challenging to place. Empty condos!

I’m a little surprised to see bonded pair Ashe and Empire are still here. If you know anyone looking for an adorable and loving matched set of cats, these are the boys. They’re devoted 3 year olds, sweet, soft, pretty, friendly and bright. Though they have two sets of food dishes and two litter boxes, they clearly prefer to share.

Golden eyed solid gray Empire settles on my lap, while gray tabby Ashe stands nearby, enjoying head rubs. His little pink tongue pokes out in pleasure, as both of their purr motors rev.

Apparently they smell interesting too, as two different calicos I go visit, Vicky and Lulu, insist on a full sniff down of my apron before agreeing to be petted.

It’s quiet, so there’s quality time for the shy kitties. I’m in with a couple timid all black youngsters when a pair of young moms arrive, exclaiming over the gorgeousness of every cat they see. They’re taking a little break before picking up kids from school, just window shopping. One has a ring tone that sounds like an old fashioned phone, which startles both me and the cats both times it rings.

Later on, I introduce a soft spoken, burly dude to a precious little tabby named Bit. He gently strokes her, his big hand a contrast to her delicate head. I try to draw him out a little as far as cat experience, and he admits that he can’t actually have a cat just now. He’s living in a room in a small share, soon to be evicted. I can see he’s wondering if I’ll now ask him to leave, but I don’t. The little cat is blossoming with his attention, and this is the kind of window shopping we can all understand.

Giving Thanks – Alexandria

Happy Thanksgiving! Ate a lot and stayed up late, but managed not to seriously overdo it. My gang of friends have been doing this for so long that homes have downsized. Former babies are debating Marx in high school or grown and living on their own. This year’s hosts’ resident dog made lots of new friends and scampered around licking the floor. The cat managed one peak into the crowded kitchen and fled, appalled.

Personally, I’m more like a cat, but have learned to be dog-like sometimes – it’s how you turn strangers into friends and new acquaintances into the people you raise a glass to in your toasts, giving thanks for being part of their lives.

Volunteering at Maddie’s makes us cat people be more outgoing and social. Black Friday is as usual packed. Right off the bat I make a nice match of a shy kitten and a likable young couple who take the time to get to know her.

I manage half a visit with pretty and playful Alexandria, a young gray and white long hair sweetie. She goes from shy to paws on your knees friendly fast, and she’s learning to interact with people passing by - so hopefully she'll be headed to a new home soon.

In quick succession, I facilitate visits with several sets of people and cats. A mom and gentle little boy see several kittens. A woman who has two cats and is only contemplating a third falls under the spell of an adorable tabby. An older woman with her adult son looks for a replacement for her beloved and recently departed cat. She says her house is too lonely now, and I recall with her the pain of coming home and not being greeted by a kitty. I’m pleased that she chooses Faun, a beautiful shy long hair sweetie.

Toward the end of my shift I help a girl and her grandmother, who are there to choose a new kitten. We go in with a trio of mostly black kittens, all similar in looks and frisky personalities. The grandmother seems tired, but she patiently gives the girl time and space to pick out her favorite.

Finally, she decides, and skips off toward the front desk to complete the adoption. The girl is just excited about her new kitten today. But years from now, I bet she’ll look back on this day with gratitude toward grandma too.

Shelter from the Storm – Chavo

Maddie’s feels welcoming and warm, and I start out my shift with Pooky, who’s all about lap cuddling. It’s clear he longs for someone to spend whole days with, but he’ll take what attention he can get these days.

A trio of people come into the hallway, and at my inquiry, one of them explains that he’s an architect getting ideas for shelter design. As we stand and discuss the place’s layout and features, little Precious Pie paws at her door, a fine advertisement of a well adjusted resident.

It’s not easy contentment for a lot of cats, though. Pretty orange and white boy Chavo is still nervous about his surroundings. He’s a big 4 year old, a gentle giant who needs a slow approach. He stays at the top of his climbing structure, but sniffs my hand and allows himself to be petted. He rolls to his side, blinking and purring loudly. But he makes me stand on tip toe to reach him, not quite ready to try out my lap.

Chavo is rooming with a cheerful and sweet black and white stubby tailed girl named Francine. Presumably her perky and outgoing nature will make him feel comfortable or be a good role model, but they act more like co-workers than pals. She’s making the best of things anyway, happy to bat at a toy while I stretch up to reach him. Even the best design doesn’t tackle the sad circumstances that lead to homelessness (the cats’ and otherwise).

I show Spirit, a lovely calico with a super-sized personality, to a friendly young woman. Spirit almost dances between us, purring and moving from lap to lap. Soon the woman confesses that she’s about to move back in with her parents, so actually her mom will have the final say about any new pets.

It’s not exactly good news, but at least I can tell her that we’ll have plenty more cats available to adopt when she finally gets a place of her own.

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Cat Fix – Cricket

Hello winter. The dreary drippy day is ideal for curling up with a good book, a warm kitty, or both. I’m glad to see a few people there as Maddie’s opens. Although the first guy I talk to, a burly tattooed dude on his knees flirting with a pair of kittens, tells me he’s actually thinking of adopting a dog. Another group of people is cooing at almost every window, but when I ask if they have a cat in mind to meet, a woman exclaims, "all of them." We agree that they’ll try to narrow it down.

My attention is drawn to Cricket, an adorable 3 year old calico. She’s super chatty, hence the name, sweet and alert and anxious for my full attention. She rubs, purrs, chirps, and winds her way all around. After awhile leans next to me, more subdued but still purring.

Across the hall, gentle Carmelita eyes us both. She’s a mellower, quieter, older girl, of the same physical type, a tortie with white feet. She can be quite shy but does like to cuddle, and she settles contentedly next to my legs. I’m not sure which of these pretty kitties I’d choose if I had to, but I can certainly recommend them both.

I find a young woman sitting and interacting with a cute little tabby. In a charming accent, she explains that she can’t get a cat but misses hers back home, who looks like this one. I ask if she’d like to come in and help socialize this friendly threesome of cats – it’s nice to have a second person with more than two cats in a room, and she clearly loves cats and wants to pet little Simone.

Glad she does, as it turns out we have friends in common. Which seem odd and yet isn’t; after awhile SF really does feel like a big small town. We sit and talk and pet the two bolder young male cats. And slowly, she’s able to draw out the little tabby, who is hesitant at first but then leans into the gentle hand petting her, blinking in satisfaction.

We stand to leave, and she thanks me. And I tell her the obvious, that the cats enjoyed her company as much as she did theirs. But I can remember being in a foreign place, needing my cat fix. It’s a simple thing, nice to be able to help someone else with it.

Occupy 16th Street! – Willhard

My office costume party had two 1%s, a Mayor Quan, and just one of the 99% (me, any excuse to wear tattered clothes downtown). Our modest nonprofit happens to rent space near the Wells HQ, so we’ve been reluctantly hearing a lot of chanting.

Friends’ and colleagues’ reactions to the movement have run the gamut from 100% support to querying how camping in city parks helps the poor. I’m all for drawing attention to the inequities and hypocrisy; like to back it up with less mindless consumerism (credit card purchased Starbucks drinks on the way to the protest, just for example).

