Safe Inside - Meow Meow

There’s a notice up for volunteers at the shelter warning that a dog walker was assaulted and another threatened nearby. The description is vague enough to be scary, although it sounds like the guy is a local denizen. Troubled by the economy, mentally imbalanced, or some combination of – I mean, who attacks an apron clad dog walker? I feel bad for the volunteers, though I’m not extra worried; I’ve walked around the Mission for years and always with my urban gait (quick, directed, looking annoyed and without valuables).

Anyway, it’s safe inside with the cats. Seems like most of the visitors aren’t looking to adopt yet – there are some moms with kids and a group of young people cruising around pointing out different cats to each other. Also a couple different people specifically looking for kittens, and I explain about kitten season coming up later in the Spring.

I check in on Stubby, my five year old black and white Manx friend, who was rescued from an outdoor colony. When I first met her she was super shy and preferred to stay hidden. They’ve stuck a big pillow in her hiding spot though, and she’s gotten more confident.

She hops out to sit on my lap for a bit, then chase a toy. She’s a funny, goofy girl, soft, with a pretty white stripe up her nose, and that tiny stumpy tail. Not the world’s most cuddly cat, but she’s getting there. She’s definitely entertaining.

I keep watching her from across the hall with big lovey long hair boy Meow Meow. He's a friendly six year old who likes to look out his window at the sidewalk below. He tries to be a lap cat, although he's a bit big to fit comfortably for both of us.

A magenta haired staffer goes in and starts up the special cat video on Stubby’s TV. Many of the cats ignore the TVs, but Stubby is transfixed, she hunkers down like it’s her favorite show.

Meow Meow too -- he stands at his door staring at the chattering birds and squirrels, making his own little chirping noises through a clenched mouth. Stubby leans out farther and farther from her perch, eyes on the screen.

Outside, the wind is picking up, and more rain’s on the way. Not to mention the attack man. Stubby’s got to be pretty psyched – in from the elements, with televised birds to watch from a warm cushioned bed.