Happily Ever After – Egon

Happy news from Maddie’s: both Lulu and Smokey Joe found new homes. I’d like to take credit, but rather take pride in the generous people of my home region. Together we're all supporting this institution that allows abandoned pets to thrive, and seeing the beauty and potential of those creatures someone else might consider to be only second hand.

Maddie’s is a cheerful place on a gloomy day. Holiday crowds gone and just a few people checking out the cats. I pay a nice long visit to Egon, a shy pretty tabby and white boy. Noises worry him, but once he relaxes he's such a sweet and happy boy. He'll make his new people glad to have him every day, I predict.

A middle aged couple appear, pointing out different cats, conversing in quick little phrases of a pair long together and comfortable with each other. They’ve recently lost the second of a pair they’d had since kittenhood. Since the kids still lived at home – they joke about how quiet the house is now, but I know none of us really think it’s funny.

They just want to look around. They’re thinking of getting an adult cat, or maybe two. They know they need some time to pass first, but he had the day off, she works from home, some primal need just drew them to the shelter. And I’m happy to bring them in to meet a few of our sweet kitties, and just observe the simple expressions of pleasure that come from petting and cuddling with them.

It’s fine that they don’t pick their cats yet – I’m confident that they’ll be back. I move on to answer some questions from a young woman and two little children. They’re interested in cats and dogs both, the littler girl squirming in excitement about seeing the dogs. The mom rolls her eyes. Sooner or later one or more pets will be joining this household, she says, laughing.

Another happy household. And looking around at the shy and inquisitive faces peaking out from the condos, I can envision many more of these to come.

I’m signing off the blog again. The powers that be at SFGate have stopped running it (with not so much as a warning, thanks guys), and maybe I’m running out of superlatives for my feline friends. I’ll still be here though. And you can get your online cat fix here: http://www.sfspca.org/adoptions/cats . Thanks for reading!

Family Stories - Taffy

Tons of adoptions over the past couple weeks, so there are a bunch of new kitties available at Maddie’s. As usual, though, the few kittens we have are most in demand. The first woman I encounter chooses hers in near record time.

Lots of other people are more in window shopping mode, though. I chat with a young family visiting from Oregon. The kids seem delighted with the cats, so I ask if they’ll help me socialize with one of our friendly and active young cats. They have a good time playing with him while the moms and I discuss the challenges of their kids and pets at home.

Next up, I read the sad story of Smokey Joe, who was a kitten during a wildfire and was injured. He’s long recovered, but still shy toward people. He’s a pretty orange tabby, a big fellow, with the small round ears that mark him as a burn victim. My childhood cat Mystery survived our house fire by running through it, and had those same ears ever after.

Smokey stands tall behind his cat tree, glancing my way but not ready to come out, even for a hand sniff. Eventually he lets me pet him, and revs up a roar of a purr, leaning into my hand. He ventures out for some food, but hallway noises scare him back. What a sweetie, but one who needs calm and quiet.

Not long later, I'm in with a sweet senior tabby named Taffy, enjoying some quality lap time. I hear a mom and kid discussing the cats, the kid asking names and lots of "why" questions. In hallway 5, the mom reads the whole Smokey Joe story, and the adorable little boy is rapt. And so I find myself telling my cat story to this precocious child.

They have a cat at home, and are just considering getting a second. Still, she’s hoping he can choose just one condo to go visit. I gently suggest that a less anxious cat would be a better choice, and we agree on a pair of barely grown and playful kitties. Darned if the kid isn’t as cute as the cats in his delight with them. He chatters his own family stories as we pull the toys around for the cats to choice, and I think it’s the most fun I’ve had all week.

In with the New – Lulu (still)

The boyfriend gave me the cat update from his mom’s house: she’d lost her precious Persian girl earlier in the year, and decided to "just look" at the local Humane Society. She generally has fancy breeds. But this one particular cat just grabbed her attention, a regular black long hair fellow. And guess what – he’s the sweetest cat ever, an immediate favorite to everyone he meets.

No surprise to me, of course, a big fan of ordinary shelter kitties. Friday before New Years is hopping at Maddie’s, crowded like a weekend. I have customer after customer. I spend awhile with one woman who still misses the dear cat she got here as a kitten a decade back, who recently died. Mostly she’s ready for a new cat, but part of her longs to talk about her boy. We swap cranky kitty stories. I’m pleased that while she starts visiting kittens, she ends up leaning toward a frisky and outgoing adult cat.

