Quote of the Day: FOG by Carl Sandburg
THE fog comes
on little cat feet.
It sits looking
over harbor and city
on silent haunches
and then moves on.
That’s just how Leo glided into our hearts. I told the boys, “We’re just going to look at HART” to see what cats they have at the shelter, and that “We probably won’t find just the right one the first time we go.” So, we walked into the cat room. I sat down on a chair, thinking, I’ll let the boys look at the cats. Then, this big, fluffy furball climbed on my lap, snuggled down and started purring. He loved it when I pet him. Then, Zach sat down to hold him, and he fell asleep on his lap. They were closing, so I said we’d go home and “sleep on it.”
Saturday morning, I was trying to distract myself from thinking about that white, fluffy cat at the animal rescue shelter, by reading blogs. Inkygirl posted this link, and it was all over. It’s photos of writers and their kitties.
So, I called the shelter, and we went to get him. I told Zach to try brushing him, because with a coat like that, he’d better like being brushed. He loved it. I filled out the paperwork, paid the fee, and brought the pet porter into the room. I set it on the floor and opened the door. Zach set Leo down and he walked right into the porter. We were all shocked. The worker said, “I’ve never seen a cat so willing to go in one of those. He must really want you to take him home.” Yep, I feel like Leo picked us.
He’s about a year and a half, is declawed and fixed, well cared for, and had to leave his family due to allergies. You can tell he’s been snuggled and played with, brushed and loved.
Journaling Prompt: Have you ever gotten a pet from a shelter, or rescued one?
My friend, I am so happy for you! I love how Leo picked you. I have never heard of a cat getting in the carrier!
Both of our RV traveling pets have been rescued, and the best pets ever.
I love the photo of you and Leo!
How wonderful for you! Both the late George Cat and Mongo are shelter cats. George picked us by licking Matt’s nose, and we picked Mongo, though now he thinks it’s the other way around. It seems shelter cats are more loving (at least in our experience) than those that haven’t had hardships in their lives. We couldn’t be without our cats!
HE IS BEAUTIFUL! I am so happy for you!
Leo means “lion,” which you probably already knew, but I think Tolstoy found it a rather good name if l his literary contributions are any indication. 😉 *hugs*
Leo is gorgeous!
We’ve got 2 rescued litter-mates that we love–Smoke and Shadow. 🙂 Hope you’ll enjoy your new baby!
Leo is such a gorgeous cat!
How sweet that he found you.
It must’ve felt good to take him home.
Love that poem, too.
Good kitty times going on over here, Welcome to Leo! Our cat, Puddin, meows her regards. We adopted Puddin from the humane society. She’d been in a cage there for four and a half months waiting for a home, when we came along. She’s been with us for five very happy years now 🙂
oh, what a beautiful cat!
and yes, we’ve done the same thing! We adopted a giant tiger cat from the shelter in March! He’s about 4 years old and so awesome (except when he’s climbing up my balcony at 4am b/c he wants in to the house and knows I’ll open the sliding glass door). congrats!
Pretty cat! And all cats pick their owners, not the other way around.
What a beautiful cat! He looks right at home.
Mary, Yay! I thought I saw a new profile pic on FB but didn’t have time to investigate, but was hoping this is what I’d learn once I did. I can’t wait to meet this beautiful new addition to your family. He’s amazing!
I almost picked up a stray Chuhuahua (did I spell that right) running out in traffic without a collar yesterday. But a girl walking her dog swopped in and grabbed him first. Of course, if I picked him up I would keep my eyes open for lost doggie flyers and return him.
What a beautiful cat!! Thanks for sharing the lovely story of how he picked you for his family 🙂 I’ve never adopted an animal from a shelter (the dog we had was from a breeder) but I’m seriously considering it when I buy my next dog. I’m hoping it will be sometime soon!
YES, My “puppie” was rescused from a shelter. She was 8 1/2 weeks when I adopted her. She was the kindest most gentlest dog I have ever had. She was like my child. She slept with me until I got married. She passed about 1 1/2 yrs ago, and I still miss her like crazy. She was 12 1/2 yrs old when she died. She was at home and in my arms during her final moments. Pets are more like family than just “mere” animals. I pray that you have a long time of making memories with your new addition. He is beautful!!!
I figured you’d only make it about a month before you felt the need to fill your kitty void. That’s about how long it took me. Back in January, I got two cats from the local humane society; one took to us as quickly as Leo, and the other looks exactly like him (except she’s black). She, too, loves to be brushed. And she licks my neck. (I hope it’s out of love, rather than a comment on cleanliness.)
So happy you found Leo! (Or vice versa.)
Carl Sandburg is one of my favorite poets. Love the quote.
I have two rescue dogs curled up beside me right now. I think rescue pets have a special bond with you knowing they are saved.
Ohhhh, purrfect! I asked too soon on the previous post. Leo is absolutely gorgeous with perfect manners and an amazing personality. I’m sooooo happy for all of you.