First Times – Alma

Took my boy to the vet yesterday. I’m still getting used to a cat who merely tries to back away from his exam, rather than claw and bite at the very appearance of a medical professional. Still, no picnic for either of us; he "vocalized" vigorously throughout the painstakingly long drives there and back.

It’s a familiar cat-wants-out-of-the-box cry one hears now and then at Maddie’s during little transports between areas. There are several new cats on the main floor. I meet peppy little Alma, a 10 year old "leader of the band," who’s happy for company and interested in the goings on she can see from her windows. She’s a tortie with a little white, who has a friendly, affectionate manner. She perches on one of my legs, purring while I pet her, but also keeping an eye on the hall.

Next door, new arrival Wolfie watches from above. He’s a gorgeous snowshoe mix, who looks like the type who would hop right up on the examining table. Across the hall, there’s a sweet and pretty tabby and white girl named Tigger. She’s nervous around other cats, but a soft purring sweetie with people.

I help a woman who’s accompanied by several teenagers. We check out a couple kittens, but they’re deemed too shy. The kids seem eager, the woman less so, for a trip down to the Macy’s windows.

A first time cat adopter, along with her experienced cat guy friend, come with a list of potential cats already scoped out from the website. They’ve already narrowed it to just the right type of cat for her, and we proceed to meet several. She favors the shy but cuddly types. Both the friend and I talk about how the cautious ones are likely to come out of their shells in a safe secure home.

She’s taking her time, really committing to the process, and decides she would like to come back again for a second round after she’s prepared her home for a new pet. I’m pleased that a couple of my favorite gals, Stella and Jojo, appear to have made the cut – never mind being her first cat, it seems like she’ll make a good home for a lucky kitty.

As I’m getting ready to leave, a new young volunteer, who’s just graduated to the maroon apron phase (meaning can facilitate adoptions), proudly points out a woman who’s going to take home Tigger. I offer heartfelt congratulations. Nothing like your first successful kitty adoption.

Happy Holidays; back (airlines willing!) toward the end of the year.

Oh Yeah, the Quiet Moments - Maggie

Switched days off to accommodate my work holiday party, and I tried to squeeze in gift shopping on my way to Maddie's. (The boyfriend's family has multiple round robin exchanges with complex rules.) So I arrive a bit late and frazzled.

There are a few people wandering around, and I try to stay visible. Ten year old Maggie is in a prime condo in hallway 4, face right up at her door as I approach. She's a long hair calico with an interesting, intelligent look, big pretty eyes, and large splayed feet. There are watery paw prints around her spilled dish, and she's got shaved areas. I'm thinking, not the world's neatest kitty.

But she's friendly and sweet, purring and rubbing that funny face around me. She surprises me by being quite agile in going after a toy. Then she settles on the floor across from me, looking like a proud lion (I know she's a girl, but she's got a veritable mane).

I show a couple young cats to a man who's recently lost his. He's considering adopting two, and I talk up our bonded pairs. But his pace is slow, he's still mourning his loss.

Another young couple are looking for a kitten to go with their fiesty young cat. Many of our more outgoing youngsters are at the Macy's windows http://www.sfspca.org/about-us/press/press-releases/san-francisco-spca-and-macys-team-24th-annual-macys-holiday-windows-pe . It's adorable, but not the best place for a timid animal, and I have to agree with the woman that it's a little too crazy down around Union Square these days.

Then another man asks to see a group of half grown kitties. He recently lost one of his four cats to cancer, and he wants one that will appeal to both him and the others. He describes them each in some detail, and wonders aloud how a new kitty will fit in. Our first set is really pretty shy, so we try another, more outgoing pair. After playing with both of them, he picks the braver girl.

Finally, Maddie's quiets down. I sit with sweet Ishi, waiting for him to finish greeting me with happy head butts and settle down. And I quiet down. All the rushing around makes these peaceful calm moments with good company that much more appreciated. (My little holiday lesson.)

Winter Days and Nights – Mason

Winter’s kicking in – on my way up 16th Street, I spot a shivering Chihuahua in a tiny striped sweater, then a big droopy faced dog trying to maintain his dignity while sporting a human sweater. It’s cold at home too. I’ve had to air the place from work being done downstairs. But my boy doesn’t mind; he likes going room to room, sniffing at the windows.

I’m just as glad for some lap time with the shelter kitties. First off, I meet Mason, a super cuddly 6 year old all gray long haired fellow. He’s got extra toes on his adorable feet, and he struts back and forth across my lap, rubbing and purring. He leans against me and bumps his head trustingly on my chin. He’s just the ticket to keep away the cold.

I briefly help a trio of people, politely stopping them from barging into the condos unescorted. They are only looking for black and white cats, and try to get the cats’ attention by rapping on the doors. They’re also in a hurry, which makes for a less than ideal cat selection process. I explain about the personality types; their paperwork at least suggests the household is fairly quiet.

They head for the front, and I enjoy more quality lounging with sweet showshoe mix Shanti. He’s an affectionate lap cat with just a bit of extra flesh to ensure maximum leg warming. He gazes backwards at me with blinking blue eyes and gently flexes his claws.

I meet a wonderful new fellow, a 4 year old creamy pale orange tabby named Courage. He’s well proportioned but massive, his head and paws and tail all super-sized. But what a sweetie. I’m thinking his name may be a reference to the Cowardly Lion? I pet the length of his body and reach both arms around to hug him. He nuzzles and licks my arm. Then he wants to play, purring as he zips around after a toy.

Next door, Maybelline – not a third his size – follows the action intently from their shared window. Pretty Shira, a striking mostly black kitty with big yellow eyes, also keeps watch from across the hall.

More people appear towards the end of my shift, and I make a couple kitten matches. Then a pair of young women ask to see Shira. The one has already met her, and wants her friend to check her out. Shira’s delightful and friendly, walking confidently between us and rubbing, seeming to claim the young woman. She’s taken care of other people’s cats, but this will be her first. She’s excited and enthusiastic about it, and assures me she’s responsible.

What I can see is her and the cat already bonding. I’m already picturing them keeping each other warm these winter nights.

Heartaches - Maybelline

Yay Thanksgiving – food, family and friends. Even managed not to totally overeat, which makes the day after nicer. I expect a crowd at Maddie’s, and I’m not disappointed. I recall bringing home my dear cat Pepe on a Thanksgiving weekend back in the late 80s.

So I make a point to visit a nice little tabby, just as a remembrance. Even after 18 years, I have many fond memories of my girl. Precious Maybelline is young, sweet and shy – much more so than my Pep – but also bright and alert. She very pretty, with a cute white bib and paws. She ventures out to my lap, and squirms around for petting, bravely holding her own even when I talk to admirers in the hall.

A couple who recently lost an old cat have scoped out the place and want to meet two half grown kittens who are housed together. One is shy, the other goofy (the kittens, I mean). After just a few cuddles, the man raises a brow at the woman, then says they want them both. A fellow volunteer has a similar situation in the next room, and before long there are yellow "someone wants to adopt me" notes on most doors in the kitten hallway 6.

Meantime, I talk to another couple. The woman does not know a lot about cats, though has very particular coloring and age in mind; the man seems more cat savvy but also deferential to her preferences. We check out a couple possibilities, but neither seem quite right, and they decide to keep looking.

I chat with a man and his daughter, both decked out in full Giant’s regalia, who are watching the antics of Crafty and Keiko. They’re all black kitties who share a window, and they’re pawing away at each other in a mock fight. The dad says they’re just here to window shop, since they already have cats at home. (Just my opinion, but this pair is cuter than most anything available at the mall!)