I show several more kitties in quick succession, including an adorable kitten who, unfortunately, is timid and mostly hides. She’ll dart out to chase a toy, but dart back at a hand looming over her. One couple stay patiently and lure her out. But the man starts sneezing, as if from allergies. Both say that he’s not allergic to cats though. We move on to another less shy kitten. The woman is pretty smitten, the guys soon sniffling, and they clearly wish they could debate the matter alone.

Meantime another group is hovering, gazing in at the kitten. Situations like this can get awkward, but the first woman lets us all know they think they’d better check her husband’s allergy situation before committing to a new cat. So a mom and two older teens crowd in. The kitten – who’s super cuddly, and just likes to be held – is passed between them.

The younger girl holds the kitten close, whispering that she’s perfect. The older girl tells me she’s headed to college next year, so it’s not really up to her. And I observe to the mom that she should be sure, after all both girls will be gone before too long and it will probably end up being hers. She looks taken aback. But what’s three or four years in a cat’s life time?

Finally, I squeeze in time to visit Lulu, who’s freshly moved to a new, larger condo. She’s checking the place out, sniffing everything. Here’s hoping for a fresh start for this sweet old gal too.

Adapting to Change - Cherokee

I've had that cold that everyone's had, but feel sufficiently recovered to return to Maddie's. Good thing, because there are plenty of cat shoppers there.

Right off the bat, I help a friendly but no nonsense woman with a specific type of cat in mind. Her husband is recovering from a stroke, and wishes for a shy and cuddly tabby to keep him company. We check out two possibilities. She's leaning toward sweet and pretty Aurora, who totally fits the bill, and heads to the front to finish her paperwork.

A woman and her grandson are anxious to go see Fanta, a lovely mostly black 6 month old. Turns out she fostered him as a kitten, and she's worried that he's lonely and scared all alone in his condo. He does seem shy at first, but as they descend on him with coos and cuddles, he warms up and rubs between all three of us, purring. Although she's worried that his shyness is preventing him from being adopted, he's only been on the floor for a week.

I continue on to socialize with a bonded pair, Domino and Checkers, for whom shyness is not an issue. Domino dominates, head butting, rubbing and purring, while Checkers circles, competing for petting. Both these sweet girls have been declawed, but they play as if they're claws are just fine, making the best of their situation.

Across the hall, lovely 10 year old Cherokee is flirting with a pair of guys in the hallway. I ask if they want to meet him but they say no, they've already picked out another cat. They leave, as if afraid they'll be tempted to bring home the whole hall full of cats. Chekokee's prior owner died, and he's clearly missing his home. But he's good at making new friends - I'm instantly charmed. He rubs around and belly flops, luxuriating in having his soft fur stroked. Then he curls like a rag doll into my lap, happy and relaxed.

I feel bad breaking it to him that we won't be spending the rest of the day lounging together. He's a special boy who needs a new situation. Even as I shut the door to his condo, his cat face seems to have a smile. He's got a positive attitude, much like the lady from earlier, who's focused on her husband's recovery.

I peak back into that hallway, and am happy to see that Aurora is already gone, and formerly shy Fanta is right up at his door, ready to flag down his new people.

Watch. Me. Now. – Odetta

After a morning of errands and post office, it’s nice to ease into a slow shelter shift. I enjoy some quality time with Odetta, a plump, pretty tabby and white 5 year old. She’s all about cuddling, and as long as she’s got a lap to lounge in and a hand to rub her head, she’s happy. It’s disappointing for both of us – and a bit challenging as she really doesn’t want to leave the lap – when I have to roust her to continue my rounds.

There are several volunteers and not many possible customers, so I spend awhile with a woman and her precocious granddaughter, who’s maybe 5. She’s bright, bilingual, adores cats and likes to tell stories. Her pre-school visited the Macy’s SPCA windows downtown, and apparently she’s talked of little else since.

We go in with Potsie, a mellow, friendly and gorgeous 10 year old lynx point. The girl is most into playing with the noodle toy, but we cover hand sniffing, petting down the back, and watching for signs that a cat has had enough. Potsie is fine with the kid – she plays a little, and rubs around both of us. Pretty soon, though, she puts her paws firmly onto my knees, demanding my full attention.

The girl continues down the hall, telling stories about what the cats might be thinking and asking lots of questions. I like interacting with little kids like this, the same way I like cats. They’re so focused on the here and now. This is what I’m thinking. Pet me now.

