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.