An older woman asks me questions about the volunteer program, but soon confesses she’s mostly just missing her beloved cat who recently died. I can easily read the sorrow in her eyes and her posture, and I invite her to join me in visiting Ishi. He’s a volunteer favorite, a lovely, intelligent and warm 15 year old from the Sido program. Ishi hops down and squeaks hello, then climbs trustingly onto her lap. She strokes him gently while we swap cat stories.

You reach a point, and you’re bound to have some bittersweet memories of cats who were once such a huge part of your life. It’s nice to tell someone about them, even a total stranger. Ishi stands up, and does a dignified stretch. The woman smiles, thanking me. It wasn’t a cure for heartbreak, but at least she’s had a small respite.

Homeward Bound – Oreos

The boyfriend and I spent several days on vacation in Death Valley – pretty time of year, with warm days and long moonlit nights. Best wildlife siting was a coyote ambling through a parking lot.

But I missed my boy. After a few days apart, even jack rabbits and random small dogs reminded me of him. I always like the moment of homecoming from these trips. The boy was thrilled at our reunion, and followed me as I unpacked, trying to keep his head as close to my head as possible.

The city seems particularly urban and crowded now, 16th Street on the way to Maddie’s teeming with people and cars. But glad to be back in time for my volunteer shift. I start out with 4 year old Oreo, a big lanky guy. He’s black and white, of course, with an endearing combo of being shy and eager for attention. He’s talkative and energetic, and dances around rubbing and uttering comically high pitched cries. Then he gobbles some food and plays vigorously, but finally relaxes by my side – so sweet.

Across the hall is a beautiful young Siamese mix named Shanti. He’s also shy and cuddly, with soft fur and blue eyes that gaze up at me adoringly. He climbs onto my lap and arches back, enjoying a gentle belly rub. A young couple ask to see a group of kittens. We establish that they’re experienced cat people as we get acquainted with a litter of shy sweeties. Each slightly favors a different kitten, and they thoughtfully negotiate, pointing out good qualities. I can see where this is headed, but wait for them to decide on getting them both.

There are a couple older women who are touring around, reading about each cat and admiring them all, and I answer a couple questions. They’re not here to adopt, but are having a good time reminiscing about all kinds of cats they’ve known.

I settle in with Oreo Cookie, the big 10 year old dedicated lap girl. It’s peaceful and quiet, warm with her sprawled across my legs. I think about how nice it was to wake up at home this morning. Wishing the same for this middle-aged gal.

(ps – just wanted to put in a plug for The Petsitters (415) 648-7387 - Elaine is great, and has been tending my various cats for many years)

Finding A Friend – Parker

I’m glad to see that my girl Daisy has pawed her way into someone’s heart – her adoption paper is posted for all the volunteers to see. It’s just too bad that there are still enough cats to fill the place to overflowing.

But I start off visiting a friendly foursome that includes two of those I-really-wish-I-could-take-

them-home fellows, Parker and Whiskey. Parker is a handsome green-eyed tabby, sweet, affectionate and eager to please. Whiskey is a lanky light orange tabby, also friendly and intelligent. All four cats are amiable, get along well, and like human company – it’s four noses bumping my arm and many happy head butts amongst them. Even as they all play, precious Parker just slumps against my side, purring and gazing upwards.

Maddie’s is hopping with people – there’s a special camp with dozens of talkative kids running around, and a good number of adults and kids just checking out the shelter cats and dogs for entertainment. Plus quite a few people actually here to take home a new pet.

Between casual chats with people, I go in to meet a cool new 4 year old fellow named Timmy. He’s big sweet cream colored fluff ball, long haired and super soft. He’d declawed in front, so must be an indoor cat, although his notes say he lived with a dog and a cat and likes chasing birds. I don’t think he realizes that he’s missing his claws – he plays and kneads with abandon.

The corridors with kittens stay crowded, and I help a woman who’s interested in getting a pair of kittens. She’s waited a whole year since her beloved 19 year old passed away, and she’s purposely branching out as far as looks and personality. I offer support for this decision. Many cats are utterly irreplaceable. She and her companion just melt over a tiny, sleepy, cuddly pair. She sings their praises as they gently strokes them, and can barely tear herself away to go complete the adoption out front.

There’s another whole family who’ve come to approve the selection of a bright little sweetie across the hall. Between the five of us in the room and a group of campers pressing up against the window to watch, you’d think the kitten might be intimidated. But she preens adorably, as if expecting no less. Their cat at home will like her, they assure me, and she’s just the sort of confident playful friend he needs.

The kids in the hallway are oohing and aahing, no doubt planning how to convince their folks that they too need a new friend.

Making Some Noise - Stella

What a wacky week in the city. Monday night: delirium. Really, Wilson threw that final strike, and my normally staid neighbors streamed into the street for impromptu parades and horn honking. Then Tuesday, sigh – well, at least CA mostly bucked the rightward trend. World Series Wednesday? With an office just off the parade route, I could hardly miss it (nor hardly see, from the crowds, but what a happy scene!). Shouts of "UUUribe," "Timmyyy," and "M-V-P" reverberated from the buildings downtown.

I did worry about the noise though. It’s been a loud bunch of days for our animal friends. Happy to see a cluster of people gathered as the doors open at Maddie’s anyway.

Most of the cats have gone days without a visit, so there’s plenty to do. I step into shy girl Stella’s condo and wait for her to venture out from her hiding spot. She’s a cute 6 year old Siamese mix, soft, blue-eyed, and freckled across her cheeks, ears and paws. As soon as a person has proven oneself friendly, Stella gets chatty. She squawks, rubs, purrs, and slithers around my hand as I pet her. She plays a little bit, but mostly head butts the handle of the toy in an attempt to insert her head under my hand. Whatever’s been going on outside recently, Stella’s happy with quiet company.

There’s another unusual looking girl across the hall, a 5 year old Himalayan mix named Tabitha. She’s reputed to be a bit aloof (a rare MVP on the feline-ality test), but she seems pretty lovey dovey to me. She’s quite petite under all that long fur, with a cute little face and big round eyes.

A mom and near adult son (youngish but bigger than either of us) ask to meet frisky orange tabby boy Kiyoshi. I explain about needing to watch his signals – he’s been known to nip, although he’s mostly a sweetheart. And I watch them interact, concerned that the mom seems more interested in his coloring than his personality. But they quickly declare that he’s the one, and assure me they’ve already got a litter box and supply of food laid in at home. They head to the front, and I’m happy that he’s found a home.

Farther down the hall, little Daisy again does her furious pawing at the door to signal me in. She cuddles, nuzzles, and eats a bit. Then we play, and she really gets into it, launching into her own soccer match with a small ball, balancing it acrobatically between her paws. A woman in the hall stops to admire the action, then moves on. Keep it up, is all I can say to Daisy.

Revolving Doors – PJ

Whether from rain or Halloween prep or recovering from post 9-0 Game 2 delirium, it’s ghostly quiet when I arrive at Maddie’s. (And a welcome respite from dodging around candidates at transit stations and the drone of robo calls; want a sure winning initiative? – ban those calls!)

Anyway, I settle in with PJ, a big, soft, fluffy all black 7 year old long hair fellow. He’s part cuddly, part independent, and all handsome. Smart too – there’s a bungie cord holding his door shut because he knows how to open it. This is an infrequent but not unheard of talent at the shelter. Rumor has it that one cat awhile back not only opened his own door, but also that of a buddy cat across the hall.

But PJ’s content to crawl across my lap, play for a bit, and have a snack. He remains alert for noises coming from the hall though. Probably plotting his next move.

I chat with a young couple who are just looking around. They’re cat lovers but not allowed to have pets in their apartment. Another pair hurry through the halls as though on deadline, barely glancing at the cats.

Several longer time residents are in new condos, a strategy to get them noticed. Tortie girl Daisy surprises me by pawing vigorously on her door when I approach. She hops on my lap with a friendly nuzzle, and dances around rubbing and purring, before dashing after a toy for a play session. This new brighter condo seems to have brightened her outlook.

