I brought Maynard’s ashes home last week. The vet’s office sent us a sweet condolence card with a package of forget-me-not seeds and a poem that reduced me to a blubbering mess, and when I picked up the container of ashes at their office a few days later, it, too, had a little package of the same seeds and a copy of the “Rainbow Bridge” story. I had planned to buy a special container to keep the ashes in, as I had done years ago with Esmé and Lola, but they came in a little cedar box nice enough to keep. Charlotte wanted to see the remains when she got home later that day, but the box is screwed shut and I didn’t really want to open it.
It’s 95% certain that we’ll look for a kitten sometime in the next couple of months. Bridget put up some resistance and also lobbied a bit for adopting an adult cat, but she seems to realize it was a losing battle. One of her arguments was that Harry wouldn’t adapt to a kitten, but I think he would probably adapt more quickly to a kitten than another grown cat, since the kitten would be less competition in the beginning. He’s used to living with another cat, so I don’t think he would be incapable of adapting to either, I just think the transition would be easier with a little one. That’s my story, anyway, and I’m sticking to it. For the moment, Harry is enjoying his status as The Only Show In Town.
After going to see a cat show a couple of years ago, we were a bit taken with the idea of getting a Maine Coon kitten because they’re so gorgeous. But getting a kitten from a breeder is an expensive proposition, and there are so many animals in shelters and people with unexpected litters of kittens that buying a pure-bred animal as a non-show animal seems excessive. There are plenty of shelters around here, and Bridget investigated one near her office that seemed like a responsible, well-run place, so that’s our most likely choice.
Face it, you and the kid just want an itty, bitty kitten.
I secretly hope the kitten treats Harry the way Harry treated Maynard – karma and all.
I would love to have a cat, a kitten, once more. But this is not in our deck of cards, not with these two fool dogs. Oh, Bridget, kittens are so cute ! My favorite are Lilac Korats, but I would settle for an orange cat.
And Coon cats, wow. Major cat here.
The Baby and I enjoy what we call *The Dead Kitty Show*, put out by the Aspca. I think that the best cats are indeed strays.
Aw, kittens are so so darn cute….
OK, how cute is that video? I am amazed that Koko was so gentle with the kitten. Oh, also, one of my friends is now the director of the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society in Salisbury, from which (via a cat show) I adopted Olivia. I’ve been very impressed with their organization and would highly recommend them. Their website is http://www.mrfrs.org. I know, and you know, that a new furry friend can’t replace Maynard in your hearts, but he or she can certainly carve out a new little nook in there for itself. Good luck!
IIRC, Koko has had three kitties over the years. She adores orange kittens.
Now, see, this is where you and I are different. I am proud of myself for remembering who Koko is and that she is great with American Sign Language, for example, but I can’t remember what color kittens YOU like, so I certainly don’t recall her kitten history or preferences. You, on the other hand, are a sponge for both useful and not-so-useful information. I try to hold onto the useful stuff, but usually end up with the not-so-useful stuff … or nothing at all. Sad, really. Thanks for making me face this. :P
Then I won’t make you feel worse by telling you the names of her kitties.
Just an FYI.. A friend is looking for kind souls to adopt a couple of young cats. Each about a year and a half, males, neutered, all with up to date shots. Free to a good home. One is all black, not a spot of white on him. The other is gray with spots of white. Very adorable, but soon to be homeless. Anyone able to take in one or both of these adorable cats? (if you are interested I can put you in touch with each other)
Also, rescue orgs, which is where my Mom got her flame point, Blizzard, my mostest favourite cat of all time, are a great option.
I favor those crazy looking Scottish folds as well.
I can’t stand to look at Scottish folds or any other cat with deformed parts: Persians, those cats with the extra-short legs, hairless cats, etc.
I hope your friend finds homes for their kitties.
I remember that at least one of Koko’s cats was called All Ball and that the first one was run over by a car. Enough cheeriness there. Investigate the Maine Coon cat before you get one. I’ve known four of them and all were ornery nasty tempered creatures that bit and scratched like crazy. The Tortise Shell is apparently a close second but ours is very sweet.
All Ball was the one run over by a car.
Our budget totally precludes a Maine Coon cat. I had a tortie as a kid and she was a miserable thing. I’ll be lobbying for a domestic longhair, like my beloved Esmé