Shy guy - Galaxy

There are people who like dog-like cats, and there are some wonderful friendly, affectionate outgoing kitties at the shelter just waiting to find a good home. Many happy matches to be made.

January can be slow for volunteers at the shelter. The kittens are nearly gone, lots of adoptions took place over the holidays, and a good number of new people start volunteering. It’s always refreshing to see empty condos, and to know that all the kitties that need their own space can have it instead of doubling up. And it allows us to spend extra time with needier cats, the ones who are having trouble adjusting.

Can you blame them? Dropped off for whatever reason with strangers, trussed around at the medical facility, placed in a scary new room surrounded by strangers, but human and feline. Anyone inclined towards suspicion or shyness will display those characteristics all the more at the SPCA.

I spent extra time with Galaxy in hallway 2. Not sure where the name came from, as he’s charming and down to earth – a sweet shy guy, mostly black with white on his paws and nose, a funny squished looking face set between wide cheeks, and soft soft fur. Bunny soft, angora soft.

He likes being petted, likes it a lot. But he’s very hesitant to leave his place, the top shelf of his climbing structure. I lean over and stroke him there for a bit. Then sit below, just raising up my hand, asking him to come down, see me down here, maybe do some exploring.

It is an excruciatingly slow process. He wants more pets, his eyes are glued to mine, pleading. He puts his paws and head over the side, reaches down halfway and back several times. Head cocked, paws kneading the air, he’s adorable.

Finally, cautiously, one foot at a time, he reaches the lower level, and we are head to head. Kitty ecstasy. Pets, kisses, head butts, a gentle full body massage for him, and the feel of the softest possible fur for me. Compliments on his bravery, and adoring soulful gazes. He even bats a toy around a couple times.

Best of all, he stays down, closer to the door and visible to people walking by, after our visit.