Across the hall, pretty tabby Archie is roused from his nap, and watches the toy intently from his door. He’s a small 5 year old brown tabby, a "love bug," an endearing combo of shy and affectionate. He perches on my lap with a concerned expression, sniffing around. Then he settles down and purrs while he awaits a play session of his own. Hopefully he won’t be here long enough to need to be shifted around.

Meantime I’m looking forward to the long last end of this election season, and a victory for Boxer and the rest… and hoping the tea party folks have stumbled far enough to the extreme/ hypocritical right on their own. (Gotta ask: if a bunch of rabid anti-government people do get elected, will they fire themselves as part of the problem next time around?)

Orange Friday – Pollyanna

Well, even the SPCA is on the Giant’s bandwagon, with a "playoffs special" on orange and black cats [http://www.sfspca.org/adoptions/cats/adopt-giants-fan]. They even came up with a Maddie’s kitties roster. (Good news already – there’s an adoption pending sign on orange tabby Spike’s door.)

Which gives me a chance to pitch a recently renamed favorite who’s listed as the pitcher on the team, now known as Pollyanna. She’s pretty, she’s bright, she’s soft, she has ball-gripping extra toes, and I’m puzzled as to why she’s been here so long. Pollyanna’s an 8 year old all black girl who was quite shy at first, but these days she sometimes waits at her door for company. She needs a mellow human to step up to the plate!

Another would be player down the hall is her personality opposite. Turtle is a 7 year old super cuddly, drooly, and outgoing "personal assistant" tortie girl who’s anxious for attention. I sit quietly with her, stroking gently, while she wriggles around before settling onto my lap, purring. Predictably, she does everything she can to prevent me from later standing up, curling on one leg while I twist yoga moves with the other.

A woman who recently adopted a youngster is showing an out of town friend around, and we visit a group of bouncy energetic kittens, all of us marveling at how tiny and feisty they are. I show the same group to a young man, who decides maybe an older cat would be a better match.

When things quiet down, I check in on Fog, a sweet and very cautious little tabby girl. First I just sit and whisper to her while she stays hidden, but gradually her head and paws emerge for petting and playing. Finally she hops down for some kibble – she’s dainty and sweet and has perfect little cat feet. But a pair of woman with a noisy kid (cute, but they all think it’s funny when she play roars at the cats) scare her back into hiding.

Next, a trio of young people have some questions about cats and cat behavior. Basic stuff, like why do their tails twitch and how to tell if they’re purring or growling. But I’m suddenly reminded of trying to explain what an inning is to a friend who grew up in Europe – some things are so much simpler if you grew up with them.

Roomies – Smartie

Like everyone, I was fascinated and cheered by the rescue of the Chilean miners earlier this week. What a thrilling end to the brutal ordeal. Thinking about it, I tend to get stuck on the less talked about aspects, like suddenly living with 32 other dudes and no shower, and whether they’ll be buddies for life or never want to see each other again…

Anyway, off to Maddie’s, where everybody has a fresh litter box and a window on the world. It’s busy at first. I help a pair of women with an active household who are looking for a kitten. They have another cat at home, but recently lost a beloved old fellow raised since kittenhood.

They pretty much fall for the whole first batch we meet, three darling gray tabbies and an all white girl, exclaiming how much the tabbies look like their departed cat as a kitten. I delicately suggest that it’s hard to really replace a cat based on looks, but they assure me they get it, that these are totally new beings. All the kittens are "all stars," meaning well adjusted and adaptable, a good match for a busy household. Hopefully the older cat will like the new girl as much as she likes everything around her.

I meet a new bonded pair of 4 year olds, Wade and Evan. Wade is a pretty, wide eyed tabby, more assertive and the first to approach me. Evan is black and white, super soft, and he endears himself by standing next to my head and shyly nuzzling. You don’t need to read the write up to know these guys have been together forever – they’re completely relaxed in each others' company.

Across the hall, a sweet little black kitty named Chai is getting acquainted with a new addition named Smartie, just brought downstairs. Smartie, a cute and friendly black and white 2 year old, had two roomies who just got adopted, so they’re trying her out with a new potential pal.

Neither cat seems much bothered by the other. They both check out the room, then when fresh wet food is set down, they settle side by side, eating enthusiastically. I sit with them for a bit, petting one with each hand. Smartie’s already comfortable enough for a quick play session, and when I leave, she perches by the window to look out, with a precious take-me-home-please gleam in her eye.

I move on to talk to some more people about kittens. But not long later, I notice another volunteer showing Chai and Smartie to an interested couple. Checking back, I see an adoption pending note on Chai’s name card. Looks like Smartie will need another new roomie. Good thing she’s so adaptable and clever.

Peace & Quiet – Sophie & Sarge

It’s pretty quiet at the start of my Maddie’s shift – a relief given all noise elsewhere, from pounding downstairs at home to tearing up nearby streets to the Blue Angels (here for their annual waste of fuel and frazzling of sensitive creatures small and large).

I enjoy some stereo cuddling with Sophie and Sarge, an all black 2 year old pair. He’s a bit bigger and she has a tiny white spot, but otherwise they are near identical, both lanky, friendly and sweet. They stand at shoulder level, each purring and nuzzling. They’re playful too; Sarge is particularly adept at scouting out toys.

A mom and teen daughter are looking for a new kitty to go with their cat at home, whom they describe as standoffish. Sounds like a normal cat, in other words, but we discuss which of several half grown kittens might alienate her the least.

I spot a young woman with no paperwork but a palpable longing interacting with several kitties in the hall. I ask if she wants to help me socialize a frisky kitten who’s gone several days without a volunteer visit, and she happily agrees. She’s recently moved here and misses the cat she left with her parents, but can’t have a cat in her apartment.

Several noisy families and talkative groups converge, most not serious adopters. It’s a little challenging for our shy kitties, like sweet Daisy and Durga. But the general enthusiasm in contagious. This is just my regular volunteer gig – but for the young couple here to take home their first kitten together, it’s a red letter day.

I chat with some adults and kids about favorite cats before getting ready to go. I came for the peace and quiet, but leave the place buzzing with activity as I head out for the evening’s hopefully noisy-in-a-good-way Giant’s game.

Decisions, Decisions – Lester

If you heard someone yelling thank you, thank you out the window when the fog finally rolled in, it might have been me. Me and my boy have not been digging the heat wave.

Now the weather’s cool, the Giants are in throwing distance of clinching the West, dozens of amazing acts are coming to play at our local amazing free show, LitQuake’s getting underway… it’s a wealth of entertainment options for the weekend.

Over at Maddie’s, I’m happy to see that big Buffy has finally been adopted. The first person I see asks if we have any tabbies. So I take her in to see my new favorite, 8 year old Lester. He’s a lovely, sweet, soft, green-eyed tabby, with a white bib and toes, a crooked little tail and a near constant purr. He’s a bit shy, but mostly a loving lap kitty. The woman thanks me and moves on, but I settle in with Lester, who curls happily on my lap. When my attention wanders, he gently mouths my arm to ask for more petting.

I get more lap time with gorgeous long red haired Kiyoshi. He’s cuddly and sweet. A new guy, 10 year old Spike, watches from across the hall. He’s also an orange tabby, but otherwise quite different – an outgoing "leader of the band" with loads of personality, who zips to the door when anyone walks by. I like each of them, but would be hard pressed to choose between them – they both have good cat qualities.

A woman comes looking specifically for a friendly long haired kitten. We visit with a cute set who have Star Trek names. She’s initially interested in Sulu, but decides Chekov is the best of the bunch. (Kirk and Spock are apparently out on a mission, or hopefully have already beamed up home.) In chatting, the woman reveals that she has a fiancé who’s away for the long weekend but who should probably be consulted about this decision. (Um, yes indeed.)

