My Foray Into Furry Fame

While the paparazzi focuses on famous folks for opening their hearts and homes to orphaned children, I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge my own role as an adopter of an orphaned…..cat.

Granted, I’m not a celebrity and perhaps my story isn’t as scintillating as “Brangelina’s” or Madonna’s, yet I feel every bit as proud of my 10-pound bundle of joy: a 3-year-old British Shorthair, whose looks are reminiscent of the grinning Cheshire cat in Alice in Wonderland.

Before “Miss Bella,” my life was devoid of the pitter patter of little paws.

My beloved cat, Cassidy passed away years ago and since his death, I have cared for a plethora of part-time pets: several litters of foster kittens as well as Guinness, a neighbor’s Beagle, and my long-time walking buddy.

You’d think I would be content with all the adorable animals around me but no, I still yearned for my own full-time furry roommate. So, while visiting family in Burbank a few months ago, I stopped at a Pet Adoption Festival to “just look around.” As I wandered through Johnny Carson Park with thousands of other potential pet parents, I gazed into cages full of cute cats. Each one looked back at me beseechingly as if to ask, “How did I end up here?” In Miss Bella’s case, I learned that she had spent her entire young life as a breeder cat, where she lived in a cage and produced litter after litter of kittens. This beautiful Brit never had a person or a home of her own. I immediately felt sorry for her.

I can’t explain my impulsiveness that day as I announced, “I’d like to adopt this one,” other than to say I was finally “ready.” Finally ready to take on the responsibility of another living being who depends upon me for all her needs. Finally ready to give and receive love on a daily basis. And yes, finally ready to persistently pluck white fur from my black clothing.

Two months have passed since my rescued rugrat moved in and the two of us have settled into a relaxing routine. Every evening before bed, we play “catch” with a plastic ball and every morning, Miss Bella waits patiently until I awaken and then showers me with kisses and pulsating purrs. It’s not exactly like walking down the red carpet in a gorgeous gown or receiving a goodie bag bulging with bling, but nevertheless, Miss Bella makes me feel like a superstar every day.

Speaking of adopting cats…….Every year in June, animal lovers across the country observe National Adopt-a-Shelter Cat Month, a time to “paws” and consider adopting a feline friend from a shelter, humane society or animal rescue group. Many local organizations such as the Santa Barbara Humane Society (964-4777) offer discounted adoption rates ($44.00) during the month of June. Others like ASAP (683-3368) offer 2-for-1 specials: adopt one cat over six months of age and take home a second cat at no charge (special good through the end of the year). Still others, like RESQCats (563-9424) send newly-adopted kitties home with oodles of food, a new blanket and toy, and a hug of congratulations.

As I finish writing this column, Miss Bella is dipping her paw into a seafoam green water dish that reads: “Eat, Drink, and Be Hairy.”  She dips again and delicately licks the water off her paw. “Too cute,” I think, grinning to myself like, well, a Cheshire cat.

 

When Karen’s not adopting animals, she’s busy answering email. Please send her a message at karenleestevens@cox.net.

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By Karen Lee Stevens,
Founder & President, ALL FOR ANIMALS, Inc.
Copyright © 2008. All Rights Reserved.

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