I realize that this is primarily a “dog” blog, but what you need to know about me is that I have over fifty animals here consisting of seven different species: dogs, horses, goats, pigs, ducks, chickens, and cats. Many of my furry friends have been rescued, in one form or another. I have fostered, adopted, and paid for animals that just needed a second chance. Sometimes, I successfully re-home them and other times, they fit in so perfectly that I can’t imagine not having them here…so they become a part of our family. I am very thankful that I have the property, husband, and neighbors that allow me to follow this passion. 😉
My newest member came to me via my cousin who has a Bengal cat, name Maui. She is an absolutely stunning cat and is smart as a tack. I think what attracted me to her was the fact that she has more of an “exotic cat” attitude toward life. You see, I was raised with exotic cats; North American Bobcats and Lynx’s. I have even been blessed to have also worked with tigers, servals, and snow leopards. Exotic cats have always held a very special place in my heart but I am not necessarily a “cat person”. In fact, if asked, I will always answer that I am more of a “dog person”, even though we have always had cats…mostly to keep the rodents at bay. Anyway, a couple of weeks ago, my cousin called and told me that a friend of hers, who rescues these Bengal cats, just received a call from a family who’s mother had just passed away, leaving behind a nine year old Bengal. Then she asked if I’d be interested. Now, I know the odds of an “older” pet getting adopted, and they are not good. Everybody is looking for puppy’s or kitten’s. If they are looking for an adult pet, nine years old is usually pushing it. Honestly, my first reaction was not “yes”. I mean, who wants to get attached to a pet when they have probably already lived half of their life? Then, I started thinking about this beautiful cat who just lost the only human she has ever known and is now unwanted and being passed from person to person hoping someone will love her just as her owner had. That broke my heart and I had to say “YES”! My mercy toward animals is overwhelming, at times, so I have to be very careful about going into shelters and even pet stores. It just breaks my heart to see those sweet eyes looking at you, through cage doors, just begging for love.
For those of you who can walk into a shelter without taking all of them home, may I suggest that you think about adopting an older pet? There any many benefits to mature animals: they are usually trained, less active, more predictable, and more laid back. The chance of having chewed shoes and shredded furniture is greatly reduced which, in my book, is a GREAT thing. While puppies and kittens are certainly adorable, I have had much less stress when I have taken in grown pets. I will admit that I have never taken in a cat as old as nine-years, but so far, she is perfectly calm and seems to be very comfortable with my dogs. I look forward to giving her as much love and attention as her previous owner did in hopes that her next nine years will be as amazing as her first nine were.
So, without further ado, I’d like to, officially, say “welcome” to Esther; the newest, and quite possibly the sweetest, member of our family.
Many blessings to you and your four-legged-loves ~ Tammy
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