Meantime, an older gentleman has been going in and out of several condos with a staffer. He seems to have a long list of characteristics he’s looking for, and lots of questions. I’m not surprised when he eventually settles on little Melody, who’s such an ideal cat.

Sometimes it’s hard to know when the time is right, whether an even more perfect (cat/fill in the blank) is still out there somewhere. Sometimes you’ve just got to take the plunge.

FAQ – Melody

We’re low on volunteers at the start of my shift, so I aim my initial kitty visits for the easy-to-see condos. Good opportunity to check in on my buddies Cheddar and Nugget, who are lounging in the big showy room at the very front. Nugget seems especially glad to have human company.

Then I see Melody, a precious and teensy 6 year old girl who’s white with tan and gray calico markings. She’s kneading on her blanket when I approach, but quickly comes to greet me. She’s super soft and sweet. Her ears are big with the cutest floppy tips. And in case that’s not all cute enough, she hops up to her perch by my head rubs the side of my head and cheek.

In answer to the frequently asked question to volunteers of "don’t you want to take them all home" – not all of them, but this one, yeah pretty much.

I answer some basic questions about kittens for a young couple. They’re just looking around though. There’s another frisky calico, Cannonball, farther down in hallway 5. She’s a cutie with a funny gray nose, wide-eyed expression, and an endearing combo of shy and goofy. She sniffs all around before settling down for some petting and play time, as JoJo next door watches from her perch above us.

A couple with a little boy ask to visit a cat. They strike me more as looking for a diversion for their kid than as serious adopters, but it’s still pretty slow. And the little boy is staring longingly at the cats. The mom stays outside, so just me and the boy interact with a friendly young cat.

The kid has dozens of questions, needing to know what’s this and why about every object in the room. But he listens to my answers, and it’s easy to slip in some info about how to act around animals (which his parents seem to have not taught him or not know themselves). He’s pretty psyched when the cat lets him stroke down the length of her back, and they both like playing with the cat toys.

The family takes off, satisfied, and I turn my attention to some young people who want to take home a kitten. I give my usual spiel about the extra needs, challenges, and rewards of raising kittens. But, as usual, the kittens answer a lot of questions about themselves too.

The Cutest Age – Sneakers

For once it’s a slow start at Maddie’s – time to hang with some quiet kitties. Daisy and MacKenzie are both coming out of their shells. They reside across from each other, and both gaze out wistfully from their doorways. MacKenzie utters her frantic little meows just for a moment before settling down for our visit.

I spent some time with Sneakers, a 12 year old "love bug" sweetheart. She’s black and white, with pretty green eyes, and a funny little half sized tail. She’s a bit shy but anxious for attention, and approaches with a squawky meow. Her notes say she has a treatable thyroid condition, and that she has to be coaxed to eat. It looks like she’s lost some weight, but she’s in good shape. She rubs, cuddles, and lolls next to me, thoroughly enjoying a head massage. And she plays vigorously for an older gal, though soon gets distracted by washing. A busy girl.

Soon a mom with a couple kids come by, then another woman with an adorable little girl. Precocious too – she’s tiny but articulate. All three kids want to know about the cat toys, and I demonstrate their use with an eager pair of kittens. The little girl is very interested in the cats, but also in the doors and windows and other details of the world that grown ups no longer notice.

A couple come looking for a kitten who’ll be a good match for their frisky year old cat at home. We meet several. The first is a teensy and completely adorable 6 week old who stands on his haunches then tumbles over as we come in the room. He’s pretty shy though, in addition to being so young.

We check out a couple more confident 5 month olds. These kitties seem more appropriate, personality wise. But the tiny kitten was just so cute, the woman says. I’m glad when the guy points out that he’ll get bigger fast, so I don’t have to be the one to say it. They debate for a bit, before agreeing on a friendly and cheerful half grown kitten.

It makes me think of the child from earlier. I mean she was cuter than cute at the just past toddler stage. But also curious and smart and outgoing and active – in other words, all set to become an interesting older kid and adult too.

Kittenhood passes quickly. Seeing the older cats find homes is what keeps me coming back week after week.

The Days After - Yang

It feels odd to do my regular errands on a lovely day, just miles from the scene of the terrible explosion and fire in San Bruno. So huge and frightening and unexpected. The gas lines that powers the stove and hot water – I mean, that’s pretty personal.

As with any such crisis, there’s a pet angle, and I uneasily await news of missing animals. I was impressed with one woman interviewed, who calmly described getting out with her three dogs and a cat (the cat, of course, tried to run back inside) plus a supply of kibble and litter. If there’s any tiny thing to be pulled from this tragedy, it’s the pair of reminders to all of us: how precious our families – including out pets – are, and the importance of having an emergency plan and supplies lined up. Before the next earthquake or fire. And not to live in fear, but in relative calm, having simply thought through the grim possibilities.

There’s the normal flurry of activity at the start of Maddie’s public hours. A couple different lone adults with resident dogs, cats, and/or neighbor children are looking around. Not so good for our shyer kitties.

However, another lady specifically asks to meet Sweet Leaf, who’s adorable though quite timid. She makes up her mind to adopt her very quickly, which makes me a little nervous. But she just says she knows, and heads firmly toward the adoption desk.

I check in on Yang, a handsome, lanky, all black 12 year old "personal assistant." He’s friendly and rubs around eagerly, gazing lovingly into my eyes. He’s playful too, and seems smart. Here’s a cat who would do pretty well in an emergency. But he was surrendered in July, and I can only think his former people’s circumstances must have been dire.

There’s another solid black fellow I like, 7 year old Akiro. He’s more cautious, but affectionate and cuddly in a sweet, drooly way. He has striking green eyes and battle scarred ears, and clearly longs for a quiet home with plenty of lap time. It takes awhile for him to relax; sudden noises make him nervous.

Which brings me back to worrying about the poor shell shocked people left with just what they could grab running out the door. Talk about nerve wracking. I can only hope that they – and their animals – have good support from friends and strangers alike as they try to rebuild.

Nothing Like 37,000 People Watching Your Video Clip - Daisy

Picture this: the roar of the crowd, the crack of the bat… a perfect sunny day at the ballpark, an exciting game – and more than 800 dogs in attendance! Sunday was Dog Days at the Giant’s game, with adorable canine antics up on the jumbo screen between innings, plus clips of adoptable dogs from Maddie's. And my entire section heard me hooting and pointing when my boy Lukey was featured as the representative SPCA cat.

And guess what – he got adopted. (I think the adoption actually occurred sometime during the game; not sure if his new mom is a baseball person. But still, the publicity couldn’t hurt.) Darling boys Mel and Laurel also found homes since last week.

My shift starts out slow, and I settle in with Daisy, a timid and pretty tortie and white 9 year old I’m fond of, who’s been here for several months. She loves laps, but is wary of hands by her head. I pet her gently while she gets used to my presence. Soon she curls onto my lap. She likes to rub her chin around the edges of my apron and t-shirt – a little strange, but not unpleasant. She's a sweet girl, but easily overlooked, I'm afraid.

A couple come looking for a kitten to join their active household with little kids and an older cat. They find a good match, but worry about being to hasty or impulsive in their decision-making. I’m a reluctant witness to a bit of family dynamics and negotiations, as they decide to at least bring the kids in to meet the kitten.

Soon a steady stream of people are touring the place, some just checking out the cats for entertainment, others ready to take one home today. Most want kittens. I answer a lot of the same sorts of questions about whether they’re litter box trained and spayed or neutered (yes and yes). Plus a lot of other queries for which the answer is, um, hard to tell, or depends on the cat.

I’m nearly out the door when I spot a middle aged couple admiring shy little MacKenzie. They’re wonderfully patient with her, and seem to like the challenge of drawing her out and trying to win her over. They’ve just started their search and aren’t ready to commit yet, but I check out feeling hopeful that we’ll soon have another successful hard-to-place kitty adoption.

