Twenty Pounds of Love - Iceberg

First off, it’s FIV+ awareness weekend at Maddie’s. The shelter is providing info about cats living with the condition and promoting the three current FIV+ cats there: Norman, Puff Daddy and Scarlet.

But before I make it to those condos, I’m distracted by an awesome new guy in hallway 4. Iceberg is a ten year old all white, blue eyed bundle of love. He’s massive, like 20 pounds, with a big sweet personality to match. His purr is loud and constant from the second I enter the room, but he’s also playful and nimble given his girth. He’s sweet and a bit goofy – he rubs and purrs between chasing a toy, and at one point sticks his head under his little throw rug then crawls fully under it in search of the toy.

A woman brings her toddler around the corridors. The child is loudly excited by all the animals, although most of them are less than pleased by her volume. She’s really cute, though. She stands at Safari’s window, and Safari, a brave little orange and white "personal assistant," stands right up pawing at the child, their heads level.

Shy guy Boomer, the pretty nine year old orange tabby, is glad when they’re gone. He’s got an adoption pending note on his door, which I’m happy to see. Later, I meet the potential adopters, a couple of youngish guys. Unfortunately, one of them is having a sneezing fit. They want to visit a couple other cats, and see whether the allergies are from one cat in particular or the whole shelter. They meet Mickey, and I suggest they check out Iceberg.

I feel bad for the dude – he obviously likes animals but I can see that being here is bothering him. He says their place has a small yard, and seems confident that just one cat who’s not always inside won’t cause bad reactions. His partner, a soft spoken and handsome guy, is clearly a cat person. He’s got a comfort level and confidence with all the cats that speaks of long and loving experience.

Of course I wonder about the dynamics going on – will the other guy suffer to please him? But the allergic guy really likes the cats too. And apparently the final call is his. His phone rings at least twice and he consults with a friend during our visit with Iceberg.

They want to see Boomer again – he’s really the favorite. And often scared Boomer jumps right out and weaves between them, even allowing himself to be picked up and cuddled. The pair have a quick quiet exchange to make their decision, and head off to the front while I whisper a happy congrats to Boomer. Love outweighs all?

On that note – the boyfriend and I are headed off to a computer-less vacation in Hawaii. Back in a couple weeks…