The grandmother asks about age limits for becoming a volunteer, and I have to disappoint them by saying it’s older than 5. I mention the summer camp – the girl would surely enjoy that eventually. But clearly to her, something that might occur months from now is such a distant future as to be meaningless. Like a good kitty, she wants what she wants now.

Like the blog? Try my new e-book, Clarity. It's free to download here:
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/99806

Window Shopping – Ashe & Empire

Good news from the volunteer coordinator – we’ve had a banner couple weeks at Maddie’s, with dozens of cats and dogs finding new homes, including a couple senior kitties who had been challenging to place. Empty condos!

I’m a little surprised to see bonded pair Ashe and Empire are still here. If you know anyone looking for an adorable and loving matched set of cats, these are the boys. They’re devoted 3 year olds, sweet, soft, pretty, friendly and bright. Though they have two sets of food dishes and two litter boxes, they clearly prefer to share.

Golden eyed solid gray Empire settles on my lap, while gray tabby Ashe stands nearby, enjoying head rubs. His little pink tongue pokes out in pleasure, as both of their purr motors rev.

Apparently they smell interesting too, as two different calicos I go visit, Vicky and Lulu, insist on a full sniff down of my apron before agreeing to be petted.

It’s quiet, so there’s quality time for the shy kitties. I’m in with a couple timid all black youngsters when a pair of young moms arrive, exclaiming over the gorgeousness of every cat they see. They’re taking a little break before picking up kids from school, just window shopping. One has a ring tone that sounds like an old fashioned phone, which startles both me and the cats both times it rings.

Later on, I introduce a soft spoken, burly dude to a precious little tabby named Bit. He gently strokes her, his big hand a contrast to her delicate head. I try to draw him out a little as far as cat experience, and he admits that he can’t actually have a cat just now. He’s living in a room in a small share, soon to be evicted. I can see he’s wondering if I’ll now ask him to leave, but I don’t. The little cat is blossoming with his attention, and this is the kind of window shopping we can all understand.

Giving Thanks – Alexandria

Happy Thanksgiving! Ate a lot and stayed up late, but managed not to seriously overdo it. My gang of friends have been doing this for so long that homes have downsized. Former babies are debating Marx in high school or grown and living on their own. This year’s hosts’ resident dog made lots of new friends and scampered around licking the floor. The cat managed one peak into the crowded kitchen and fled, appalled.

Personally, I’m more like a cat, but have learned to be dog-like sometimes – it’s how you turn strangers into friends and new acquaintances into the people you raise a glass to in your toasts, giving thanks for being part of their lives.

Volunteering at Maddie’s makes us cat people be more outgoing and social. Black Friday is as usual packed. Right off the bat I make a nice match of a shy kitten and a likable young couple who take the time to get to know her.

I manage half a visit with pretty and playful Alexandria, a young gray and white long hair sweetie. She goes from shy to paws on your knees friendly fast, and she’s learning to interact with people passing by - so hopefully she'll be headed to a new home soon.

In quick succession, I facilitate visits with several sets of people and cats. A mom and gentle little boy see several kittens. A woman who has two cats and is only contemplating a third falls under the spell of an adorable tabby. An older woman with her adult son looks for a replacement for her beloved and recently departed cat. She says her house is too lonely now, and I recall with her the pain of coming home and not being greeted by a kitty. I’m pleased that she chooses Faun, a beautiful shy long hair sweetie.

Toward the end of my shift I help a girl and her grandmother, who are there to choose a new kitten. We go in with a trio of mostly black kittens, all similar in looks and frisky personalities. The grandmother seems tired, but she patiently gives the girl time and space to pick out her favorite.

Finally, she decides, and skips off toward the front desk to complete the adoption. The girl is just excited about her new kitten today. But years from now, I bet she’ll look back on this day with gratitude toward grandma too.

Shelter from the Storm – Chavo

Maddie’s feels welcoming and warm, and I start out my shift with Pooky, who’s all about lap cuddling. It’s clear he longs for someone to spend whole days with, but he’ll take what attention he can get these days.

A trio of people come into the hallway, and at my inquiry, one of them explains that he’s an architect getting ideas for shelter design. As we stand and discuss the place’s layout and features, little Precious Pie paws at her door, a fine advertisement of a well adjusted resident.

It’s not easy contentment for a lot of cats, though. Pretty orange and white boy Chavo is still nervous about his surroundings. He’s a big 4 year old, a gentle giant who needs a slow approach. He stays at the top of his climbing structure, but sniffs my hand and allows himself to be petted. He rolls to his side, blinking and purring loudly. But he makes me stand on tip toe to reach him, not quite ready to try out my lap.