Mothers & Sons – Mel

I missed not seeing the shelter kitties last week, and am glad to see lots of potential adopters there at Maddies at the start of my shift. The first woman I help takes about five minutes to locate her ideal kitten, and hurries off, happy and excited about bringing her home.

Next I show JoJo to a group of girls in some kind of uniform – do they still have Blue Birds? – anyway, they’re polite and know how to act around cats. While they’re trying to tempt her with a dangle toy, Mel, the cat next door, watches and bats at the window separating us.

I slip away for some quality time with darling Mel, an affectionate 9 year old "love bug." He’s an orange tabby with a freckled nose, a lanky body and massive paws. He’s got an adorable near silent meow that he mouths at the girls as they cluster around his door. Once I’m in the condo at lap level, he climbs on, kneading and pressing his wet nose into my hand.

It must be orange tabby day, because I’m also drawn to Laurel, a lovely jade eyed fellow with super soft fur and extra toes. He’s cautious, but friendly. We’re just getting acquainted when more customers come looking for help.

A mom and her young son are seeking an outgoing kitty to join a household that also includes a dog and a baby. We test out a newly arrived confident tabby named Ruby, who lets the boy pet her and isn’t fazed by his somewhat loud voice. The mom is patient and encouraging with him as he excitedly tells stories about cats he knows.

They move off to look at more possible matches, and I spend awhile with another mom and son. In this case the son is middle aged, and super patient with his mom, who is quite particular and a bit critical about the cats we see. After meeting several, a staffer helps locate a precious kitty who seems ideal.

I can see that it’s a good match. So can the son, who says as much. The woman isn’t sure though. She wonders aloud how one can really tell if a cat likes her and whether this one is right for her. I agree that this is a big commitment and she should take the time she needs to make the decision. The kitty, meanwhile, rubs happily between us, making the case better than anyone else can.

They decide to go get something to eat and discuss the situation further. The son is wonderfully patient. I can’t help but see the parallel from the earlier mother son pair – that’s the kind of behavior you learn growing up. Makes me think of the boyfriend, who’s been the kind of man any mom would be proud of during a rough couple weeks. Guys raised well.

Instant Celebrities - MacKenzie

So many instant celebrities recently – the cougar/reality TV woman taking on HP, everybody’s favorite flight attendant with his public meltdown (why didn’t someone catch that on film??), and Maddie’s own Jack Daniels, the vision impaired kitten who was stolen then inexplicably found in New York http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/08/11/BA631ES37U.DTL

I do see the silliness of flying him back (on JetBlue, no less!) just to be homeless here. But we need our symbols. Mr. Slater unites all of our frustrations with modern air travel – I mean, who hasn’t wanted to grab a beer and pull the slide chute after hours wedged in on an overcrowded flight?

Of course there have been dozens of inquiries about our famously found cat, and a special application system has been created. Prominently mentioned, I assume, is the fact that we have a shelter full of other adoptable cats.

Anyone looking for a shy black kitty with a hard luck story should check out sweet little MacKenzie. She came from a hoarder house that had over 200 cats, and she’s still a bit skittish around people. She’s 2, mostly black with a white bit on her chest, with a cute squeaky meow. She watches me, purring and rubbing but scared of my hand at first. Then the petting commences, and she loves it. She’s also playful, though she plays by dragging the toy away to her safe spot. She starts and squeaks in protest when I finally stand to leave.

Poor old Lukey is still here, and now closely shaven. He wears it well, though looks less than dignified. More comfortable, at least. He enjoys our visit, and later gamely tolerates a pair of summer campers who attempt to get him to chase a toy.

I spend much of my shift showing kittens. Two young couples in a row make their selections fairly quickly. I help a pair of sisters, who adore kittens. They fall in love with frisky all black Baby Bear, a goofy attention seeking missile of a kitten. But it’s revealed that they still live with their mom, who may not be as enamoured. We discuss strategies for winning her over.

A trio of young people decide on Batgirl, another charming and pretty kitten. They head to the front desk, pleased about their choice. She’s no doubt destined to be the new celebrity at least on their facebook circle.

Good News/Bad News – Mr. Woods

Interesting week of news… happy to hear the Gulf oil gusher is finally plugged, yet know there are untold environmental consequences. Hooray for overturning Prop 8 – but oops, there’s a stay and it’ll probably end up in the Supreme Court. Here at Maddie’s there were dozens of adoptions (yay, and glad to see my girl Sassy finally went home). Yet the condos are still packed full of homeless kitties.

First kitty I meet is Mr. Woods, a 6 year old "personal assistant," who’s still getting adjusted to his new condo. He’s mostly white with tabby bits on his head and tail, and a sweet, anxious expression. He’s been pretty severely shaved, and I can see how skinny he is, but his tuft of a tail shows he’s a long hair. Each paw has extra toes, giving him even more of a big footed look.

He purrs and rubs and stares up at me, tail still swishing when he hears noises in the hall. He hasn’t been eating well, but lets me feed him individual pieces of kibble, though he likes to head butt the hand that feeds him. He’s cuter than his picture, but I imagine he’s a challenge to photograph – no doubt tries to butt the camera too.

Unlike last week, most of the people here early on are just wandering around for entertainment. A couple different young families cruise through, one dad alternating between chatting on his phone and rapping on the cats’ doors. Another little girl squats, enthralled, at each door, while her sister whines to go look at dogs.

But later, a pair of dream potential adoptees appear, asking specifically for senior cats. I immediately direct them to 14 year old Lukey, who’s newly arrived from the Sido program. He’s a friendly plump long hair, also mostly white with orange on his head and tail, and a few areas of matting clipped away.

He seems to be adjusting pretty well, but at one point when I sat with him earlier, he just wandered around meowing, pretty much asking for his person, before settling on a cushion covered by an old sweater. He does will with the young couple, although as I assure them that he likes to play he instead flops directly onto his toy for more petting.

They want to look around some more, so I don’t know the end of the story yet. But it seems like it could be a good news ending to Lukey’s bad news situation.

Sales Pitch – Cheddar & Nugget

It’s an auspicious start to the big adoption push weekend – the first thing I see is paperwork for my buddy Mago’s adoption. There’s a high volunteer to potential adopter ratio on hand, plus the summer camp is in full swing.

I meet new bonded dudes Cheddar and Nugget, both friendly outgoing kitties who are 9 and 5 respectively. Cheddar’s a long hair cream colored Balinese mix with dilated blue eyes. Nugget’s all gray, a trim short hair, who rubs eagerly around to be petted. They both purr as I pet them, one hand per cat. They deign to play for a bit, but then curl up happily side by side, all three of us competing for the square of sunlight from their south facing window.

A young couple ask to meet Becky, a sweet young all black kitty. Little Becky weaves between us adorably, and the pair seem enamoured. They don’t say a lot though, and I’m not sure whether they’re really interested or are just testing things out, the way you might check out open houses for fun before you can afford a mortgage. I’m not really into pushing the hard sell here – my feeling is the cats sell themselves much of the time.

Across the hall, shy and pretty Bonnie isn’t loving the summer camp sessions. She’s a lovely gray 2 year old who unfortunately tends to hide in her box unless it’s quiet and she’s been expressly invited out. I sit with her and coax her out to be petted. She loves to be stroked, and leans gently against my leg. But the voices and commotion in the hall soon send her scooting back to her safe spot.

Peaking back in at Cheddar and Nugget, I watch a pair of kids interacting with them, and it’s totally adorable. The cats and the children behave so well together that it’s hard to resist going in to pat all four of their sweet little heads.