My volunteer day takes me away from the political debates, and the robo calls. Nice to quietly commune with some affectionate felines. Willhard is a sweet 2 year old black and white dude with a cute splotchy face and the shelter’s loudest purr. He greets me with an eager squeak then revs up the motor, rubbing around in every direction and tilting his head to make sure I keep petting him.

A guy in the hall pauses to look in. Willhard leans toward the door, purring like an engine. The guy continues along, but I tell him he’s a good boy to catch people’s attention. Joseph, a lovely snowshoe mix who shares a window, perches there to watch us too.

A woman asks to meet Lulu, who’s bestirred herself and is practically prancing at her door. She says she has a mellow older dog already. I’m not sure that would be Lulu’s first choice in pet siblings, but I’d love to see her find a home. We pet her for a bit, then the woman wanders off, seeming not fully committed to going through with any adoptions just yet.

I’m in with a set of shy youngsters at the end of the hall, just coaxing a scared tabby out, when a super excited little girl comes in, accompanied by her mom and grandma. They gently shush her, but the girl is delighted and squeals at the sight of each cat. Some cower, others march boldly to their doors to interact. Can’t deny that it’s a way to get their attention.

Not Forgotten - Lulu

My so called day off has gotten cluttered with errands, obligations and work stuff. While I'm seated for a minute to catch up on the news, my boy climbs lap to shoulder, purring and trying by sheer force of will to make me stay and relax with him. At least I can promise him to be home eventually.

There are a number of people wandering around Maddie’s when I first arrive, but I find time to meet a pretty 4 year old named Chill. She’s a big long hair tabby and white, fluffy and wide eyed, a Maine Coon mix. Her eyes look scared, but she quickly hops down with a confident and friendly squawk, and claims my lap.

She purrs and appreciates some petting, but stays alert. I get the distinct impression that she’s missing her people, and waiting for them to show up here and take her back home. As my boy did earlier, I try to get her to just relax with me and enjoy our time together.

Next up, a socializing visit with Lulu, a pretty calico senior lady who’s been here for awhile. Lulu takes her time to establish one’s credentials. She likes to sniff everything, and she’ll allow herself to be petted all in good time, at her pace, of course. (She came from the Sido program, and whoever adopts her will get 2 free years of medical care.)

Midway through our visit, a staffer appears with an elderly couple. The lady turns out to be Lulu’s former guardian, who had to give her up due to failing eyesight. It’s wonderful to meet her, and for them to get reacquainted. Once the lady, who’s a bit frail, is seated, Lulu cautiously approaches for some gentle petting. They’ve brought a bag of her old toys, and she’s clearly familiar with these scents, sniffing eagerly. I describe how Lulu’s adjusted to Maddie’s, and how lots of volunteers see her regularly and appreciate her quirks.

The couple tell me about adopting her here, many years back, and we exchange calico cat stories. The lady seems happy and sad both, glad to be with the cat and relieved that she’s doing well, but missing her terribly. Heartrending to have let her go, but obviously it was in everyone’s best interest.

Lulu herself is kind of overwhelmed. I stay in the room with her after the couple make their way back out and toward the exit. It’s not till a few minutes after they’ve left that she climbs onto my lap, more cuddly than I’ve ever seen her, and lovingly burrows her head by my arm.
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Cancel Red Alert – Amelie

That little quake Thursday night? Got to see my boy leap up almost vertically from a prone position, no small feat for a 20 pounder. He stayed a bit edgy for a good hour, though settled down for bed as usual.

All quiet at Maddie’s, at least as far as earthquake jitters. After making sure no one needs help, I seek out my new favorite, Amelie, for a socializing visit. She’s a 4 year old tabby/torbie, a delicate, sweet and lovely green eyed girl. Her approach is at first tentative, then trusting, as she steps carefully onto my lap. There’s something about her – maybe she reminds me of the cat I briefly co-companioned in my 20s, maybe it’s just an intangible – but I particularly enjoy our time together.

I help an eager young woman who’s here to adopt her first adulthood cat. We start with a feisty young tabby, who seems like a good match for an active household. But she doesn’t want to rush things, and I applaud her for that. We check out a kitten and a few more outgoing youngish cats. Part of her falls in love with every kitty in the place. But soon she decides that first one really was it, and, grinning ear to ear, heads to the adoption desk.

I chill with another young calico sweetie. We’re just getting comfortable when a medical technician makes a house call down the hall (not sure who's facing the doc, but I think it's chubby cheeked former feral Spenser). The ensuing snarling and yowls set the whole hall on edge, with worried feline faces framed in every doorway. Marguritte retreats to her perch, momentarily hissy at the sight of my hand.

I ease down to sit below, talking in a soothing voice and assuring her everything’s okay now. She stays wary, but soon hops down for another round of petting. Her ears remain alert though; she’s not quite ready to fully relax.

Hot Dogs, Cool Cats – Pooky

I see two different Dachshunds being walked on my way to Maddie’s, both looking cute and frisky despite the heat.

The cat folks are buzzing with the news that Tina Marie, who had been here for a year, finally got adopted, apparently by someone who noticed her at her window while walking by.

I start out with Pooky, a soft, sweet, lanky 12 year old black and white fellow. He’s a senior and bony compared to my young chunky boy, but they are alike in their gentle and affectionate natures. He climbs onto my lap, burrows his head in my arm, and purrs lovingly.

A woman comes to ask about a particular cat she saw online, only she can’t remember his name. I suggest she check the listing out front, but ask if any other cats have caught her eye. Sounding disappointed, she says that only one seemed interested and meowed at her.

It’s a challenge for all the staff, volunteers, and cats, to help the cats here show their best selves even during nap time or if they’re scared of shelter noises. Unlike dogs, your average cat won’t just come wiggling forward with its personality full on display.

A young couple are not quite sure what sort of cat they want. I show them a group of adorable kittens, describing the challenges and rewards of bringing up a youngster. They enjoy playing with the little ones, but seem not quite ready to make a commitment. Happily, I learn later that they’ve chosen a lovely and friendly FIV+ adult fellow – it’s wonderful to see him getting boxed up and sent off to his new home.

I chat with a woman who’s admiring a cute, needy half grown tabby who’s pawing at her window. She says it reminds her of a dog, and I have to agree that most cats are a bit more cagey with their raw emotions. She feels bad for the kitten, but I can at least assure her that this little one – with her in-your-face approach – will have no trouble finding a home.

Powers of Persuasion – Lars

The first person I see at Maddie’s is a familiar looking man who’s admiring a pair of half grown kittens. He says he already has two former shelter cats at home and just likes to see who’s around. He doesn’t want to meet these cuties – as if afraid they’re that persuasive.

Speaking of which, I move on to see my sweet buddy Lars, the 3 year old FIV+ tabby and white lover boy. He’s skinny with the puffy cheeks of a former street cat. He’s got a kind of goofy snaggle tooth expression, but makes up for it with his big loving heart. He cuddles on my lap, rubbing and purring, then lolling like a doll baby, belly exposed.

We play for a little, as his frisky neighbor stares in, but Lars really wants more lap time. He starts a full body bath from the comfort of my crossed legs, and it’s all I can do to extract myself.

