Monday, July 13, 2009

Because Nothing Makes You A Pet Owner Faster Than A Little Guilt

We have a new pet. I hadn’t planned on a new pet, but I got one anyway. And it’s a cat. I’m not a cat person. I’m a dog person. Don’t get me wrong, I love most all critters, but I prefer the kind that love you unconditionally, beg for your attention and live for the opportunity to please you. Not the kind that are aloof and want things on their own terms, which is how most cats strike me. However, I just couldn’t say no to this one. It’s Sissy’s cat, Sabrina.She is without a master, and Teen Angel is terribly attached to her. She is the kitty Sissy got not too long after my nephew died, so there is some emotional history with this cat. I didn’t have a chance did I? I might as well have “sap” tattooed on my forehead. From the day Sissy died, I suspected Sabrina would end up in our home. We left her at Sissy’s house, visiting and feeding her every night on her territory so as not to traumatize her any more than she already is by Sissy’s absence and all of the packing and moving going on in the house. I kept saying we would eventually figure out what to do with her when everything settled down, but my gut was shouting, “Ooh, pants on fire.”

Sabrina’s about eight years old. The odds of her being adopted from a shelter are slim since she’s not a kitten and is definitely set in her ways. I feel an obligation to Sissy to make sure Sabrina is taken care of, and I couldn’t stand it if kitty was euthanized. And she just wants to be loved and yadda, yadda, yadda and blah, blah, blah and isn’t she sweet and can’t we please keep her mom I promise I’ll take care of her and on and on and on with the kitty talk until I relented. Hubby tried to resist, too, but he’s a bigger sap than I am when it comes to animals, and he actually likes cats. So here we are, adding another critter to the fold which already includes a dog and a dozen fish, but I have to admit she is lovely. Teen Angel got Sabrina a new tag with our address the other day and took her to the vet for a well check up, which I guess means she is officially ours now. She is warming up to us fine with the exception of the loudest member of the house.And she wants no part of him. In fact, she smacked him hard Saturday night when I took him to Sissy’s house and was prepared to do some real damage to his head until I put him back in the truck. It’s going to be a slow process, introducing those two. He wants to be friends. She wants to kill him. We’ll keep trying, dragging him down there each night….while we feed the neighbors’ two dogs and cat because they’re on vacation. And because I couldn't say no to them either. Sigh. Have I showed you my new tattoo?

10 comments:

Rink's Ramblings said...

You'll warm up to Sabrina and she'll get used to the dog. God bless you!

A New England Life said...

You know what typically happens in these types of situations don't you? The one you didn't want to bring home ends up loving YOU the most! Sabrina looks so sweet. You're doing a good thing. One dog and one cat isn't bad at all! Should be interesting though.

And you know who's going to take care of her ; )

Gin said...

I just added a cat to our critter collection. I am like you, I was always a dog person. I have a Westie. Your Schnauzer is ADORABLE! Back on track...I got the cat because my daughter has been dying for one since she was two. I never thought I would love her the way I love my Westie, but I do. She is the sweetest, most lovable animal. She is more like a dog then a cat. You will grow to love Sabrina. I just know it!

J.G. said...

You are SO doing the right thing, Hula. Bless you!!! I predict you will turn into a cat person in short order. (And she is gorgeous!)

I have been wondering what would happen to Sabrina since you mentioned her for the first time. I didn't ask any questions because heck, you don't need any more pressure.

Standing by with TONS of ready cat advice, if you need it (hotchpotcafe@gmail.com). Zipping my lip in the meantime. (Not easy!)

But I can't resist saying, drop by a bookstore or library and get yourself a cat book. They really are different than dogs and it will make the transition (and introductions) go more smoothly.

Many good cat thoughts zooming your way!

Kelley with Amy's Angels said...

New tattoo?

It's all good. While a cat may rule the roost, they mostly just sleep anyway. : )

Janis said...

You are a humane and decent person, Sabrina is a lucky kitty. Cats live a long life so be prepared for this committment for the next 8plus years. Our sons cat lived for 18 years. It sounds like Teen Angel has taken charge, so that is a good reponsibility for her. Dog n Cat will eventualy get along. Good Luck!

Cruise Mom said...

Eventually the cat will learn to tolerate the dog. If Sabrina is anything like my latest shelter cat, eventually could take awhile to arrive. But you are doing the right thing!

Trailboss said...

I'm not much of a cat person either. Give me the company of a dog that gets excited when I have been out of the room for 1 minute! Of course you couldn't do anything else but to take her. She is beautiful by the way. I hope she does get used to the dog. We had a cat named Murray when we first got Annie. She had been declawed so when she tried to bat at Annie's face it was in vain, poor baby. We eventually gave her to a friend of Steph's because she just wasn't happy. But she was the first pet and then came the dog so that probably made a difference. I'm sure Sabrina will be fine.

Mia said...

Oh she IS GORGEOUS!! If my Sara saw her she would want her! I AM a cat person they are just the best thing in the world!! They are so low maintenance and quiet and smart and beautiful and....

karisma said...

Oh she is simply lovely! I am also a dog person but cats seem to find me anyway! I have a resident cat (who lives officially across the road) he comes and snuggles up to me every day and lets me know he is here! Of course I love him and give him cuddles! LOL

My mum is also having a dilemma with her 18 year old cat who really is miffed at the addition of a new 18 month old dog! She is hissing fits! Poor old girl!