An older woman making her way around asks about all the children, and I explain about the summer camp. Another cute little girl, who’s visiting a small tabby cat, spots us and holds up her hand made Adopt A Shelter Cat pillow. Talk about a sales pitch.

Towards the end of my shift, I find that Becky’s gone – good for her! A new kitty has already been brought down from upstairs and is exploring the condo. She’s a cute and frisky tabby. The way things are going, I expect she’ll be on her way home before the weekend’s over.

Out of the Spotlight - Buffy

I stop at the Bi-Rite while I’m in the Mission before my Maddie's shift. There’s a full camera crew plus several photographers on the corner, outside Tartine. It looks more like an art project than news, but in any case, I hasten by, counting on my middle aged invisibility to stay anonymous.

Of course that’s not such a good strategy for the older gals at Maddie's. Not concerned about putting herself out there, frisky adorable 2 month old tabby Ashbury has found a fan right off the bat, and I end up showing her to three different sets of people.

While shyer adults like Buffy and Durga, who tends to hide, are regularly overlooked by people passing by. There are lots of cat shoppers around, but I make some quality lap time available for big mostly white Buffy. She’s a loving cat, though she’s cautious at first, and has been known to nip if handled inattentively. She needs an adult only household, but I think this plus sized kitty would make a great addition for a mellow single or couple.

I’m happy to meet a woman who is specifically looking for an adult cat who’s been here awhile. A staffer suggests both Pebbles and Leta, and we visit them both. She’s clearly a good cat person – calm, attentive, and gently affectionate with the cats. We go over Pebbles’ story – that she came from a hoarder house where there had been litterbox issues.

Pebbles has been nothing but friendly and sweet here at Maddie’s. She’s a lovely tabby and white, and she weaves between us, arching her back for petting and flopping onto the floor for a belly rub. After a brief look at Leta, we return, and the woman decides Pebbles is the cat for her.

I’m psyched for them both, but quickly get sidetracked with other customers. A cheerful woman and her two super polite boys have narrowed their kitten search, and want to meet a pair of all black youngsters. All black cats are good luck back in Scotland, she tells me. The boys are quiet and careful with the kittens, but enjoy pulling toys for them to chase.

It’s interesting to hear their accents – the mom’s is charming and obvious, while the boys already seem to be blending into California blandness. Adorable Sprocett climbs into the mom’s lap and looks up at her, purring and waving his little paws. I can see that she’s smitten, but she wisely waits until the cat has nuzzled each boy and they beg to adopt him. Then they all head off, happy with their choice.

Meantime, word of Pebbles’ departure has spread. I’m not sure how aware her adopter is of the buzz around the place – she’s just come here to bring home a cat – but this low key stranger had brought a lot of joy to the shelter today.

Interested in adopting? Check out next weekend’s 72 in 72 event:
http://www.sfspca.org/adoptions/72-in-72

Economic Indicators – Oscar

Busy week in my little world. The annual fundraiser at work had me out later than I’m used to, plus dashing around in dressed up clothes and mingling in a noisy room of hundreds of supporters. Nice to schlep around in jeans and sneakers at Maddie’s, cross legged on the floor with my quiet kitty friends.

The fundraiser did well. But as I listen to the various and often contradictory news items about the economy, I wonder when things really will turn the corner. There are positive signs. But also plenty of anecdotal evidence pointing the other way. We’re struggling to keep adoption rates up, even with the discounted pricing continued, and kittens are lined up waiting for space to open up.

Friendly cats are sharing space too. The first person I see, a friendly older woman, asks to meet Bo Bo Muffins, who’s housed with Oscar and Grandma (these names!). She’s in the still contemplating phase, but charmed by the group. They’re getting along pretty well, but hungry for one on one attention. I particularly like fluffy Oscar, a super soft 4 year old gray and white long hair. He’s got a sweet expression and an intelligence about him that’s appealing – you can almost see him thinking "what am I doing here??"

A group of pre-schoolers comes rushing into the hall, and Oscar beats a hasty retreat. There are dozens of children around – older summer campers plus another group of younger kids, all looking like they’re enjoying themselves. The woman jokes that she wishes she could attend the SPCA summer camp.

I check Oscar’s paperwork on his door. The poor guy was surrendered a couple weeks ago, and I wonder what happened with his people that they would have to give him up.

I help another woman who wants a kitten companion for her shy cat at home. She was here a few days ago, and is surprised by how many new kittens have replaced the ones she met then. But she happily chooses a darling little orange tabby.

His adorable brown tabby sister is the only one left of their litter, and I peak in later to make sure she’s not too lonely. She does look a bit bereft, but purrs and nuzzles when I pet her. I’m not worried about her – regardless of the next few months and even years, she’s got a long happy life ahead.

Getting Along - Porter, Freewheel

I was watching the early evening non-riot in Oakland on TV Thursday. Relieved that there was no acquittal, and remembering the King riots from years back. The Mehserle case hits home a little bit, since I’m a regular BART rider (though my experience as a white middle aged woman commuter is quite different from anyone’s on the platform that night; I can’t think when I’ve last seen a BART cop).

Anyway, this doesn’t have much to do with the animal shelter, except that sometimes societal problems seem both long lived and overwhelming.

Early in my shift at Maddie’s, a pair of young women, friends or possibly sisters, are checking out the cats in the back hallway. They tell me they’re still looking around, seeming taken aback at how many halls and rooms of cats they’ve encountered. I tend to forget, but we do have an awful lot of homeless animals here, every age, color and temperament. Even with all the adoptions in June, there are many more cats in need of new homes.

I get acquainted with new roomies Porter and Freewheel. Porter’s young, all black with golden eyes, friendly and frisky. He’s charming with me, lounging on my lap and playing happily, although his exuberance is a bit much for shy guy Freewheel. He’s a gorgeous orange tabby who’s sweet but a little nervous about hands (or other cats) touching below his shoulders. As I softly stroke his head, Porter scampers after a stuffed mouse, picking it up firmly in his mouth and dunking it into their water dish.

A woman escorting a group of talkative kids pauses to point at the pair. Freewheel hides while Porter preens at the door, not bothered by the children's voices or tapping on the door.

Down the hall, big black and white Leta is still here waiting for someone to notice her and bring her home. Freewheel’s opposite in terms of petting preferences, she meows at me for some company. She loves to be petted anywhere, enjoys having her fur fluffed up, and rolls onto her back, paws flailing, for belly rubs.

Later, I express my enthusiasm for sweet tortie girl Gertrude to a woman who had seen her on the website. The cat is a lively outgoing "party animal," and the woman is looking for someone friendly and cuddly. I’m glad to see an adoption pending notice up on Gertrude’s condo a short while later. Progress is slow but steady.

Nature/Nurture – Bertha & Lacy

Got to visit friends with foster kittens earlier this week. Two tiny siblings were left of the litter; the goal was for each to reach 2 lbs. They were awfully cute in that skittish splayed legged kitten way. Very different in looks and behavior, even at this age when it’s counted in weeks. One was frantic and playful, the other a determined lap sitter, anxious for attention. I tend to think of kittens as kind of formless in terms of personality, but these little ones were all set to prove me wrong.

I thought about the nature versus nurture thing over at Maddies, visiting pretty tabby and calico sisters Bertha and Lacy. They are strikingly similar in looks, and tend to follow each other around, doing the same cute things (like sitting and pawing their door when people pause there – so adorable!). But even so, Bertha is a bit bigger and friskier, and Lacy more lovey dovey. How’d that happen?

A group of young women rush over to admire them, and though I don’t speak the language, it’s clear they’re discussing their how awesomely cute they are. But it’s a tough season for these sweeties – they’re little, adorable and kittenish, but actually 2 year olds, and people into little and cute often go for the under 6 month set.