I chat with a couple. The guy says they’re just looking, but the cute and noticeably younger gal coos over the kittens, exclaiming how much she wants one in a squeaky voice. He pleads that they have to at least wait until after they move apartments. Not clear for how long she’ll settle for just taking pictures of the kittens.

Anyway, it’s not the best weekend for animals in the city, with the noisy military planes shooting by, we can all agree. I assure them we’ll have plenty more cats available after a couple weeks.

I find someone else staring in at the little orange tabby who had mesmerized the earlier guy. The woman promises to fill out her paper work, saying the kitty reminds her of one she used to have. She wants a cat who will keep her company and be okay with visiting grandchildren. The little guy is pretty mellow for a youngster. And when she picks him up, he just melts into her arms, eyes blinking shut and paws dangling.

I say my bit about taking a look at different cats and taking time to make an informed decision, but she’s completely smitten. She can barely stand to put him down long enough to head to the front lobby.

Someplace New – Crimson

The boyfriend and I both have out of town visitors – his niece and her boyfriend, young and eager to embark on adult life in San Francisco, and my brother and sister-in-law, on a long weekend vacation. It’s fun showing folks around, daunting to realize how long it’s been since I’ve been to many places on the regular tourist circuit, and a bit of a challenge squeezing regular activities.

Don’t mind the quiet interludes at Maddie’s. I’m glad to see that Shelle found a home! I spend probably the most peaceful 15 minutes of my week with a darling girl named Crimson. She’s a small and pretty tortie and white 7 year old, who curls immediately and trustingly into my lap. Her paperwork says she’s well traveled by both car and plane, and does well in carriers and with other animals. It’s all I can do to budge her off my lap though. She lounges there as long as she can, willing to bat at a toy only from its comfort.

I move on to help a couple who want an active kitten to go with a feisty adult cat at home. Even ruling out the shy Cherry Blossom’s they’ve seen a bunch of youngsters they think they’d like. But after just a few minutes with the first adorable and energetic 3 month old tabby, the guy says, "Let’s just get this one."

I encourage them to at least meet one more, and they do. Whereupon he decides probably that’s the one. I can offer advice about introducing the new kitten to the household, and note that most cats act a bit differently once they’re settled in their new homes. But it’s beyond me to make their decision.

Leaving them to ponder, I go to socialize a sweet shy bonded pair of lanky 1 year olds, improbably named Gene and Garfunkle. One’s black and white, the other white with orange tabby and super soft. Initially wary, they warm up fast, and rub, purr, and cutely bump noses. These guys will definitely relax in their own quiet place with a regular routine.

And it makes me think about the spotlight outside visitors put on ones regular quiet life. Yes, we’re tired after work and just want to enjoy a quiet meal at home; no, Saturday night bar hopping in the Mission doesn’t sound fun anymore. But still, good to know it’s all out there… and happy HSB weekend!

All New Cats! - Smiles

Wow – there has been a heart lifting turn over in shelter residents since I last logged in. We still have some longer term cats, but many formerly hard luck cases have found happy homes.

I head first to visit Smiles, a timid long hair gray tabby girl. She tends to hide and shy away from new people, but with a little patience she transforms into a drooly affectionate sweetheart, circling figure eights and head butting my hand. This girl just needs to be quietly wooed.

Across the hall, sweet senior Shelle, a lovely silver tabby who lives for lap time, is still hoping for a permanent home. She needs to be an only pet, but she’ll reward her special person with limitless love. Both these kitties await the sort of people who can value these precious kitties for who they are.

I’m recently back from vacation, exploring and hiking in canyon country in southern Utah. Lovely, dramatic scenery – especially in the ominous light of afternoon thunder storms – but it’s always nice to get back home. So peaceful to cuddle in the afternoon sun with my boy, both of us watching the slow paced, stiff legged stroll of our neighbor’s regular walk with a pair of elderly Labs. This dedicated and loving trio well illustrate the devotion and rewards that come with having a pet.

A young couple ask to visit a big sweet boy named Gene, but quickly decide he’s too shy. They want someone outgoing, and I suggest we meet Lars, a big friendly tabby. Lars hops down immediately, but then commences a full body series of hacks and coughs to vigorously bring up a hairball. Fortunately the guests are dedicated cat people, and we’re able to laugh at the situation. They know the ins and outs of cat companionship.

They decide to keep looking. And I’ll be happy for whoever they choose.

Thank You and Good Night – Marlon Brando

There are people clustered at the door right as Maddie’s opens, a good sign that we’ll be moving some animals out. School’s out and lots of families want to bring home a kitten.

First lull, I meet a big loveable boy named Marlon Brando. He’s quite striking, a tabby and white with broad lengthwise stripes down his back. He’s lounging, half hidden at first, and a bit shy, but soon hops out to be petted, circling and rubbing firmly across my back. After a bite to eat, he reclines onto his back, paws curled, head nuzzling my hand, content.

Next door, another Love Bug named Pumpkin meows for attention. She’s a sweet and chatty little tabby, still wearing a big blue collar from recent surgery. Her face is adorable, wide eyed and goofy, and she chats up anyone she sees in the hall. She’s not loving the collar though, and keeps rubbing her head on things to loosen it. It gets people’s attention at least.

I spend awhile with a young couple who want a kitten to go with their active cat at home. We check out several, spending a good amount of interaction time with each. The pair murmur their preferences to each other, in no hurry to decide and eager to find the perfect match. Another woman and friend are kitten shopping, carefully reading each kennel card before even deciding who to meet.

The kittens are feisty, fuzzy and hilarious, each cuter than the last. Still, I’m glad to take a break with a grown up gentle lap boy, 3 year old gray and white Ernest. He’s a slender big headed lover, a former outdoor tough guy who now loves a warm lap. Ernest is FIV+ and needs to be inside and away from other cats, but he’ll make his new lucky people a wonderful companion.

In hallway 3, I’m happy to see that shy little Star has emerged from hiding and is curled comfortably where people can see her. Instead of cowering, she relaxes into my hand as I pet her. And I’m thrilled there’s an adoption pending sign on senior calico Zoey’s condo.

It strikes me again what a complex system we have here. I appreciate the team effort by so many over so long that enables these eventual happy endings. These aren’t designer kitties or special breeds or perfect specimens, just everyday cats. But every one unique, every one deserving of a good home. It’s nice to be part of the process.

I’ll still be volunteering, but taking a summer sabbatical from the blog. Check here http://www.sfspca.org/adoptions/cats for your cat pix fix!

Tell Me All About It – Peaches

First thing I notice checking in at Maddie’s is Moey’s kennel card showing he’s been adopted – yay! Otherwise, it’s primarily been kittens arriving and departing the adoption floor.

I see a familiar looking woman, and she confirms she’s been by several times, seeking the right companion for her frisky young cat. She says when she comes home from work, he’s loaded with pent up energy and practically asking for someone to play with. Cheerful new kitty Henry seems to fit the bill, though I point out a couple other possibilities as well.

My attention is next absolutely arrested by magnificent Augustus, a massive, handsome, hug-able, tabby and white fellow. He’s got a commanding presence; I’m compelled to meet him. He talks a lot – he seems to be anxiously looking for his people and wants to tell me about it in detail.