Chavo is rooming with a cheerful and sweet black and white stubby tailed girl named Francine. Presumably her perky and outgoing nature will make him feel comfortable or be a good role model, but they act more like co-workers than pals. She’s making the best of things anyway, happy to bat at a toy while I stretch up to reach him. Even the best design doesn’t tackle the sad circumstances that lead to homelessness (the cats’ and otherwise).

I show Spirit, a lovely calico with a super-sized personality, to a friendly young woman. Spirit almost dances between us, purring and moving from lap to lap. Soon the woman confesses that she’s about to move back in with her parents, so actually her mom will have the final say about any new pets.

It’s not exactly good news, but at least I can tell her that we’ll have plenty more cats available to adopt when she finally gets a place of her own.

=====
Like the blog? Try my new e-book, Clarity. It's free to download here:
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/99806

Cat Fix – Cricket

Hello winter. The dreary drippy day is ideal for curling up with a good book, a warm kitty, or both. I’m glad to see a few people there as Maddie’s opens. Although the first guy I talk to, a burly tattooed dude on his knees flirting with a pair of kittens, tells me he’s actually thinking of adopting a dog. Another group of people is cooing at almost every window, but when I ask if they have a cat in mind to meet, a woman exclaims, "all of them." We agree that they’ll try to narrow it down.

My attention is drawn to Cricket, an adorable 3 year old calico. She’s super chatty, hence the name, sweet and alert and anxious for my full attention. She rubs, purrs, chirps, and winds her way all around. After awhile leans next to me, more subdued but still purring.

Across the hall, gentle Carmelita eyes us both. She’s a mellower, quieter, older girl, of the same physical type, a tortie with white feet. She can be quite shy but does like to cuddle, and she settles contentedly next to my legs. I’m not sure which of these pretty kitties I’d choose if I had to, but I can certainly recommend them both.

I find a young woman sitting and interacting with a cute little tabby. In a charming accent, she explains that she can’t get a cat but misses hers back home, who looks like this one. I ask if she’d like to come in and help socialize this friendly threesome of cats – it’s nice to have a second person with more than two cats in a room, and she clearly loves cats and wants to pet little Simone.

Glad she does, as it turns out we have friends in common. Which seem odd and yet isn’t; after awhile SF really does feel like a big small town. We sit and talk and pet the two bolder young male cats. And slowly, she’s able to draw out the little tabby, who is hesitant at first but then leans into the gentle hand petting her, blinking in satisfaction.

We stand to leave, and she thanks me. And I tell her the obvious, that the cats enjoyed her company as much as she did theirs. But I can remember being in a foreign place, needing my cat fix. It’s a simple thing, nice to be able to help someone else with it.

Occupy 16th Street! – Willhard

My office costume party had two 1%s, a Mayor Quan, and just one of the 99% (me, any excuse to wear tattered clothes downtown). Our modest nonprofit happens to rent space near the Wells HQ, so we’ve been reluctantly hearing a lot of chanting.

Friends’ and colleagues’ reactions to the movement have run the gamut from 100% support to querying how camping in city parks helps the poor. I’m all for drawing attention to the inequities and hypocrisy; like to back it up with less mindless consumerism (credit card purchased Starbucks drinks on the way to the protest, just for example).

My volunteer day takes me away from the political debates, and the robo calls. Nice to quietly commune with some affectionate felines. Willhard is a sweet 2 year old black and white dude with a cute splotchy face and the shelter’s loudest purr. He greets me with an eager squeak then revs up the motor, rubbing around in every direction and tilting his head to make sure I keep petting him.

A guy in the hall pauses to look in. Willhard leans toward the door, purring like an engine. The guy continues along, but I tell him he’s a good boy to catch people’s attention. Joseph, a lovely snowshoe mix who shares a window, perches there to watch us too.

A woman asks to meet Lulu, who’s bestirred herself and is practically prancing at her door. She says she has a mellow older dog already. I’m not sure that would be Lulu’s first choice in pet siblings, but I’d love to see her find a home. We pet her for a bit, then the woman wanders off, seeming not fully committed to going through with any adoptions just yet.

I’m in with a set of shy youngsters at the end of the hall, just coaxing a scared tabby out, when a super excited little girl comes in, accompanied by her mom and grandma. They gently shush her, but the girl is delighted and squeals at the sight of each cat. Some cower, others march boldly to their doors to interact. Can’t deny that it’s a way to get their attention.

