I'm still missing Willow so very much....but....

[Tina B and crew]

I can tell you that if it were a male cat one of my first choices would be Aslan, mostly because it is the Turkish word for lion, but also because of the Narnia Chronicles.

Can't think of a lot of good female Turkish names that fit a cat...I had a friend in Turkey who's name was Şaduman, and I think that is a beautiful name. It is pronounced Shad-u-mon. It would make me sad though, because this friend committed suicide just two months ago

I'll be sure to let you know when I decide

[Tina B and crew]

I'll be picking her up tomorrow. Even though I'll be gone overnight Sunday and all day Monday I thought it best to pick her up when I can have her here for a few days that I'll be home all day, and the weekend provides that. so by this time tomorrow she should be on her way home with me. I'm excited, nervous, and apprehensive at the same time, but mostly excited. Hubby fell in love with her too and we both detect just a hint of Willow's spirit in her. I'm really missing my girl today and I hope this isn't too soon. But I don't think it is. I'm going to miss Willow no matter what.

Here she is during today's visit:



And here is her daughter...beautiful little girl as well. She doesn't seem to be terribly attached to her mama now, so I'm not feeling too bad about separating them. You know me, I'd adopt them all if I could



They also have a twin of Chunk in there for adoption. His name is Dexter. He's the one I really feel for because he is a fully grown brown tabby, and I know a lot of people want little kittens. But he was so sweet, loved to have his head scratched, gave me several pressings, and a lot of purrs. I noticed he wasn't very friendly to the other cats though. I pray he finds a forever home soon as do all of them. Our rescue agencies here are overwhelmed right now because of a hoarding case about an hour from here. Over 100 cats and dogs were taken from the home.

[momPaws]

She is so gorgeous! Such a beautiful coat and eyes. That is wonderful that she will soon be in her forever home...yours!!

Tina, I know how you feel about adopting all of them...I watch a couple of kitty cams from shelters places in far away states. I often fall in love with one of the cats and am tempted to tell them to pls fly it to me! Usually they get adopted..I hope!!

Looking forward to seeing more pics and what you name your new sweetie.

[k9Karen]

Congratulations!!!

[Traci]

Tina, we've had so many hoarding situations here and the surrounding area in the last year, it makes your head spin. It's just horrible, and then a huge burden on rescue groups and shelters to place them. Prosecution is minimal at best, which just infuriates me to no end.

I can so feel your emotions. I know it hurts.

But, a new light will shine, and when you get her home, please be sure to take lots of pics, and let us know how intros go between she and Chunk!

[Tina B and crew]

No need to tell me about the prosecution in these cases. I know that many of them have good intentions, but intentions do not care for an animal. Last I heard they were letting the man in this situation have a certain number of them back. It will begin again I am sure. I heard that he had even taken in neighbors animals who roamed onto his property. I guess in one since, if someone lets their animal roam, he thinks he is doing the animal a favor. It's a tough situation. In addition to that we have had several horrid abuse cases, with dogs mostly, that have garnered a lot of attention in the animal lover's world. What saddens me in addition to the abuse of these animals (one was a pit bull pup used as bait in training dogs to fight) is that the 2-3 dog abuse cases have gotten SO much attention that everyone practically forgets about all the cats that are being neglected, or are in rescue situations needing a forever home. I keep up with the blog of this particular rescue organization and much of the public attention is the handful of abused dogs (who are all doing well by the way).

At any rate, rant over....I'm getting ready to head out the door. I have hospice training until 12:30 and then I pick up my new furbaby. I found myself having second thoughts yesterday evening, but I think it was just because I was really, really, really missing Willow. I have no doubt that my new girl will bring a ton of joy into my life and honor Willow immensely.

I'll let you know how it goes!

[momPaws]

Tina, I had 2nd thoughts about Angel, too. But as soon as I picked her up they vanished. You are a blessing to be involved in Hospice ....And to adopt another kitty to give all that love to.

(PS- I got Angel pretty soon after Honey passed and was feeling guilty about that. But one morning I woke up and it hit me in the gut that my dear dog Honey was gone...I didn't even want to get out of bed. I hurt bad! Then I looked up and in the doorway stood little Angel...all sweet and needing someone to love her and I smiled and called her over. Life is good & precious.)

[Tina B and crew]

Well, she's home

And I think it is going to stay that way. I have them separate now, but when I first brought her in Chunk was afraid and ran. When they did finally meet after she was out of the carrier he hissed just once, but no ears went back or anything, then he hid in his little cube. I finally separated them a bit so she could eat ( and she did!)and settle in and so he wouldn't have to hide. I'll open up the door in a little bit and let them get to know each other.

I've noticed a few more similarities between her and Willow. It's almost uncanny. I still have a stuffed dog of mine that had become Willow's dog and it is on the bed still. You see Willow, nearly every night, would settle in and make biscuits on that floppy stuffed dog before she went to sleep. I've shed quiet a few tears on that floppy dog in the past few weeks. No other cat companion of mine has ever adopted a stuffed animal like that. When I first brought her into the back bedroom she jumped up on the bed and immediately went to the stuffed dog and started making biscuits. She has done it twice now! Her purr is also very similar to Willow's, kind of breathy. She also rubs her face on my fingers the same way Willow did when I'd let her sniff them. I know these are not uncommon behaviors, but it's just the way she does it! Amazing isn't it?! I swear it is like Willow's spirit in action.

Oh, but unlike Willow, she is a great traveler. She settled in the carrier (after the vet tech got her in, unlike Willow she's not a willing participant!) and was quiet all the way home =)

Still haven't decided on the name yet....but I have a good idea

[momPaws]

Yea!!!

The similarities are great!

[Tina B and crew]

Mompaws...thank you for sharing your Honey and Angel story with me! I do think our ones who have went before us look out for us. I know my daddy and my Willow both are for me. Some days I forget that, but they always remind me. God does too.

As for hospice...it is a blessing to me even though I was not fortunate enough to have their services with my dad, thanks in part to doctors who obviously weren't educated enough on the benefits of hospice. So my goal is to make give to others what my father and I couldn't have. It is a beautiful organization and I am blessed to be working with them as a volunteer.

Oh...and the little girl is next to me making biscuits on my leg and purring away. She's so precious! My Willow continues to make sure her mommy is comforted from the great beyond!