A young couple ask to meet him. The woman is looking for an interactive cat, and they’re both charmed by the big guy (as are people passing in the hall). I offer my usual caution about how cats may act differently at home than they do at the shelter. But it’s clear to all of us that this is an active cat with a lot to say. We go meet a few other cats, then she wants to visit Augustus again. The woman’s not sure, but I’ll be surprised if he’s still here by next week.

Meantime, sweet older tortie girl Peaches is doing her best to flag down passers by. She’s a friendly and lap-loving tortie senior kitty, who’s lithe and active for her age. Peaches is a good physical communicator who will easily and clearly make her wishes known. Today’s agenda: cuddles and laps. I hang out with her for a little longer, hoping to make up for the upcoming holiday noises that I know all the cats find stressful. Hoping she’ll understand me telling her she’s a good good girl.

Someday – Moey

I’m having one of those weeks where it feels like I’ll never get caught up on either my work or other obligations. Nonetheless, the regimented relaxation of hanging with the cats is a welcome respite.

There’s a good volunteer to customer ratio, so I spend extra time with sweet boy Moey. He’s a solid 7 year old long hair smoke black fellow with a soft white undercoat. He greets me with a perky meow, then circles, purrs, and gazes adoringly at me with his pretty yellow eyes. I pet him up and down that luxurious coat as he leans into my side. I can’t convince him to play, although we can hear wiry tabby Penny skittering around by herself down the hall. Moey’s been here a few months, and he knows the routine, meowing his objections when I stand to leave. He’s just waiting for someone mellow, slow moving and quiet to call his own.

There’s another cat who’s got a similar Felinality rating, but is much more reticent. Star is a delicate young tabby and white girl. Her paperwork says she’s getting used to trusting people again after her dental work. She’s aware of my presence, but stays firmly hidden in her box. Still, she accepts gentle petting when I contort myself into position to reach her. She curls up – not asleep, but a little more relaxed. I’m hoping she’s one of those kitties who suddenly bloom once she’s finally found the perfect people.

A woman with a cute little girl stand at her door, unable to spot her, and I explain about her shyness. A young couple approach, the guy speaking with a slight European sounding accent, the woman mostly silent. They want to meet Bee, a new cute little tabby. She starts out shy, peeking adorably from the top of her perch, but quickly hops down and revels in the young woman’s attention. Though they’re clearly melting over this sweet cat, the guy confesses that despite filling out a survey, they can’t actually have a cat where they live. The woman nods, blinking back tears.

He apologizes for taking my time. But I point out that sweet Bee enjoyed having company. I motion to the other people walking the halls, and assure them that someone will take give this cat a good home. And that eventually, they’ll find themselves in a place where they can bring home a cat of their own.

Real Deal – Bear Bear

The hallway leading to the volunteer locker room is colorfully decorated with children’s art – posters, mostly about dogs, hand lettered and exuberantly colored in. It’s nice to see actual kid’s crafts, not digitized or Power Point stuff.

Upstairs, I’m immediately drawn to new kitty Cybil, a pretty 2 year old calico princess. She reminds me a bit of my departed girl Muppy, both in coloring and her need to be an only cat. She’s friendlier – most cats are! – but also offers a tiny warning nip when my attention wanders. It feels very comfortable and familiar sitting with her. She’s even a bit of a goof, like my girl was, dashing after toys and gawking at the birds on TV.

Across the hall, Bear Bear squeaks for attention. She’s a darling little 3 year old, mostly black with a tiny sprinkling of white across her shoulders. She likes to investigate the situation, and spends awhile sniffing around, even standing on her perch by my head for better access. Finally I pass inspection, and she curls up on my lap as I stroke her, comfortable to the point of rolling to her back and curling her little paws up. This elicits a chorus of oohs from people in the hall. And I appreciate a kitty who needs to be won over.

I’m glad to see Cybil at her door, also catching people’s attention. I chat with a woman and two kids, an aunt and nieces, who’ve been carefully studying each cat. They all love animals, but one of the parents has allergies. The younger girl squats, delighted with her interactions with outgoing Virginia.

The little girl tells me she likes to draw, especially pictures of little cats, and she intends to make a picture of Virginia later. The woman prompts the kids to tell me about the realistic looking stuffed animals they have at home, and we joke about not having to feed or clean up after them. But the older girl tells me, voice serious, that it’s not the same. Can’t argue with that, there’s nothing like real animals as pets.

Body Language – Ivory

There are people arriving as the doors open an Maddie’s, always a good thing. First up, a hefty tattooed guy and his gal pal – he wants a kitten to join older cats at home. He’s already got a couple "all stars" (adaptable, not shy) in mind.

Good thing, because he likes to kind of manhandle them as part of his affectionate interaction. Seems like a bit of a control thing. One kitten squirms in what looks to me like a pretty obviously uncomfortable way. But happily, he chooses a cutie who lounges in his arms, purring and cool with the baby doll positioning.

I move on to visit pretty, all white Ivory. He’s a sweet and friendly 9 year old who craves human interaction. He rubs, purrs, sniffs, has a bite of kibble, and circles around me as I sit cross legged. Something’s not quite right; Ivory kind nudges at me until I extend my legs into a more traditional lap. Then he hops on and curls up, contented.

I’ve enjoyed observing cat body language since I was a child, learning to exchange blinks with my boy Mystery. It’s fun to explain it to little kids, and give them tips on what to watch for – cats can communicate in pretty clear language, with no grammar necessary.

I talk to a young man who’s considering adopting his first cat in his own place. It’s a studio, and he’s wondering if a small or younger cat would do better in a small space. I suggest that energy level is a factor too, that a mellow older cat would probably be fine. There are many ways to entertain a cat in a small space – happens here every day.

He keeps looking around, and I return to the cat visits. Pretty calico Carrie is newly arrived from Yolo. She’s a dainty young thing who’s curled in a safe spot. She ventures out almost immediately, and rubs around adorably. She seems pretty relaxed. But her tail stays a little puffed out, giving away her nervousness at shelter life.

Growing up Fast - Mika

Week after week, cute little dark tabby Mika hustles to her door at the sound of footsteps, mouthing meows to anyone passing by. She longs for company, and she keeps an eye on the whole hall, monitoring her neighbors’ activities from her windows. There are a bunch of people wandering around, but I squeeze in some quiet quality time, stroking her soft fur and cooing as she flops onto her back, little feet kneading the air. She’s a little older, a little needy, but such a sweet girl, sure to make someone happy every day.

Across the hall there’s an adorable new young orange tabby, Tangier. He transitions quickly from shy to squirmy affectionate. I just about melt, and he seems both surprised and a bit indignant that I don’t immediately take him home.

But there are several people needing help, and I show kittens to a couple different sets of people, then talk to a woman who’s back in the market after having lost her adored cat several months back. She says she’s on the quiet side, but is nonetheless drawn to one of our super active youngsters. Her last cat was kind of hyper like this, and it’s what she expects.

Next a woman with a bright little boy want to check out Maximus. The kid is a proxy for two more siblings, and they’re looking for a young, social cat or cats who can handle activity and occasional road trips. Maximus does pretty well. The boy is calm, knows how to extend a hand to sniff, and that’s all Max needs to rub around with enthusiasm.