Not Forgotten - Lulu

My so called day off has gotten cluttered with errands, obligations and work stuff. While I'm seated for a minute to catch up on the news, my boy climbs lap to shoulder, purring and trying by sheer force of will to make me stay and relax with him. At least I can promise him to be home eventually.

There are a number of people wandering around Maddie’s when I first arrive, but I find time to meet a pretty 4 year old named Chill. She’s a big long hair tabby and white, fluffy and wide eyed, a Maine Coon mix. Her eyes look scared, but she quickly hops down with a confident and friendly squawk, and claims my lap.

She purrs and appreciates some petting, but stays alert. I get the distinct impression that she’s missing her people, and waiting for them to show up here and take her back home. As my boy did earlier, I try to get her to just relax with me and enjoy our time together.

Next up, a socializing visit with Lulu, a pretty calico senior lady who’s been here for awhile. Lulu takes her time to establish one’s credentials. She likes to sniff everything, and she’ll allow herself to be petted all in good time, at her pace, of course. (She came from the Sido program, and whoever adopts her will get 2 free years of medical care.)

Midway through our visit, a staffer appears with an elderly couple. The lady turns out to be Lulu’s former guardian, who had to give her up due to failing eyesight. It’s wonderful to meet her, and for them to get reacquainted. Once the lady, who’s a bit frail, is seated, Lulu cautiously approaches for some gentle petting. They’ve brought a bag of her old toys, and she’s clearly familiar with these scents, sniffing eagerly. I describe how Lulu’s adjusted to Maddie’s, and how lots of volunteers see her regularly and appreciate her quirks.

The couple tell me about adopting her here, many years back, and we exchange calico cat stories. The lady seems happy and sad both, glad to be with the cat and relieved that she’s doing well, but missing her terribly. Heartrending to have let her go, but obviously it was in everyone’s best interest.

Lulu herself is kind of overwhelmed. I stay in the room with her after the couple make their way back out and toward the exit. It’s not till a few minutes after they’ve left that she climbs onto my lap, more cuddly than I’ve ever seen her, and lovingly burrows her head by my arm.
++++
In other news... just posted up my new e-book. It's free to download here:
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/99806

Cancel Red Alert – Amelie

That little quake Thursday night? Got to see my boy leap up almost vertically from a prone position, no small feat for a 20 pounder. He stayed a bit edgy for a good hour, though settled down for bed as usual.

All quiet at Maddie’s, at least as far as earthquake jitters. After making sure no one needs help, I seek out my new favorite, Amelie, for a socializing visit. She’s a 4 year old tabby/torbie, a delicate, sweet and lovely green eyed girl. Her approach is at first tentative, then trusting, as she steps carefully onto my lap. There’s something about her – maybe she reminds me of the cat I briefly co-companioned in my 20s, maybe it’s just an intangible – but I particularly enjoy our time together.

I help an eager young woman who’s here to adopt her first adulthood cat. We start with a feisty young tabby, who seems like a good match for an active household. But she doesn’t want to rush things, and I applaud her for that. We check out a kitten and a few more outgoing youngish cats. Part of her falls in love with every kitty in the place. But soon she decides that first one really was it, and, grinning ear to ear, heads to the adoption desk.

I chill with another young calico sweetie. We’re just getting comfortable when a medical technician makes a house call down the hall (not sure who's facing the doc, but I think it's chubby cheeked former feral Spenser). The ensuing snarling and yowls set the whole hall on edge, with worried feline faces framed in every doorway. Marguritte retreats to her perch, momentarily hissy at the sight of my hand.

I ease down to sit below, talking in a soothing voice and assuring her everything’s okay now. She stays wary, but soon hops down for another round of petting. Her ears remain alert though; she’s not quite ready to fully relax.

Hot Dogs, Cool Cats – Pooky

I see two different Dachshunds being walked on my way to Maddie’s, both looking cute and frisky despite the heat.

The cat folks are buzzing with the news that Tina Marie, who had been here for a year, finally got adopted, apparently by someone who noticed her at her window while walking by.

I start out with Pooky, a soft, sweet, lanky 12 year old black and white fellow. He’s a senior and bony compared to my young chunky boy, but they are alike in their gentle and affectionate natures. He climbs onto my lap, burrows his head in my arm, and purrs lovingly.

A woman comes to ask about a particular cat she saw online, only she can’t remember his name. I suggest she check the listing out front, but ask if any other cats have caught her eye. Sounding disappointed, she says that only one seemed interested and meowed at her.