A couple ask to see Sassy, a lovely soft all black 9 year old with emerald green eyes. She’s a bit of an escape artist, and darts past me into the hall. But once she’s corralled back in her room, she rubs between us sweetly. They’ve recently lost a beloved cat, and they’re still getting over that – want to be around some felines and will adopt again when the time is right. We chat about cats from our pasts, and the goofy/lovable/unique habits they had.

I stay on with Sassy when they leave to prevent another escape, and she flatters the pair by planting herself at the door meowing after them as they move down the hall. A couple young men wander by, but Sassy’s given up on the door and is back bumping my hand with her head for pets.

I talk to another couple who are testing out the guy’s possible allergies. Apparently he’s had mild reactions to cats before and just put up with it. But we agree it wouldn’t be so good for him every day. I hope it works out for him – he seems nice and they both obviously like cats.

A young woman asks about meeting a cute 3 month old orange tabby boy. He sits shyly away from us at first, but then starts playing and racing around. She decides he would be too active for the calm cat she already has. And I can see that if I hung out with him for awhile, his personality would start to emerge. More important, whoever takes him home will get to watch it develop, along with the blossoming of their own sweet and unique relationship.

**** happy Independence Day... please keep your pets indoors! ****

Pride Weekend – Azrael

We’ve had tons of adoptions from Maddie’s over the past couple weeks, and not just truckloads of kittens. Chaka has finally gone home, as have Crowley and Rory. Still, there are a rainbow of cats and kittens to be moved through, as befits this Pride Celebration weekend. (Watch for the SFSPCA float in the parade!)

A steady stream of people keep the volunteers occupied. I show a pair of adorable tabby/calico sisters to a pair of young women roommates. They gush about how cute they are – but these are gushy gals, they’re pretty enthusiastic about every cat they see. I urge them to look around to be sure of their choice.

I take a bit of down time with Azrael, one of our sweet shy seniors. She’s a gray long hair with a beautiful face who’s growing out of a full body shave. Still, she wears her shorn coat well, and loves to be stroked and cuddled. She hops onto my lap, licks my arm a few times, and gazes up adoringly. She tends to hide when she’s alone, so I’m hoping someone will come by and see how sweet she is as she sits happily on my lap, her purr deep and loud.

A father and two kids wander along, admiring the cats. But he’s not sure if they have time to devote to taking care of a cat, and the kids are begging him to see the dogs. Another guy with younger kids comes through the hall, barely stopping, just pointing each cat out to the children before hurrying on. I chat for a few moments with a pair of men who recently lost their 18 year old kitty. They’re just looking around, not ready to adopt.

Back in hallway 4, I visit Macgyver and Haley. He’s a shy tabby, and she’s a super cuddly black and white sweetheart. The roommates from earlier, joined by a third, see sweet Haley on my lap and ask to come in. Haley sells herself well, climbing shyly onto one then another lap. The young woman who will be doing the adoption just melts. It’s like the idea of what she’s here for has suddenly sunk in: she has to have this cat. They’re delighted when I assure them they can take her home today.

One of them says it must be so hard to work here, seeing all these poor lonely cats. But it’s really not. I get to see the happy matches, and know that even the shy kitties will find homes eventually.

Towards the end of my shift, I see Macgyver lounging all by himself in his condo, and the tabby sisters down the hall curled up facing each other, paws touching. A friendly chubby calico named Koala has just been brought down to an empty condo, and I help her settle in. Proud of how the whole process comes together.

Kitty Quirks - Kitty Girl

There’s a deep discount for adopting adult cats in June at Maddie’s – and the cats are moving. My very first customer is a guy who wants a bonded pair. This is his second visit, and he’s narrowed down to three pairs including Rory and Crowley and Kelsey and Briscoe. He seems really nice, and he works from home and wants kitty company. I assure him he won’t go wrong with any of these guys, and am happy to see older dudes Kelsey and Briscoe finally go home after several months here. This news shoots happily around the shelter.

I check in on Kitty Girl, a sweet, soft 9 year old tortie. She stands on my lap sniffing for a few moments before settling down, purring and kneading. Up again, she chews on my name tag then leans on me and sinks into a happy curl across my legs. Her paperwork says she started here shy, but she’s now classed as an outgoing "leader of the band."

It’s hard to tell how a cat’s attitude and personality will shift as she gets comfortable in a new situation. That’s something I try to get across to all our potential adopters – that the shy fellow cowering in the corner will probably blossom given enough time in a comfortable home. You just never know what changes or quirks will emerge.

My boy, for instance, has a low wide water dish that he visits several times a day. First he paws the floor around it, as though flattening imaginary grass, then he dips his nose in, then settles in a squat, lapping vigorously. By the time he’s done, there is water around the dish, on his nose, his forehead, dripping from his chin, and often from his chest too, where it has accidentally dipped into the dish.

He doesn’t mind, and comes to offer a damp but enthusiastic head butt. It’s a funny little habit, one I wouldn’t have seen coming while we were getting acquainted at Maddie’s two years back. For that matter, I didn’t know he would be such a talker – he was silent until I put him in his carrier and now he chats with me frequently. You just can’t tell how the cat at the shelter will act once ensconced in a happy home.

A few kitties later, I meet one of our quirkier residents, Judge Judy. She’s an adorable tiny yellow-eyed tabby. When I open her door, she greets me with a low growl. Then she hops down offering a chirpy meow, and circles and sniffs. She likes to be petted, and she chases after a toy. But she’s a little nervous too, darting to the corner of her condo with a growl at strange noises. It could take a little extra time with her, I think, but there’s a real sweetheart waiting to shine along with her funny behavior.

We All Need a Window – Rory & Crowley

What a pretty day, one of those pleasant sunny afternoons where it’s nice just sitting and looking out the window. Neighborhood gardens are blossoming and the wildflowers brighten even the grungier streets of the Mission.

Too nice for cat shopping, apparently; Maddie’s is slow. I’m pleased to see my boy Mago out of hiding and eager for a visit. We cuddle for a bit, then I help a pair of sisters who are looking for a companion to an older but playful cat.

Bonded pair Rory and Crowley catch my eye. Rory’s a big tabby and white 7 year old with the daintiest little meow. Crowley is a smaller 6 year old, all gray with green eyes and oddly clipped ears. They’re both a bit shy, and sweetly dote on each other. Crowley slides into my lap, just barely purring as I stroke his delicate chin. Then Rory clambers up beside him. There’s not quite enough room, so four paws and two heads drape over one leg, while two tails dangle off the other. They’re the sweetest ready made family.

I check in on another sweet boy, Romeo. He’s a young, super soft black and white long hair who quickly loses his shyness. He purrs loudly, hopping on and off my lap and offering kisses and nose rubs. This fluffy tailed sweetie is aptly named – all ready to fall in love. He collapses happily into my lap, and when I get distracted, politely tugs on my arm with his paw.

A young woman has been circling around, carefully checking out a number of cats. She’s looking for someone friendly and outgoing, to blend with her roommates and their two dogs. We check out Chaka, who’s charming and friendly, climbing eagerly onto her lap. I’m hopeful that Chaka could hold her own at least, or possibly rule the roost.

But she’s got a number of cats in mind, and bemoans how difficult it is to choose. I can’t argue with that. All of our precious kitties need windows of their own.

Somebody Else’s Birds - Polynesia

Not clear today if I’m here to cheer up the cats or vice versa. As the drizzly morning (it’s June, folks) gives way to a weirdly humid afternoon, I’m averting my eyes and ears to headline news and the distressing images of gushing pipes, slicks, and dying oil-coated birds coming out of the gulf. Can I just mention one thing that seems to be left out of all the rhetoric? Serious conservation.

But off the high horse and on to Maddie’s. There’s the usual rush of people seeking kittens. We have several sets of adorable little siblings, all looking deceptively precious and sleepy. I try to make sure the potential adopters know what’s in store with raising a kitten. Some people are browsing, waiting for the perfect match, while others have particular coloring and coat length already in mind.