Across the hall, pretty tabby Smurfet kind of ignores the kid, more interested in the adults and her food dish. It’s funny how different cats react to small children. The woman tells me her 7 year old daughter is also good with cats, and would love to brush a long hair cat like this. The new cat is to be the girl’s pet, but the mom ruefully notes that she knows she’ll end up doing much of the caretaking.

I’m glad when people get that – that the 7 year old begging for a cat will too soon become a teenager who maybe has other things to do. Or that the cute scrabbling kittens will quickly grow up to be regular cats.

Just before leaving, I chat with a mom and cute little gap toothed girl. They’re strictly looking, but the girl adores animals. She borrows my dangle toy and waves it at the window of a pair of fascinated young kitties. Kid and cats are mesmerized, the girl laughing in delight. She declares she’s having so much fun that she wants to never leave. Exchanging a smile with the mom, I hope they both remember this moment.

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Look at Me! – Maximus

I head over to Maddie’s expecting crowds, but it’s fairly tame. Slow start to kitten season this year, plus no big adoption rush going into the long weekend.

I pay a visit to Maximus, a sweet young mostly black cat. He goes quickly from shy to cuddly and playful, batting at the toy I’ve brought before I’ve even moved it. He’s soft and rubs his pretty head around possessively, then goes back to pouncing clumsily at my feet.

Across the hall, there’s a new gal from Yolo, "party animal" Virginia, who’s right at her window and eager for interaction. A trio of young adults wander through the hall, admiring Mittens and Smurfet, the cats on either side of Virginia. She practically paws through her door, trying to get someone’s attention.

Moving on, I meet another new girl, Evelyn, a sweet little mottled gray and tan 2 year old with an adorable half sized tail. As I tempt her out for petting, we hear meowing. Human meowing: a pair of young women out in the hall. At first I figure they’re interacting with one of the chatty kitties. But no, one of them is just meowing loudly at each cat’s doorway. People-centered Mika meows back; other kitties look mildly annoyed.

I help a sophisticated looking middle aged couple who want a playmate for their older kitty at home. They want to check out a super active young cutie. I give my spiel about introducing a new cat to a household by keeping them separate at first, noting that this attention-demanding little girl would probably be the boss cat.

Back in hallway 5, another volunteer has a potential adopter in with Virginia. (Hopefully someone with a lot of time and affection to pour back to this outgoing girl.) But this is a challenging time of year for the young adult cats as more and more adorable kittens hit the adoption floor. So more power to her – wish I could get the others to strut their stuff so well.

Still Here – Carmalita

For the record, I’m in the camp that thinks way too much is being made of the May 21 rapture prediction. Shows what havoc a nutcase with $5,000 and a lot of free publicity can wreak. But I do agree with one thing the guy said – asked if he was unloading his stuff, he answered that one should live one’s last days like just regular days.

Seems like a nice cat philosophy. An excellent day for a cat is the regular routine of food, napping in sunshine and cuddles – no need to dress up and go somewhere new and crowded and loud.

Good news at Maddie’s – my boy Buster found a home, and Tubby’s got an adoption pending sign up. Happy for them, and hoping people will come along and see the precious qualities of other favorites like little Itchy. I visit with her, glad to see she no longer hides but launches out immediately for petting.

There’s another shy sweetie in hallway 2, Carmelita. She’s a dainty little 7 year old tortie and white girl, who tends to stay curled in her hiding spot. But she’s alert and her pretty yellow eyes track my every move. She’s anxious to be petted, poking her head out toward my hand and flexing her teensy white toes. I coax her out stand next to me, marching in place and head butting my hand, squirmy and affectionate.

A pair of young women who look like sisters stop and coo at her cuteness. But they’re exclaiming over every cat they see and rushing from door to door. I move next door to meet Meemers, another sweet and charming shy girl. She’s a younger and bigger dill tortie, who makes good eye contact, urging me to pet her as she lolls next to me.

I chat with a woman making her first visit to Maddie’s. She’s impressed with the size of the place and the comfortable cat condos. She wants to know how long we keep the cats here, having noticed that cute tabby Mika came in January. As long as it takes, sometimes months, I tell her, noting the usual pattern of younger and more outgoing and/or cute ones going home first.

She comments again on how quiet and calm both place and the cats in it seem. She’s just starting to consider getting another cat after her last one died, and I tell her she’s welcome to just look around. As soon as she’s ready, we’ll have a whole selection of cats here just waiting to establish a comfortable routine with their new humans.

Middle of the Day – Silverbell

I am ever glad to have traded lower income for part timer free hours during the week. Errands are simpler, places less crowded, and there’s more time for things I enjoy and think are important, like volunteering with the kitties.

You see funny stuff too, out and about in the middle of the day. Coming from the local market earlier, I happened upon a pretty pair of police horses, along with their handlers and vehicle. (This story doesn’t have an ending – got any idea why there were horses on Bosworth? It’s pretty far off the Bay to Breakers route.)

Anyway, good news at Maddie’s – long timer Spider Monkey found a home at last. There are a couple new kitties in his old hallway. Little black and white Silverbell was just recently surrendered and looks like she’s missing her people. She’s only 3, with a cute nose stripe between yellow eyes, and thick soft fur. She greets me with a concerned squawky meow, and circles, rubbing and head butting my hand. She turns a full somersault and lands on her back, paws kneading up in the air, appreciative of every moment we spend together.

Pretty Gem watches from across the hall. She’s a petite medium hair tabby girl with comically big paws and slightly mottled gray and tan striping. A young man clomps noisily down the hall and looks in, and Gem goes right up to the door to flirt with him. Good get adopted behavior; I reward her with a little extra petting.

Later, I spot a woman whom I instantly identify as a cat person. I’m pleased when she asks to see Peaches, a wonderful senior tortie girl, saying she’s interested in finding an older cat. She has an older cat at home, and they recently lost a beloved second old cat. Both are bereft, and her cat seems terribly lonely. As we sit and pet Peaches, who lounges comfortably between us, she tells me more about the deceased cat, and the painful loss.

We go meet Zoey, a sweet 15 year old calico princess. Zoey quickly warms up to both of us, and the woman scoops her into her lap. I don’t think Zoey’s ever looked less dignified, but she basks in the attention. I’m disappointed, but not that surprised, when the woman says she’s not ready to make a decision yet. She really just popped in spur of the moment, she confesses, in the neighborhood with spare time while dropping off a friend.

I urge her to come look around whenever she wants to, or to take a look at the website for potentially suitable partners. Unfortunate but true, we almost always have several senior kitties available for adoption. She takes off. But I’m pretty sure she’ll be back one day soon.

Things They're Missing – Charlie

Like many cats, my boy sometimes seems to just materialize unexpectedly. As far as I know he’s dozing on the couch as I comb my hair in the bathroom, then I glance over and he’s sitting in the doorway, solemnly watching me, as if he’s been there for hours.

That sort of thing used to bother my father, who never warmed to the cats we had as kids. He called them sneaky. But I don’t mind. There are only a few things Montana wants – cuddles, brushing, food – and I kind of take it for granted that he’s monitoring me.

Visiting the cats at Maddie’s, though, I’m struck by all the human/pet routines these sweet kitties lack. Many of them are quite attentive to any human movement outside their doors.