It’s a challenge for all the staff, volunteers, and cats, to help the cats here show their best selves even during nap time or if they’re scared of shelter noises. Unlike dogs, your average cat won’t just come wiggling forward with its personality full on display.

A young couple are not quite sure what sort of cat they want. I show them a group of adorable kittens, describing the challenges and rewards of bringing up a youngster. They enjoy playing with the little ones, but seem not quite ready to make a commitment. Happily, I learn later that they’ve chosen a lovely and friendly FIV+ adult fellow – it’s wonderful to see him getting boxed up and sent off to his new home.

I chat with a woman who’s admiring a cute, needy half grown tabby who’s pawing at her window. She says it reminds her of a dog, and I have to agree that most cats are a bit more cagey with their raw emotions. She feels bad for the kitten, but I can at least assure her that this little one – with her in-your-face approach – will have no trouble finding a home.

Powers of Persuasion – Lars

The first person I see at Maddie’s is a familiar looking man who’s admiring a pair of half grown kittens. He says he already has two former shelter cats at home and just likes to see who’s around. He doesn’t want to meet these cuties – as if afraid they’re that persuasive.

Speaking of which, I move on to see my sweet buddy Lars, the 3 year old FIV+ tabby and white lover boy. He’s skinny with the puffy cheeks of a former street cat. He’s got a kind of goofy snaggle tooth expression, but makes up for it with his big loving heart. He cuddles on my lap, rubbing and purring, then lolling like a doll baby, belly exposed.

We play for a little, as his frisky neighbor stares in, but Lars really wants more lap time. He starts a full body bath from the comfort of my crossed legs, and it’s all I can do to extract myself.

I chat with a couple. The guy says they’re just looking, but the cute and noticeably younger gal coos over the kittens, exclaiming how much she wants one in a squeaky voice. He pleads that they have to at least wait until after they move apartments. Not clear for how long she’ll settle for just taking pictures of the kittens.

Anyway, it’s not the best weekend for animals in the city, with the noisy military planes shooting by, we can all agree. I assure them we’ll have plenty more cats available after a couple weeks.

I find someone else staring in at the little orange tabby who had mesmerized the earlier guy. The woman promises to fill out her paper work, saying the kitty reminds her of one she used to have. She wants a cat who will keep her company and be okay with visiting grandchildren. The little guy is pretty mellow for a youngster. And when she picks him up, he just melts into her arms, eyes blinking shut and paws dangling.

I say my bit about taking a look at different cats and taking time to make an informed decision, but she’s completely smitten. She can barely stand to put him down long enough to head to the front lobby.

Someplace New – Crimson

The boyfriend and I both have out of town visitors – his niece and her boyfriend, young and eager to embark on adult life in San Francisco, and my brother and sister-in-law, on a long weekend vacation. It’s fun showing folks around, daunting to realize how long it’s been since I’ve been to many places on the regular tourist circuit, and a bit of a challenge squeezing regular activities.

Don’t mind the quiet interludes at Maddie’s. I’m glad to see that Shelle found a home! I spend probably the most peaceful 15 minutes of my week with a darling girl named Crimson. She’s a small and pretty tortie and white 7 year old, who curls immediately and trustingly into my lap. Her paperwork says she’s well traveled by both car and plane, and does well in carriers and with other animals. It’s all I can do to budge her off my lap though. She lounges there as long as she can, willing to bat at a toy only from its comfort.

I move on to help a couple who want an active kitten to go with a feisty adult cat at home. Even ruling out the shy Cherry Blossom’s they’ve seen a bunch of youngsters they think they’d like. But after just a few minutes with the first adorable and energetic 3 month old tabby, the guy says, "Let’s just get this one."

I encourage them to at least meet one more, and they do. Whereupon he decides probably that’s the one. I can offer advice about introducing the new kitten to the household, and note that most cats act a bit differently once they’re settled in their new homes. But it’s beyond me to make their decision.

Leaving them to ponder, I go to socialize a sweet shy bonded pair of lanky 1 year olds, improbably named Gene and Garfunkle. One’s black and white, the other white with orange tabby and super soft. Initially wary, they warm up fast, and rub, purr, and cutely bump noses. These guys will definitely relax in their own quiet place with a regular routine.

And it makes me think about the spotlight outside visitors put on ones regular quiet life. Yes, we’re tired after work and just want to enjoy a quiet meal at home; no, Saturday night bar hopping in the Mission doesn’t sound fun anymore. But still, good to know it’s all out there… and happy HSB weekend!

