Feline Drama Turns to New Kitty Mama

This past Thursday, I put Spooky to sleep. Tempted though I was to postpone her date with the vet, I knew she was struggling to breathe. For some odd reason, this time I wasn't reduced to a grieving lunatic (my usual reaction to euthanizing a pet). I typically wait a number of weeks before I seek another feline companion.

This time the house was too silent. I needed to share my space as soon as possible.

On Monday, I had to drive to Selma. I brought my cat carrier with me to the Johnston County Animal Shelter in Smithfield. They only had three cats available; two of them were female. I wanted to meet 'Viola'. I was told she was a stray. She sure didn't act like she was feral. Our bond was immediate.

Instead of a sedate elderly kitty like Spooky was, this girl has non-stop energy. Yikes - she's got claws. My hands have the scratches to prove it. I decided to name her with anything that doesn't start with an 'S'.

My previous three cats' names were:

• Scoot      (a female cat named by my ex-fiancee) 
• Sweetie   (a male cat named by me)
• Spooky    (a 5-year old female who knew her name)

Introducing . . .

TULIP

The adoption fee includes spaying her at a vet in Four Oaks. I called them right away, and got the earliest date available...in April! I just hope she doesn't go into heat before then. I'm determined to have a house cat, but we disagree on that every time I open a door. Yes, she is a challenge!