Farewell Furry Friends

Some of you may know that I have been searching for a new home for my two sweet little kitty boos. They really are terrific cats, but with my schedule I don't get to spend much time with them, so they don't get the attention they deserve. I'm pretty much the opposite of a homebody. I get stir crazy after staying in too long. In fact, I don't think I've ever stayed home for 24 hours straight. Okay, that might be a stretch, but definitely not for 48. The cats do pretty well on their own and can entertain themselves and each other, but I think they would be happiest with someone who is home often to care for them.

With the move coming up, I also realized I wouldn't have anyone to watch my cats if I were to leave on vacation or even just a weekend trip. My neighbor Anne has been a big help with that, as well as my mom who drives by my apartment on her way to and from work, so it has been easy. With all this in mind, I actively started looking for a new home for them.

The hard part was knowing that not just any home would do. I wouldn't feel right giving them to just anyone. I researched some places, like Purrfect Pals, that will take cats in and guarantee that they will find a home for them. This didn't sit well with me. Who knows how long that would take, and I can just imagine what the shelter looks like that they hold them in while they wait to be adopted. I also wanted to be certain that they were not split up. They are brother and sister, best friends, and don't know what life is like without the other. So, I crossed that off as an option.

I decided to make a flier and post it at my local vet who was also nice enough to email it to some other vets around the city so they could post it as well. I also had my friend Ko print it out and post a few at the Boeing factory in Everett where he works. Lastly, I posted an ad on the Boeing classifieds. As time passed I was getting anxious. The move was getting closer and I had zero leads.

Then, last Wednesday evening, my prayers were answered and Lindsay called. She had seen the flier Ko had posted and was instantly drawn to them. She tore down all the fliers she could find so that no one else would see them and call before her. She sounded a little younger on the phone, and said that she worked the early shift at the factory and was home early in the afternoon. Since she lives alone, she had been looking to get a pet so she could have a companion. We emailed back and forth that night answering her questions and sending her more photos, and she made plans to come meet them on Saturday. She sounded so sweet, asking me to please not let anyone take them before she had a chance to meet them.

Saturday came and Lindsay showed up with her mom. My mom had also come over to see the cats again in case Lindsay decided to take them home with her. So there we were, four cat ladies chattin it up in my apartment. Boy cat was on his best behavior and extremely charming. He greeted them at the door, stood on his hind legs to be picked up, sat on the couch to be pet, chewed on Lindsay's hair, and showed off how he plays with his toys. Girl cat knew something was up. She sat under the dining room table watching everything. Lindsay was in love, and so excited to have me let her take them home. I handed over every cat related thing in my apartment...litter box, food dishes, toys, scratching post, and even a carrier my mom had bought (as a parting gift, ha). I gave the kitties one last snuggle, and off they went to their new home in Everett.

I was definitely sad to see them go, they have been such good pets for the past 4+ years, but I couldn't be happier with the home I found for them. I know Lindsay will be a perfect crazy cat lady and give those kitties tons of love. She even sent me a text thanking me for the best gift ever, how sweet is that?! I told her to keep me posted on how they settle in, and I've already gotten word that they are doing great. So good to hear!

Here are a few photos to reminisce on my own crazy cat lady years...

self imposed time out

Superman stretch

cat nap

will miss waking up to this...

helping me with some emails

cat box