All New Cats! - Smiles

Wow – there has been a heart lifting turn over in shelter residents since I last logged in. We still have some longer term cats, but many formerly hard luck cases have found happy homes.

I head first to visit Smiles, a timid long hair gray tabby girl. She tends to hide and shy away from new people, but with a little patience she transforms into a drooly affectionate sweetheart, circling figure eights and head butting my hand. This girl just needs to be quietly wooed.

Across the hall, sweet senior Shelle, a lovely silver tabby who lives for lap time, is still hoping for a permanent home. She needs to be an only pet, but she’ll reward her special person with limitless love. Both these kitties await the sort of people who can value these precious kitties for who they are.

I’m recently back from vacation, exploring and hiking in canyon country in southern Utah. Lovely, dramatic scenery – especially in the ominous light of afternoon thunder storms – but it’s always nice to get back home. So peaceful to cuddle in the afternoon sun with my boy, both of us watching the slow paced, stiff legged stroll of our neighbor’s regular walk with a pair of elderly Labs. This dedicated and loving trio well illustrate the devotion and rewards that come with having a pet.

A young couple ask to visit a big sweet boy named Gene, but quickly decide he’s too shy. They want someone outgoing, and I suggest we meet Lars, a big friendly tabby. Lars hops down immediately, but then commences a full body series of hacks and coughs to vigorously bring up a hairball. Fortunately the guests are dedicated cat people, and we’re able to laugh at the situation. They know the ins and outs of cat companionship.

They decide to keep looking. And I’ll be happy for whoever they choose.

Thank You and Good Night – Marlon Brando

There are people clustered at the door right as Maddie’s opens, a good sign that we’ll be moving some animals out. School’s out and lots of families want to bring home a kitten.

First lull, I meet a big loveable boy named Marlon Brando. He’s quite striking, a tabby and white with broad lengthwise stripes down his back. He’s lounging, half hidden at first, and a bit shy, but soon hops out to be petted, circling and rubbing firmly across my back. After a bite to eat, he reclines onto his back, paws curled, head nuzzling my hand, content.

Next door, another Love Bug named Pumpkin meows for attention. She’s a sweet and chatty little tabby, still wearing a big blue collar from recent surgery. Her face is adorable, wide eyed and goofy, and she chats up anyone she sees in the hall. She’s not loving the collar though, and keeps rubbing her head on things to loosen it. It gets people’s attention at least.

I spend awhile with a young couple who want a kitten to go with their active cat at home. We check out several, spending a good amount of interaction time with each. The pair murmur their preferences to each other, in no hurry to decide and eager to find the perfect match. Another woman and friend are kitten shopping, carefully reading each kennel card before even deciding who to meet.

The kittens are feisty, fuzzy and hilarious, each cuter than the last. Still, I’m glad to take a break with a grown up gentle lap boy, 3 year old gray and white Ernest. He’s a slender big headed lover, a former outdoor tough guy who now loves a warm lap. Ernest is FIV+ and needs to be inside and away from other cats, but he’ll make his new lucky people a wonderful companion.

In hallway 3, I’m happy to see that shy little Star has emerged from hiding and is curled comfortably where people can see her. Instead of cowering, she relaxes into my hand as I pet her. And I’m thrilled there’s an adoption pending sign on senior calico Zoey’s condo.

It strikes me again what a complex system we have here. I appreciate the team effort by so many over so long that enables these eventual happy endings. These aren’t designer kitties or special breeds or perfect specimens, just everyday cats. But every one unique, every one deserving of a good home. It’s nice to be part of the process.

I’ll still be volunteering, but taking a summer sabbatical from the blog. Check here http://www.sfspca.org/adoptions/cats for your cat pix fix!

Tell Me All About It – Peaches

First thing I notice checking in at Maddie’s is Moey’s kennel card showing he’s been adopted – yay! Otherwise, it’s primarily been kittens arriving and departing the adoption floor.

I see a familiar looking woman, and she confirms she’s been by several times, seeking the right companion for her frisky young cat. She says when she comes home from work, he’s loaded with pent up energy and practically asking for someone to play with. Cheerful new kitty Henry seems to fit the bill, though I point out a couple other possibilities as well.

My attention is next absolutely arrested by magnificent Augustus, a massive, handsome, hug-able, tabby and white fellow. He’s got a commanding presence; I’m compelled to meet him. He talks a lot – he seems to be anxiously looking for his people and wants to tell me about it in detail.