I start out with Charlie, a big 10 year old all white fellow. He’s fluffy and soft, and friendly. He sniffs around, purring, and squeezes next to me, blinking up happily as I pet him. I get him to play a little – he can use the exercise, and he’s pretty agile for his size – but what he really wants is to cuddle there, pressing heavily on my side.

Gray tabby Buster gazes at us from across the hall, and I go in to say hello. He’s a super soft, somewhat odd looking 7 year old, with a crooked tail, narrow pointed face and dilated yellow eyes. At first he chirps and circles, wary of being stroked. But after some minutes of getting used to me sitting there, he decides being petted is okay, and gradually relaxes. He sits up tall next to me, leaning into my hand and he looks like he’s smiling. Clearly a routine this guy could use every day.

A young couple come by, with some questions about cats in general, what’s involved in taking care of one. The guy seems both unmoved by the sweet faces looking out from their condos, and indifferent to the whole conversation. They’re out a lot, and they like to go places on weekends, he finally says as much to her as to me.

I tell them they’re welcome to at least look around, but it’s pretty clear a cat’s not in their immediate future. The young woman squats at another doorway, nose to nose with a new tabby cutie from Yolo, then they both leave the hall. It’s not just the cats who are missing the pet connection.

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To Have and to Hold – Tina Marie

I know, enough with the Royal Wedding hoopla. Want to see some lovely princesses? You’re in luck, because a van load recently arrived at Maddie’s from the Sonoma Humane Society http://www.sfspca.org/adoptions/cats.

Aptly named Sweetie Pie draws me in by making eye contact from her window. She’s a pretty, green eyed, all gray medium hair 3 year old from the Sonoma batch. She stays alert, but goes from cautious to cuddly before long, and stands next to me, rubbing her head around my shoulders.

I invite in a woman who’s been watching, mesmerized, from the hallway. She explains that she and her husband lost a very similar looking cat last summer. She expounds upon Russian Blue virtues, among them extreme loyalty to a special human. Her husband got the royal treatment, she tells me, adding that she thinks it would be too painful for him if she brought home such a visual match.

That’s the plan – she’s going to select the next cat, or hopefully pair of cats, and bring them home; he’ll roll with it. Everything indicates that these two are long and happily married, so whatever works… but, wow, that’s not how I’d do it.

Across the hall, longer term resident Tina Marie instigates a wild play session with herself. She’s more like the gal who’s quirky in looks and personality and is only later revealed to be a princess in disguise. She’s a long legged 8 year old unique looking calico, with a dark splotch on her nose and a white patch down her back.

She’s not into other cats, which has not surprisingly made her stay here challenging. One on one though, I like hanging out with Tina Marie. She sniffs around, enjoys carefully attended to petting, and maintains a strong steady purr, at least until play time. Smart but bored, is how her kennel card describes her. Definitely a cat who lets you know how she’s feeling. I imagine she’s the type who would both figure out and make her displeasure known if her people were planning a vacation. But I’ve had that sort of yes, your highness cat, and never regretted it.

I move along to meet Snuggie and Lentil, two more dainty sweet girls. Hoping their princes, or at least mellow people who need a new friend, will come by.

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Worth A Thousand Words – Tubby

If you’re a fellow Day In Pictures fan, you probably saw the photo from those saved dogs in China earlier this week. Just an ordinary looking dog, his head leaning up from cage toward the hand petting him. Such a soulful expression though, on a clearly intelligent and precious dog.

There’s nothing like meeting animals in person to decide to help them. But some photos really do tell a story. So I’m pleased to see the Maddie’s cat photographer, camera in one hand and toy in the other, making his rounds as I work my shift. Cats are challenging subjects, and the SPCA does well at capturing images of its available animals.

It’s busy there – children are off school, and a number of parents and eager kids are touring the place for entertainment. I settle in with Tubby, an 8 year old pretty brown tabby boy. He’s shy but cuddly, and, yes, a bit rotund. Also sweet and bright, with a near constant purr.

A pair of tiny, noisy girls come dashing down the hall. My boy bravely holds his own, even stepping toward the door to investigate, nose to nose, the child standing, open mouthed, at his door. They hurry away, as another small family comes in, exclaiming about all the cute kitties.

Next door, sweet bonded pair Zac and Sissy are curled together in a tabby ball, ignoring the commotion. It’s hard to tell whose paw belongs to who till Zac bestirs himself up to allow better petting access. They seem pretty content, but I wish they had a nice human family of their own.

I help a woman who wants to see a kitten. She’s looking for a companion for her friendly young cat, and makes her selection very quickly. I probe a little, making sure she’s thought this through, and she assures me that she’s been looking online daily and came in as soon as she saw today’s kittens posted.

The cats are going fast this week. Cleo’s got an adoption pending sign up, and I hear that Big Mac and also Tigger have found homes. The kittens are getting scooped up one after another, with people crowding the hallways, awaiting their chance to meet them. I help a young couple who just melt over a darling gray and white fellow, and whip out their phones to snap photos. All in all, a happy picture.

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Cats on the Move – Tigger

It’s disappointing to learn that pretty long hair Stella was returned, due to problems with resident cats. She seems none the worse for her travels at least – if anything, she’s more eager for personal attention. She’s still friendly and fun, though now recommended to be an only cat.

There’s a new pair from Yolo across the hall. "Cleocatra," a gorgeous and outgoing calico, immediately catches my eye. Then I chat with a woman who’s looking for a cat that can handle frequent car trips between her weekday and weekend homes. She’s drawn to Cleo too, and we go in to meet her.

Cleo’s shy for about a second, then rubs around, super friendly. The woman clearly adores cats, but is a little over friendly with her hands, causing the second cat to retreat. But Cleo enjoys the attention. Just to test her, I pick her up. She settles easily on my shoulder, comfortable with a one handed cuddle, and even climbs up to perch, no handed. The woman has a roommate to consult, and other cats still to see. I’m part hoping she finds the right cat, and part concerned for any cat with a frequent commute.

I spend awhile with Tigger, a frisky tabby and white 5 year old who’s been here awhile. She’s very alert, a little anxious, and moves quickly between lap cuddles and zipping after a toy. She reminds me of a small child, just in terms of her attention span, but I think she’ll settle down with a comfortable routine.

Our play is interrupted by the sight of a small black cat trotting along the hallway. It’s Twilight, who apparently took advantage of her door not having been fully shut. I hurry after her, and she even makes a dash for the just closing main hall door. I manage to corral her back into her room, very glad not to be instigating a chase through the rest of Maddie’s.

Last kitty of the day isn’t supposed to be moving around – 6 month old Hopalong is recovering from leg surgery. He came in injured, and he’s a shy guy to start with. Very cute though, and sweet and sensitive. He’s a thin, pale orange fellow with greenish eyes. He doesn’t like his big blue collar, but he blinks in contentment as I lie next to him, rubbing behind his ears. So patient for a youngster.

Out on 16th, a young woman passes me, carrying a stylish case with what looks like a grown up version of Hopalong. I catch up with her at the BART station, and compliment her on her cat’s looks and mellow disposition. (My cat – indeed, most cats – would be yowling if confined in a crowded station.) She says he’s a good traveler. He looks not exactly happy, but calmly resigned to his situation. Good to see another adaptable cat.

