My reason for this post is thinking about the phrase, “I have an attitude of gratitude.” It’s a good reminder; a reset that comes from 12-step programs.
This year, I’m grateful to have the company of the Smöl Meow, a seven year old Calico cat-person, who came to live with me two and a half years ago. I never thought I’d have a cat again. I’m also grateful to the SPCA-LA, who kept her safe and made our adoption happen. Our convergence is via the spiffy Adopt-a-Pet website.
August of 2020… it feels like lockdown life will never end. I decide, if we’re going to be cooped up, I’ll take the plunge and look online for a rescue kitty.
I picture finding one of the same type as my long-departed and dear friend, sometimes known as the Fur-Covered Purr. Instead, the cat I feel the jump of recognition at is a small, senior calico. As Fate would have it, this fur-person’s also a considerable distance away, at the SPCA shelter in Long Beach just north of LA’s major shipping port. Oh, no.
The Port of Los Angeles is its own world. It’s easy to know what lane the big trucks will push into, as it’s exactly where I and my subcompact are traveling. My mothballed driving skills have me fearful… I look at the database again. Are you sure? Kitty’s photo stares back at me. Yes, of course, now come down here and get me.
Everything’s still No Contact, so our meeting is – I pull up, and a carrier with Kitty is bowled into the passenger footwell of my car. I trade the cheerful staff a nearly-identical carrier I’d brought. “Let us know if there’s a problem!” they wave, but I’d already learned, Kitty’d twice been abused, then returned. Currently, she’d been in this no-kill facility five months. There isn’t going to be any problem that will put her back in a cage. Kitty’s my cat now and I’ll re-name her.
Now I learn, our pet adoption fees, chipping, bedding and blankets are a gift from Cathy Bissell, through her BISSELL Pet Foundation. They host an “Empty the Shelters” event to get more animals out of cages and into homes. This is clearly a longtime committment BISSELL has made. Their website lists lots of resources and groups they work with, throughout the US and Canada.
Thank you, Cathy Bissel and BISSEL Pet Foundation for giving us our start, back in 2020! We’re so grateful.
More info, and an offer to match your donation, on their web page.
-PS. The “problem” with litter boxes that had sent Kitty to the slammer? Too-strong perfumes added to most litter brands. Nothing but Unscented for us!
Cosucoe 