Friday, January 11, 2013

My New Little Friend


Today I went to Cat Adoption Team in Sherwood, Oregon. I needed to get out of the house, and thought I'd take a look at their selection of cats. After seeing a lot of cats online and learning they had already been adopted, I realized the only way I'd know what cats were available was to visit a shelter. I wasn't going to get a cat. I was just browsing. I think you know where this is going!


As I made my way around the cages, I said hello to each cat. Only a few spoke back. This little black cat, which looks almost exactly like Boo, was toward the back. I said hello, and she meowed back. We actually had a little conversation. When I spoke, she spoke back. She was the first cat I visited with, and when we were alone in the visiting room, she came up on my lap, let me pet her, and purred. That was all she wrote. I looked at one other cat, but I think I'd already realized I was a goner. I wanted to adopt the beautiful little black cat with the bright eyes and silky soft coat.


When she originally came in to the Washington County shelter around December 27th, they called her Sweetums. Then they called her Loana at Cat Rescue Team when she came in on January 4th. I was trying to think of a new name, and as I was signing the paperwork, the adoption specialist, Sally, said Loana's birthdate was listed as April 3rd. That's Dad's birthday! His name was Lloyd, best dad ever, and he's been gone for five years. But Lloyd wouldn't work for a female cat name. His work nickname was Lou, so she may be a Lou. Or Lulu. :) I will decide for real tomorrow, after we've spent some time together.


Poor baby was spayed just yesterday, and must be terrified. So far, she's hidden next to towels on the counter in the guest bathroom, behind boxes in my office, and under the bed. That's where she is now. I left a catnip mouse at the top of the stairs, and have spotted her up there a couple times, before she ran under the bed again. So adorable. I didn't expect to get a new little friend so soon, and certainly not one that resembled my old cat so much, but I do realize I'm dealing with a whole new cat. It's the beginning of what I hope will be a long, close friendship. I'm so happy to welcome this gorgeous little baby into my home.


33 comments:

  1. Congratulations! It's hard to visit CAT and come out empty handed! She looks adorable.

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  2. BLESS YOU!!!!She is gorgeous!!
    Black animals have a harder time getting adopted and saving lives never waits. So many babies need forever homes!! I'm so happy for you both, they add so much to our lives!

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  3. I did the same thing. But I went into a pet store "just to look at the rescue kitties." I left with Stormie. I think your kitty is adorable, and I know you will have a great time getting to know each other.

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  4. Congratulations!! I know that she is going to love being in her new home. She is just beautiful!!

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  5. Wow aren't black cats the best? Give her time to adjust. Hugs.

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  6. Congrats on finding a new best friend. She could be hiding trying to see if she can find the mysterious "other" cat that she smells but can't see. An idea, give the house a good vac, sweep and mop, and try to wipe all the other surfaces down too. Anything cloth that can be washed, wash it. Then when the house doesn't smell so much like Boo to your new kitty she won't be as afraid.

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  7. congrats. I love Cat Adoption and they are who I got my Chloe thru. Lulu will be happy with you...and what Ann Marie says is true...combined with being in unfamiliar territory, she smells another cat.

    Enjoy her.

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  8. So happy that you found each other.

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  9. Congratulations! She's the spitting image of our Pepette.

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  10. Oh, how wonderful! She had her eyes on you from the beginning....she picked you, you know. She's just gorgeous. What great news!

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  11. Well done. I like that you have jumped right back in the saddle. She looks adorable . It was obviously meant to be.

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  12. She's beautiful and will be a good friend to you. I had never had a cat until about 5 years ago and now will probably never be without one.

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  13. Yes, black kitties are the best. Mine have always adopted me, just showing up in my yard. After looking for an owner, there is a trip to the vet, and then the naming. Enjoy your new housemate. Beth White

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  14. Wonderful in all ways, Bill. This is the cat that Boo sent and meant for you in all ways. Little Lou or Little Lulu...she's a keeper. I love, love, love that she picked you and found a place in your heart so quickly. This is just wonderful!

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  15. Wonderful Bill. This made me smile this morning.

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  16. What a little sweetheart. So happy for you. I would have come home with more than one.

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  17. She is precious; what a beautiful face. And a talker--aren't you lucky!

    I also need to visit the shelter; my cat, Baja, has been lonesome since we lost her two brothers.

    And cats and quilts just go together...

    Debbie

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  18. She is a gorgeous baby. Happy for you both. By the way, our kittens favorite toys are tightly wound up pipe cleaners. We throw, they tear after them. Bat the little ball around and sometimes even bring it back. Will wake up in the morning and there will be loads of pipe cleaners in bed with me...

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  19. So happy that you found each other! My dad's friend would get a dog just a day or so after one would pass away. He just couldn't live without a companion. Hope you two are very happy together!

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  20. Oh Bill, she's darling! And she does bear an amazing resemblance to Boo, even though she clearly has her own personality. I'm happy for you and thankful that a kitty in need of a loving home has been rescued.

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  21. Lou, or Lulu, is so lucky that you visited! I'm sure by now she's bonding with you nicely. Keep us posted!

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  22. I'm sure Angel Boo was guiding you in the shelter to find "Lulu." Bless you for adopting her! Wishing both of you many happy years together. Cheryl

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  23. You know, on second glance, she looks like a Burmese or a Bombay cat. They are very talkative, have a gorgeous thick coat, big round saucery eyes and are always there for you. Still so happy you found each other!

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  24. What a sweet looking cat! Many many best wishes for a beautiful new friendship!!!

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  25. Looks like the beginning of another long friendship! What a sweetie!

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  26. I am so glad you two found each other! She is a gorgeous kitty!

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  27. What a LuLu!
    We are all wishing you both a happy, long life together.

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  28. She looks so sweet. I hope she recovers quickly from being spayed.

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  29. Great "incident," Bill - Lulu is definitely a charmer, and such a beautiful girl!! :-)

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