No Kitty

Just a quick update from my post yesterday. I decided not to adopt the little, white cat. I kept going back and forth. I really did like her and wanted to give her a home but I was unsure right now. I feel terrible. :( I hope I don't regret my decision not to adopt her.

I do suspect with her personality that she will be adopted quickly. I'm going to go back after my Dad's surgery to explore fostering or volunteering at the shelter. Or that may be a bad idea since I clearly want to adopt all of the animals already. Sigh.

Do Cats Like Dog Things Too?

Thank you for all of your messages regarding my Dad and his upcoming surgery. I feel better after hearing some of your loved ones had similar surgeries and healed well. My Dad's surgery has been scheduled for just after the new year so he can enjoy the holidays. He's now at home resting comfortably, just as stoic as ever.

This morning I was still a bit out of sorts and went to the cemetery where my Mom was laid to rest. I don't really like going there but on some occasions it brings me comfort. And I need it right now. So I stayed about an hour and went on my way.

Next stop, the animal shelter. I wanted to see if they could use any of Buddy's remaining food, treats or medicine. I told myself I would not, under any circumstances, adopt a dog today. But while I was there, I might as well say hi and play with some animals.

There was one particular dog I really liked. She was a large, 10 year old lab who was so sweet and such a good girl. She had significant skin issues though. They happened to be the exact issues my poor Buddy struggled with. I was intimately familiar with them and they are not easy to manage. Poor thing. I'm sure that along with her age and size, are making it difficult for her to get adopted.

I took her outside a couple of times and then inside a room where we could hang out just the two of us. It was warm, quiet and cozy. After a bit she laid down by my feet and fell asleep. I melted. I knew I couldn't adopt her though. I worried about her skin. I knew how much work it was and wasn't sure I was up for it right now. And it kind of felt like a betrayal to Buddy. She was so similar to him.

I returned her to her kennel and started out.

Just outside the dog kennels, there was a large window of a room that had several cats inside. I made eye contact with this little white cat who immediately jumped to the window and pressed her little head against it trying to make contact with me through the glass.

"Alright." I said, "I'll come see you."

Apologies for the blurry cell phone picture.

That little snowball would not leave my side for a second! She just purred and followed me wherever I went. I picked her up and pet her while she continued to purr. I better get out of here I thought before I go home with this cat.

To make a long story, a little shorter, I left the shelter alone.

I feel really bad about leaving the large lab. I hate that she's there and likely will have a difficult time being placed. I just don't think I have it in me right now for the medical treatments she will require to fully heal.

And the little, white cat? Well, she's mine if I want her. But I have to decide before 5pm tomorrow. I am toying with the thought of her being part of our family. But I don't know much about cats, at all. A roommate years ago had two cats that I liked very much but I've never owned one. I'm completely a dog person. But she was kind of like a dog. ;)

Any dog lover out there have experience with cats too? The one thing I wonder about is if I could bring her places. Would she hate that? I know this sounds stupid and I'm going online to research as soon as I post this but, do cats like "dog" things too?

Seriously, Enough Already

After nearly 9 hours with my Dad at the hospital today, we learned he will require open heart surgery next week. If I may ask for your prayers yet again, I would really appreciate it if you would please pray for my Dad.

My Dad is so strong. I don't know how he does it. But I know he's always been like that. You know, the kind of guy who can leap tall buildings in a single bound. Yeah, that's my Dad.

Prior to this year I would have argued that I inherited that gene. But Superman, I am not. I am sad and I am scared. This year has completely and utterly kicked my ass.

My Facebook Status

What?? I signed it with 'love'. :-)

I miss you Buddy.

Goodbye My Sweet Friend

My last picture taken with Buddy.

I'm not one to feel sorry for myself, but I openly admit I'm tired of trying to make sense of all the loss lately. This year has not been kind to me at all. As you know, I lost my Mom after her brave battle with cancer in March. I then lost my Godfather. Last week my uncle passed away.

And on Monday, just a few days shy of 16 years together, I lost my best friend mentioned here. My sweet Buddy was the kindest dog I had ever known. I can't even begin to describe how I feel sitting here all alone without him. He was truly family to me.

I know he's with my Mom in heaven, and that does bring me some comfort. But it's just not enough. My heart is absolutely breaking.