It’s a relief when one woman comes specifically seeking a middle aged adult cat. As she moves off to check out the selection – and there are dozens to choose from – I settle in with Polynesia, a charming and pretty 3 year old Balinese mix. She’s silky soft, with blue eyes, mottled tan fur and kind of tortie points. She’s a sweetie who loves laps, and she purrs and drools a bit before settling on my crossed legs, leaning into me and nudging her head into my hand for behind the ears stroking. Her fur is so soft and thick, with a luxurious undercoat; she’s a fairly small cat underneath.

Dislodging Polynesia, I head back out to show some more kittens and cats. I spend awhile in counselor mode with a woman who’s recently lost her beloved cat to cancer. Her grief is palpable, and while she’s not ready to adopt yet, she just needs to be around cats. We hang out playing with three feisty youngsters and exchange stories about departed pets. I hope it helps her to be able to talk about her irreplaceable kitty, and know she’s in a place full of people who get it, who’ve also had that sad silence at home where there used to be happy meows.

By the end of my shift, I’m not exactly feeling better about the state of the world. Maybe at least relieved to be doing something small but positive. I’m not sure that it is okay to feel better, though. How long can we all act like they’re somebody else’s birds?

The Nature of Cats - Mago

Can I compare the animal shelter to a zoo yet? It’s getting there. People are lined up again as the doors open at Maddie’s, and it stays pretty busy.

I help an older couple who’ve come in with a younger woman and her bright eyed little girl. They’re looking for an outgoing male cat who likes kids. And while I can think of a few who might be suitable, they promptly decide to adopt the first fellow they meet, a playful tabby. The young woman wonders if they shouldn’t look around a bit more, and I nod in agreement, but the guy seems like he just wants the deed done.

At least they want an adult cat. Lots of people are here for the kittens. Hallway 1 gets pretty overrun with people lining up 2 and 3 deep for a look at the little cuties. It’s a challenge to get groups of people into the rooms and keep frisky kittens from escaping, but for now, it’s controlled chaos.

I squeeze in a little time to sit with some shy adult kitties, who aren’t loving the crowds. Pretty 3 year old gray tabby Mago mostly hides till someone comes to visit. He’s surprisingly big emerging from his box, adorable and sweet. He slinks around, belly low and ears alert, then crouches next to me while I stroke him. I’m hoping someone will see him out like this, someone quiet and looking for a quiet companion.

Instead a group of oversized teens wander by. Their loud voices scare Mago, but they’re polite and interested in the cats. We visit Nigel and Boots, and they pepper me with questions. One feels bad that the cats are mostly alone in their rooms and wonders why they can’t all be put together in one big room. (Talk about chaos!) But I try to give a respectful answer, explaining the solitary nature of cats.

Pretty soon it’s back to the kittens. Some people have quite specific colors and ages in mind, and I have to explain that they’re coming and going fast and they may just have to keep checking in. Others want to take them all. It’s sweet and rewarding to see one woman lose her heart to a tiny fellow named Fum (siblings Fee, Fi and Foe already having been adopted).

Another couple peeks in at him afterward from the hallway. Why is he so cute, I want him, the woman moans to her companion. Also the nature of cats.

Welcome Home – Briscoe and Kelsey

Cats sure like their routines. This point was made several times last week, as we disrupted the households of two different hosts back east. Two petite and nervous older girls mostly hid during the proceedings, utterly horrified at a wedding party taking over their domain. Another friskier and friendlier boy pretty much went about his business as usual despite having company, amusing us with his habit of trotting along after the dogs on their daily walks.

Of course it was nice to get home to our own cats and routines. (Unlike my former kitty, who would follow me from room to room singing her displeasure and sometimes pointedly turning her back on me, my boy forgave my absence immediately and completely. His only wish was that I commence all the cuddling and brushing we had missed right away. He’s stuck by me, like a 19 pound squawking shadow, since I returned.)

Over at Maddie’s, paperwork indicates there have been lots of adoptions, mostly youngsters. My first customer is a woman who recently lost the cat she adopted from the SPCA more than a decade ago. She’s looking for a young, friendly boy, and seems pretty taken with the first one we meet. I suggest that she at least go around and meet a few other cats, and she agrees that this is a big enough commitment to take the time to be sure of her choice.

A group of young people wander by, followed by two fast moving couples. Then it slows down, and I go sit with Kelsey and Briscoe, a bonded pair who are 9 and 11. Both are lanky, long legged, mostly black, and sweet and cuddly. Briscoe has longer hair, and a massive fluffy tail. They both rub around and purr, but neither quite settle down with me. Surely they’re both missing the comfort of a secure home.

I spend some quality lap time with Oreo Cookie, and another big black and white girl, Buffy, who resides directly across the hall. They warily observe each other as I visit, and Buffy stays planted at her door, looking all big eyed and sad, as I make my way down the corridor.

Chaka, Champ, Leta, Nigel and Boots are all still here. But there’s a Walter update, via the grapevine – his prior owner decided she was well enough to take care of him, and came back to retrieve him and bring him home. Talk about happy homecomings!

Cycle of Life - Oreo Cookie

Everybody’s gearing up for kitten season. This early, things seem calm and manageable – a steady stream of kittens are moving through the process, with a reasonable balance of hopeful adopters and adorable adoptees.

There’s been a big push to get our wonderful older cats into good homes too. I won’t try to dissuade anybody who’s heart is set on bringing up a kitten. But for anyone who asks, I’ll honestly state my own preference for adopting cats who are fully grown, and settled into their personalities.

Ten year old Oreo Cookie is one of my current favorite mature kitties. She’s black and white, of course, sweet and friendly, with a perky attitude and strong head butt. Her cute face has an off center stripe, and she makes good eye contact. She jumps down to rub and purr as soon as I arrive, and does well at trotting to her door to check out people in the hall.

Someone looking for a younger adult couldn’t go wrong with newly arrived MacKenzie, a 3 year old tabby Scottish Fold. Her bent little ears give her an expression of permanent concern, but she seems sweet, hopping on and off my lap and even reaching up to give little kisses. I can see she hasn’t been eating much, but she’s willing to have a couple bites if I lean over the dish with her, petting her gently.

A hippie-ish mom and high school age daughter ask to meet Mambo, a super friendly young "personal assistant." They’re having a cat break before shopping for a prom dress. The daughter has a good time interacting with the cat, but the mom waits in the hall. She’s afraid she’ll get attached, and isn’t ready for a new cat quite yet. Both of them seem to like cat shopping better than dress shopping, but what can you do, prom’s a big deal.

An older couple is taking their time, really studying the cats and write ups. They’ve lost two older cats, and are almost ready to take someone new. They like big two tone males, so we have lots of possibilities. I show them Achilles, Tank and Cedrick, all of whom are awesome and show well. The couple aren’t in any hurry to choose though. They’re probably retired, and don’t mind spending lots of time here.

Next, a mom and adolescent son want to check out little Millicent, a super soft young cutie. They’ve also recently lost an elderly cat. The loss is clearly weighing on the woman, and as we sit and chat, I can see that the boy misses his cat terribly too. We talk about how long is enough time to wait, and I give my usual spiel about how any new cat just won’t feel right immediately, that you have to give the new relationship time to grow.

And it hits me again – as it did earlier talking to friends who lost a wonderful former Maddie’s resident quite suddenly and far too soon – that a nice aspect of my volunteer job is that I’m here for the happy first dates. I get to introduce the precious kitties, and see the joy of the family’s homecoming, but miss the heartbreaking end of their journey together.

It’s all part of the life cycle though. Pet people take it all on, from the homecoming to the final farewell. I think any one of us would tell you it’s worth it.

(heading back east for a family wedding… back in a couple weeks)