The Boy Next Door - Cassie & Travis

The shelter always provides a relief in one way or another. This week, it’s about the only place where no on is talking about $4000 hookers named Ashley and the downfall of arrogant men with power.

Toward the end of my shift – lots of sweet kitties but only a few customers, and half of them camera toting tourists – I visit Cassie. She’s mostly white with tabby markings, a petite, young, pretty girl (er, who doesn’t charge by the hour). I’m surprised she’s been here for so many weeks, actually. She was quite shy at first, but now she’s her quirky self – skittish, playful and charming in her own way.

She doesn’t get along with other cats though, and that’s often a sticking point for people considering which cat to adopt. So it’s unfortunate that her next door neighbor, Travis, is extra interested in her.

Maddie’s was designed for the animals, and the cat hallways are filled with windows. People can see in each condo, the outer ones all have good bird watching potential, and there are windows with small shelves between many of the condos, so the cats can keep an eye on each other. On the occasion that a cat is uncomfortable with its neighbors, staff post up a temporary hanging to cover the window.

Well, Travis is having none of it as far as blocking his view. As I sit playing quietly with Cassie, his paw shoves the curtain on his window aside, and his droll gray face pops up. When that gets no reaction, he taps his paw on the window, cocking his head back and forth. He could be the neighbor who talks too much that you try to avoid.

Unable to tune out the batting paw and eager head, Cassie loses interest in our game. She hops up to the shelf on her side and bears her teeth at him. Travis stares at her in utter surprise; clearly he cannot imagine himself as being received as anything but a charming new pal. Their two feline expressions are a comical study in contrast.

It’s amusing to me, and probably to cheerful Travis, but no so much to Cassie. Hopefully one or both of them can get set up in their new homes soon.