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Weekend Update - Lana

Happily for my overloaded schedule, there are lots of new volunteers active at Maddie’s. Pretty sure I’m missing the kitties more than they’re missing me. I at least take a peak at the website, which features several longer term residents. Sweet cuddly Lana is still looking for a new home. She’s a friendly soft all black 6 year old, who's longing to spend quality time with a new human friend.

But pretty long hair calico Stella has finally been adopted. (I would have thought she’d have gone home sooner – friendly and funny and kind of a goof, in a good way). She spent weeks in what I still think of as Emmy’s condo.

Now that’s an adoption success story. The boyfriend and I toured Maddie’s back in 2001 – I’d visited before but hadn’t started volunteering and he’d never been. We spent a long time there, and met several cats before leaving, undecided. Miss Emily was a strong contender, and I wasn’t surprised when he announced a day later that he had returned and adopted her.

Emmy was perhaps 5 back then, a big boned, playful, super soft gray and white girl with a big loud purr. She had rubbed figure eights between us when we first saw her, and her signature move was a huge long legged stretch at the sight of someone she liked.

A decade later, she still does the stretch every morning. She wakes her man by swatting her tail in his face, and then dances around his legs, with that guttural purr. But she’s slowed down some. She takes a few lurching attempts before jumping up to the table. Instead of dashing up the stairs, she kind of lumbers up one step at a time. She’ll play, but not for more than a minute or two, before flopping onto her side, uninterested.

She gets her exercise, somewhat unwillingly, from the regular pursuit of her smaller younger sister. Her enthusiasm for meals has never dimmed; when it’s time to eat, she’ll pointedly and noisily lick the bottom of her empty bowl. She had favorite places to nap, and to sit, and a few areas that she’s deemed off limits to the other cat (a mere kitten of a 9 year old).

She’s the queen of her castle, no question. I doubt she even remembers that temporary home in hallway 4. And it’s impossible now to imagine this place without her. But in the back of my mind I know she won’t be around forever, and I take spend a little extra time just sitting with the old girl. Appreciating her on a lazy Saturday, and our time here together.

What a Day for a Daydream - Winkie

Hello sunshine. It's opening day, I've got the Cesar Chavez holiday off work, it's summery as if the floods and slides are distant by weeks instead of days. Got Lovin' Spoonful tunes in my head as I amble through the Mission.

And who do I meet but a dream cat, Jughead. Don't judge by the dorky name, this big tabby boy is a doll. He's a young adult, soft and sweet, with gorgeous striping. He's got a wonderful combo of shy and cuddly behavior. He's new here, and cautious, very aware of his surroundings. But he likes human company, and purrs, and lolls by me, showing off his pretty striped belly.

There aren't many cat shoppers around, so I can spend extra time with the kitties. My buddy Spider Monkey meows for his turn, and rewards me with some extra cute frisky romping after a ping pong ball in his condo.

I help a woman who's touring Maddie's with her son. She tells me he might have allergies, so they're really just checking things out. We meet Dylan, whom I know is good with kids. The boy is bright, but not used to cats; both are amazed to watch him leap up to the top of his climbing structure and back. No sneezing, but it's pretty clear they're not ready to adopt yet. The boy begs to go look at dogs.

Later, a young woman expresses some casual interest in meeting a cat, maybe a petite and friendly girl. As we chat, she confesses she just lost the cat from her childhood days ago. It's so raw that it's painful for her to talk about, and for me to hear. I bring her in to sit with Winkie, a small, soft, chatty 12 year old tabby.

Her meow is comically loud coming from such a petite girl, and she rubs around both of us. Winkie hasn't been eating well, but with our encouragement, she eagerly eats some kibble. She's got a funny way of lifting one of her paws, like a pointer dog, aiming it toward her dish. The woman gently pets the little cat. She's "not in a place now" where she can have a cat, she admits. Eventually she will be, I'm pretty sure, just from watching their sweet interaction. For now, it's just day dreams.

Pick of the Litter – Big Mac

Just a hint of sunshine seems to have driven people out – sidewalks are crowded, and a steady stream of cat admirers wander the halls at Maddie’s. A young man and his mom ask me about a sweet young cat who’s already got an adoption pending sign on her condo. I explain that she’s not available, but that there are plenty of other great cats here. They keep looking in at the pretty calico, seeming unconvinced.

A young couple are interested in a darling 4 month old former feral tabby. They bring a friend in to meet her, and show me a picture of their super cute little cat-friendly dog, whose best pal they hope she’ll become.

They head off to the front, excited about their new kitten, and I visit Big Mac, a friendly 8 year old all black cat. I’m not usually a fan of corporate fast food names for animals, but his name suits him. He’s inquisitive and sweet, big of course, with a good solid head butt and near constant purr. He’s FIV positive, but in good health. I sit and pet him, and he gently paws my hand to keep the pets coming when my attention wanders.

It’s understandable, but a little frustrating, that some cats find homes so much faster than others. Some wonderful animals (just like people!) are on the mature side, or have health issues or personality quirks. But they can still make great companions.

I chat with a woman who’s showing her friend around. Both have cats already, but we enjoy the flirtatious behavior of Topaz, a cutie who’s newly arrived from Yolo County. She’s in a shared condo, and soon an adorable tabby roomie is hand delivered from upstairs.

I check in on Sissy and Zac, who reside next door. They seem a little down; Zac utters his plaintive high pitched meow and I’m not sure what he wants. His old home back, probably.

Not long later, a nice older woman asks to see Punn Punn, the new tabby boy next door. She’s got an opinionated 13 year old kitty at home, and recently lost her second cat. She wants someone young, playful and friendly, who won’t be intimidated by other cats. It doesn’t take long for her to decide that he’s the one.

I’m glad for him, and for pretty playmate Topaz, whom I expect will find a home this weekend. I mean Punn Punn got adopted within a couple hours of arriving on the main floor, and that’s great and not at all surprising. Just wish for good homes for the harder to place kitties too.

Hard Rain – Alicia

It’s a gray day, with intermittent dumping rain. And I’m remembering April of 25 years ago: I was living in London, and stood outside, tipping up my umbrella to watch the first rainfall after Chernobyl. Horrified, knowing just the bare bones of what had happened, but aware of what could be falling from the sky.

Now, I’m not off stockpiling iodine or anything, but just feel sad about the situation in Japan, and frustrated that simple, serious conservation is so rarely in the mix of energy discussions. (As I walk and take transit to my volunteer gig.)

Sweet girl Alicia makes a nice rainy day companion. She’s an 8 year old "sidekick," just your basic cat – soft, small, all gray, cuddly with a touch of goofy. She hops onto my lap, and eases a paw and her little chin up toward my chest, purring happily. I whisper to her the good news that the funny cat and dog pair from last week went home Sunday.

Several volunteers have braved the rain to come in, but there aren’t many potential adopters. So I spend some awhile with a friendly young nanny and her two charges. She’s considering signing up as a volunteer and the older kid is interested in the summer camp, so it doesn’t feel like a total waste of time, even if the kids are admittedly just looking for a cat to play with (their senior kitty at home apparently sleeps rather than plays).