A young couple ask to meet him. The woman is looking for an interactive cat, and they’re both charmed by the big guy (as are people passing in the hall). I offer my usual caution about how cats may act differently at home than they do at the shelter. But it’s clear to all of us that this is an active cat with a lot to say. We go meet a few other cats, then she wants to visit Augustus again. The woman’s not sure, but I’ll be surprised if he’s still here by next week.

Meantime, sweet older tortie girl Peaches is doing her best to flag down passers by. She’s a friendly and lap-loving tortie senior kitty, who’s lithe and active for her age. Peaches is a good physical communicator who will easily and clearly make her wishes known. Today’s agenda: cuddles and laps. I hang out with her for a little longer, hoping to make up for the upcoming holiday noises that I know all the cats find stressful. Hoping she’ll understand me telling her she’s a good good girl.

Someday – Moey

I’m having one of those weeks where it feels like I’ll never get caught up on either my work or other obligations. Nonetheless, the regimented relaxation of hanging with the cats is a welcome respite.

There’s a good volunteer to customer ratio, so I spend extra time with sweet boy Moey. He’s a solid 7 year old long hair smoke black fellow with a soft white undercoat. He greets me with a perky meow, then circles, purrs, and gazes adoringly at me with his pretty yellow eyes. I pet him up and down that luxurious coat as he leans into my side. I can’t convince him to play, although we can hear wiry tabby Penny skittering around by herself down the hall. Moey’s been here a few months, and he knows the routine, meowing his objections when I stand to leave. He’s just waiting for someone mellow, slow moving and quiet to call his own.

There’s another cat who’s got a similar Felinality rating, but is much more reticent. Star is a delicate young tabby and white girl. Her paperwork says she’s getting used to trusting people again after her dental work. She’s aware of my presence, but stays firmly hidden in her box. Still, she accepts gentle petting when I contort myself into position to reach her. She curls up – not asleep, but a little more relaxed. I’m hoping she’s one of those kitties who suddenly bloom once she’s finally found the perfect people.

A woman with a cute little girl stand at her door, unable to spot her, and I explain about her shyness. A young couple approach, the guy speaking with a slight European sounding accent, the woman mostly silent. They want to meet Bee, a new cute little tabby. She starts out shy, peeking adorably from the top of her perch, but quickly hops down and revels in the young woman’s attention. Though they’re clearly melting over this sweet cat, the guy confesses that despite filling out a survey, they can’t actually have a cat where they live. The woman nods, blinking back tears.

He apologizes for taking my time. But I point out that sweet Bee enjoyed having company. I motion to the other people walking the halls, and assure them that someone will take give this cat a good home. And that eventually, they’ll find themselves in a place where they can bring home a cat of their own.

Real Deal – Bear Bear

The hallway leading to the volunteer locker room is colorfully decorated with children’s art – posters, mostly about dogs, hand lettered and exuberantly colored in. It’s nice to see actual kid’s crafts, not digitized or Power Point stuff.

Upstairs, I’m immediately drawn to new kitty Cybil, a pretty 2 year old calico princess. She reminds me a bit of my departed girl Muppy, both in coloring and her need to be an only cat. She’s friendlier – most cats are! – but also offers a tiny warning nip when my attention wanders. It feels very comfortable and familiar sitting with her. She’s even a bit of a goof, like my girl was, dashing after toys and gawking at the birds on TV.

Across the hall, Bear Bear squeaks for attention. She’s a darling little 3 year old, mostly black with a tiny sprinkling of white across her shoulders. She likes to investigate the situation, and spends awhile sniffing around, even standing on her perch by my head for better access. Finally I pass inspection, and she curls up on my lap as I stroke her, comfortable to the point of rolling to her back and curling her little paws up. This elicits a chorus of oohs from people in the hall. And I appreciate a kitty who needs to be won over.

I’m glad to see Cybil at her door, also catching people’s attention. I chat with a woman and two kids, an aunt and nieces, who’ve been carefully studying each cat. They all love animals, but one of the parents has allergies. The younger girl squats, delighted with her interactions with outgoing Virginia.

The little girl tells me she likes to draw, especially pictures of little cats, and she intends to make a picture of Virginia later. The woman prompts the kids to tell me about the realistic looking stuffed animals they have at home, and we joke about not having to feed or clean up after them. But the older girl tells me, voice serious, that it’s not the same. Can’t argue with that, there’s nothing like real animals as pets.