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| Annie and Leo |
Today our cats, Leo and Annie, turn 18 years old. They are definitely showing their age, but they are still showing their spunk and insistence on being the center of everyone's world, as well.
We already had two cats when we got Annie and Leo and were not planning to get any more. But you know what they say about best laid plans. Miss Landers had gotten us a gift certificate for Petsmart that we went to use one afternoon. As chance would have it, it was cat adoption day. While I enjoyed seeing the cats, I was not tempted to get any more. I thought we were doing our part with the two we already had. I wasn't tempted, but Ward was. He started campaigning that we needed some kittens. All of my red flags went up--what about the extra litter boxes, torn furniture, vet bills, etc. Those didn't seem to phase him. I agreed to go back and look at two kittens we had seen - a brother and sister that they wanted to adopt together.
The kittens were shy with one (Annie) cautiously venturing out of their carrier to be petted while the other (Leo) hid inside. We went about our shopping, but went back before we left the store and said that we might be interested in adopting the pair. However, we needed time to think about it. Then we went home to talk to Wally and Leo.
They thought getting two more cats was the greatest idea in the world. I laid forth all of the arguments as to why we should not get the kittens, but they had a counter argument for every one of them. So then I started to think seriously about the idea. I tended to be the one in the family who put a damper on many thing by looking at the practical/negative side of things. I told myself that maybe for once, I could do something without thinking through all of the possibilities. I gave the adoption group a call the next day and said we were interested.
The group was very happy we called back. They had others interested in the kittens but liked us because they knew we weren't doing it on impulse. The group's goal was to get a lifelong placement for the cats in a good home. Not one that would have them for a period of time and then get rid of them. We had to have an extensive interview, fill out a lot of paperwork, make promises for their care, and pay for a spay and neuter. All good practices, but there was one question in particular that I thought was very smart. They said that in all likelihood, that our kids would be out of the house long before the cats. Would Ward and I be okay with having four cats with only two of us to care for them? We said we would.
And two days later, we picked up the kittens in the parking lot of Petsmart and took them home to spend the next couple of weeks anchored in a bedroom as we introduced them to are existing cats, Lucky and Lucy. But that's a story for another day.
So was it a good decision to have four cats? Yes. Were there problems with this many? Yes. But the joy, comfort, laughter, and companionship they have provided have far outweighed the difficulties.
Happy Birthday, Annie and Leo! We're so glad that you are part of our family.