We find several friendly kitties who enjoy the interactions. One pair of feisty guys go leaping after the toys, startling the small boy who got them riled up. Both kids are bright, careful with the animals, and listen respectfully to the adults.

They head off, and I settle in to socialize my sweet boy Stallone. He’s made good progress – his nose is healing and he curls almost immediately in my lap. In the hall, I hear a couple people talking about that video from the tsunami aftermath, of the dog who led rescuers back to his wounded dog buddy.

This was the first animal story I’d seen from the devastation. I know there’s been terrible, tragic loss of life, and no doubt countless beloved pets lost. Somewhere out there, though, hoping for another glimmer of hope.

Not Quite What We Were Expecting – A.J. & Danny Boy

Isn’t it fun to wake up and flip on the radio in the middle of a breaking story and try to figure out what’s going on? That huge earthquake and tsunami sounds just awful for Japan. But morning TV coverage of the tsunami surge at Ocean Beach’s low tide didn’t look much different from normal tide.

It feels funny to go about one’s business despite crises underway to the north and south, but that’s what I do. Good news at Maddie’s – sweet girls Maggie and Jill found homes.

I help a man who, with his adult daughter, is seeking a companion for his lonely current cat. She does most of the talking as we visit a couple friendly tabby girls. The man seems more focused on the prices – why it’s cheaper for cats 7 and older, and why the prices have gone up from last year. I try to explain about the glut of strays we’d had, but none of us want an economics discussion. And cats aren’t exactly market commodities anyway.

But here’s a real bargain: there’s a bonded pair of a cat and dog available for $150. I can’t resist peaking in on them, though they’ve had a steady stream of visitors. The cat is 3 year old Action Jackson, a fine, solid, super mellow mostly white dude. His devoted companion is a tiny tan 1 year old Chihuahua named Danny Boy, who’s not even half the cat’s size. He’s got big mismatched ears and an eager expression, and he skitters around in a frenzy at the site of me.

I don’t know much about dogs, but when Danny hops in my lap to cuddle while AJ wanders coolly for a head rub next to me, I’m thinking this isn’t quite a normal dog. Seriously cute though. He fetches a fuzzy toy bone and zips back to my lap while the cat lounges. They curl up together once I’ve left the room, and I admire a series of photos of cat/dog lovin’. Apparently there was some concern about just where to house these two, as the cat and dog areas of the shelter are purposely kept apart.

I move on to assist some more people before my head explodes from the sheer adorableness. Two different young adults check out a cat then snap a photo to show absent partners. In each case, I urge bringing them by in person. There’s only so much you can tell even during a face to face meeting here, but much less just from a snapshot.

I spend some time with Itchy, a small 7 year old black and white girl who’s cuter than her name and photo. She’s got kind of odd markings, pretty green eyes and chewed looking ears. She’s super shy and hisses at first, so I figure it’ll take awhile to lure her out. But she quickly makes friends, and soon she’s a little love bug, rolling around next to me, purring, kneading and rubbing. Didn’t see that coming either, but I’m glad for both of us – hope she warms up as quickly with everyone she meets.

Animal Cam – Stallone

Saw a cool news story earlier this week about this amazing footage of wild animals captured via web-cam. Basically the cameras blended in with the scenery and the animals went about their business, unaware of human eyes on them.

We know people in the picture changes things. I wonder what I’d learn about my boy via secret taping. He’s always happy to see me when I pop in at unexpected times on my day off, but often appears to be just waking from his nap.

As for the poor kitties at the shelter – it’s a life of constant nap interruptions and vigilance to strange sounds. No wonder so many of them are nervous and shy. Like my sweet boy Stallone. He’s a slender 3 year old, mostly white with Siamese splotches and pale blue eyes. He’s got scratches on his nose, and the chubby cheeks of a cat who wasn’t neutered young. But he’s happy to be inside now.

He’s cautious at first, and there a notation on his chart about not liking to be petted below his head. But after some gentle talk, he surrenders himself to my lap and curls there, head buried in his tail, purring while I stroke the length of his spine. He gets so snuggly and trusting that I feel bad having to tip him off my lap to see other kitties.

Darling Bella, a young super soft tabby and white medium hair girl in a condo down the hall, is scared of the shelter world too. She reacts to her situation by barely eating. She’s wide awake and happy to be petted at least. (Stallone, I notice, has gobbled up all his food in former fighter style.) When I walk by his door again, he mouths a silent and adorable meow.

It’s pretty slow at first, with just a few people wandering around for entertainment. After awhile, a group of wildly dressed young people come by, exclaiming over several of the cats. A pair of them want a second cat to go with their youngster at home. We check out all white Ivory, a charmer who shows well. But they want to look around some more.

Standing there chatting, we’re all quickly mesmerized by the antics of a new pair from Yolo, Lickety and Friend. They’re handsome, cheerful, rough and tumble tabby fellows. Lickety is burrowing under his throw rug, darting out a paw or his nose and waiting for Friend to pounce down on him. It looks like a routine they’ve had since kittenhood, and it’s hugely entertaining to them and us. These guys need their own show.

Winter’s Bone – Sissy & Zac

Not to bite the hand of sfgate that lets me post my commentary, but that big hyped SF snow storm sure was a bust. Out of towners must have gotten a kick from the breathless media reports, right down to the sober instructions for how to cope (such as scrape snow off windshields, go slowly where it’s icy).

Anyway, I make my way to Maddie’s, unencumbered by anything more than a brisk wind. I’m happy to find that little Inch Worm has found a good home. Otherwise it’s slow, and with no one to assist, I settle in with Sissy and Zac. They’re a bonded pair, big matching tabbies, both sweet and shy.

Sissy, who’s 12, sits up high like a princess, but quickly hops down and meows a hello. Eight year old Zac watches cautiously. I pet him and he emits the cutest little squeak. Soon they’re both walking around me, rubbing while I pet them. She settles next to me, purring happily, while he finds a partly hidden spot at eye level, not completely relaxed, but gazing out calmly. He’d appreciate a certain degree of household quiet, but I think they’d blossom calm, attentive adopters.

I move across the hall to meet a darling tabby and white girl named Kata, new from Merced. She’s friendly and super playful, dashing around after a toy and unphased by hallway noises. Good thing, because there’s another kids camp in session, and a group of boys come jostling through the hall. Apparently there were crafts involved – many of the condos have new decorations, and the place smells vaguely of glue.

I chat with a pair of young women who are admiring the cats. But they’re just looking around at both the cats and dogs, and one of them says she really wants to get a bird.

Continuing my cute tabby tour, I spend extra time with soft shy Jill, a 6 year old tabby and white sweetie. She’s gorgeous and loving once she’s gotten used to having company, but unfortunately she tends to stay hidden otherwise. She slinks out and rolls around by my outstretched legs, then creeps into my lap. After awhile of petting and cooing on my part, she even nuzzles up by my chin.

I hope for a soft spoken potential adopter to come observe Jill’s utter cuteness, but no such luck. After I move on, she crawls back into her hiding spot. She would not do well at our Oscars gathering. (The boyfriend’s cats are amazingly blasé in the face of company, going about their business and only mildly put out to find strangers sitting on their couch spots.) Maybe sometime soon, post storms, post noisy theme parties, the right person will come along.

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