A few months ago, my husband and I were chosen: chosen by a small kitten to be its new family. Actually our dog Barni, saw him first. He was really small and about 4-6 weeks old. So, I started leaving water and food near the porch everyday. Eventually he decided our barn was safer and probably a cozier home. Barni would sniff around the barn to find the cat and soon the cat would venture out of a hole to peer at the dog. Within two weeks of being chosen, the cat allowed Barni to touch him and they became best buddies. Not long after, the cat allowed me to pet him.
My husband and I love cats. We owned a cat at our previous home in WY. When we moved to NY we decided not to bring the cat as most of my husband’s family is allergic to cats and sadly we were too. So my son and his wife adopted our cat. We both miss “kitty” (so original, don’t you think) and we were only too happy to have another cat in our lives. This cat (known now as Paisley) is an outdoor cat. He has had all of his shots and in two months will be neutered.
Stray cats are a huge problem in the country. I see many cats, especially lurking around the fields in the evening. We are surrounded by cat shelters and they all have more cats/kittens then they can manage. It is not a cheap undertaking to be a responsible pet owner. Paisley has had three vet visits averaging $60.00 a visit, neutering will be at least $75 and /monthly flea/tick treatments, and etc. Everyone knows this. It is no wonder there are so many strays. It is expensive to be responsible.
We live in an area where strays are always prevalent. We were found by another kitten last fall, but it was sickly and eventually was killed by a car. We have had lost dogs on two different occasions find our home. Our Barni was also a rescue dog. She was left at a local auction barn as a puppy and we couldn’t resist her. My husband says we got what we deserved. Barni’s two siblings were sleeping, but we chose the puppy who was running around being cute. Now she is a happy, healthy, overactive adult dog. We chose her and she is very much the queen of the house!
Blessing to all of you who adopt/foster stray animals and nurture them!!
