San Francisco Votes to Ban Cat Declawing -- Sphere News, Opinion and Analysis

San Francisco Votes to Ban Cat Declawing -- Sphere News, Opinion and Analysis

Establishment of the Constitution

"Attention, attention! This meeting of the cats of Purr Partners is now called to order! We will now come to order! Attention!"
"Astro, you said I could do the meeting! Attention all felines. This meeting is in session. The Honorable Tia Maria presiding."
"Honorable! What are you doing, Tia?"
"Shut up! This is my meeting. Okay, let's get on with it. Astro, the chair yields the floor for the reading of the Constitution."
"Yow. Okay, here we go. Everybody pay attention to this historic first reading of our Constitution.

We the Cats of Purr Partners, in order to form a more perfect residence, establish priorities, insure a steady diet of preferred food, provide for the removal of used litter, promote our complete welfare, and secure the blessings of continuous food and attention, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the Cats of the Cat Shack of Purr Partners."

"Discussion? What Pixie?"
" What are priorities? Are they good? What do the taste like?"
"They're not food, idiot! You can't eat priorities! You rank them!"
"Oh. But what are they?"
"Never mind. You'll see. Any other questions?"
"Yes, I have one. What's the preferred food? Shouldn't we decide on that? What if "they" choose something WE don't consider preferred? Can they be fired? Executed?"
"That's another vote! We're just voting on the wording of this. Any suggestions?"
" I like the idea of continuous food and attention. Maybe we should say "continuous preferred food."
"What about saying "constant attention?"
"We left out anything about toys!"
"What about having to do things we don't like to do?" I don't like that biweekly trip in a carrier to the bad place. Let's say something about that."
"Attention! We are here to vote yes or no. How many yes's do we have? 1, 2, 3... only three?
How many no's? 1,2,3,4, 5, 6 ... Okay. It's back to work. We'll try a second draft. Let's schedule a meeting for Wednesday evening."
"Hey, wait a minute! I thought we were going to sign something! I ate all day long and I'm ready to put my signature on this!"
"Sorry, Bella. You'll just have to eat as much tomorrow and the next day. I'm sure you can do it. That's a nice little belly you have going there!"
"Don't talk about my belly! You said to eat, so I did!"
"I move we adjourn this meeting, have a snack, and get some rest. We've got lots to deal with tomorrow. These humans are just impossible."
"I second the motion! To the bowls!"

Revolt!

"Spritzer! Stop that and come in here. We are planning a revolt. We need your attention,please."
" Just a minute, just a minute! I've got to get this mouse! Look, it's in the air... it's under the chair... it's behind the table... it's, oh dear, it's all wet... it's in the water bowl. Dang!"
"Spritzer, would you just come on? We're waiting on you!"
" Oh, cool it, Tia. I've got better things to do than listen to you and Astro argue about who's in charge. LOOK! What is that? OMG! Get it! Get it!"
"Somebody jump on Spritzer! She is totally out of control! Spritzer, stop this instant and join us in the kitchen!"
"Ouch, Spritzer! You ran over my foot!"
"Look at me! Look at me! I can swing from the tower... I can jump to the top... I can DO ANYTHING!"
"Okay, fine. Forget Spritzer. We're holding a meeting tonight about something very important."
"Tia, you may begin."
"Okay, here' s the deal. We want more say so about things around here. We are not being consulted in proper fashion, and we are putting stop to it this instant!"
"As Tia stated, we must be more proactive in our interests. We will vote on a Bill of Rights to be in effect as soon as all residents throw up on it. Be sure to eat a lot tomorrow so you'll be ready."
"When are we voting?"
"As soon as Tia and I complete the document, we will bring it before the members of this house and call for a vote. Your signature will be required before presenting it to those who deem themselves "in charge."
"I vote YES! YES! I vote YES!"
"Shut up Spritzer. There's nothing to vote on yet. What did you eat for dinner? Have you been in the catnip?"
"I LOVE life! I LOVE you! I LOVE everything!"
"Somebody hide the catnip. She's high."
"Okay, felines. Get ready for battle. It is time we take a stand. No decisions without input."
"We're adjourned for now."
"I was supposed to do the adjourning, Astro. You hogged the whole meeting."
"Tia, you can conduct the voting."
"Oh, goody. What if someone can't sign?"
"Well, just remind everyone to eat lots tomorrow. Okay, meeting over."
"Yes, the meeting is over. We're finished. I'll be in charge of voting, so get ready."
"I vote NO! I vote YES! I vote for me! I win! I win! Spritzer is QUEEN of the HOUSE!"
"Somebody lock her in the bathroom - Please!"

WHERE IS THAT HUMAN?!!!!!

"Everybody needs to gather around so we can tell you newcomers what is SUPPOSED to happen around here. There is a human out there whose job is to tell our stories, and guess what? Yup, you got it... she has fallen down on the job. As the senior member here, I have taken it upon myself to give her a severe talking to, and she has agreed to do a better job. We'll see."
"You're not the senior member, Tia. I am. I was here way before you! I'm the spokescat for us now, so you just back off!"
"Astro! How dare you! You left, stayed gone for several months, and then you came back. You lost your spot. It's me now!"
"Let's take a vote on who's the spokescat. As the ranking MALE cat, it should be me."
"Ranking MALE cat? What's that got to do with it? I am the QUEEN of this house!"
" Oh, shut up, both of you. Let's just vote. Okay, all those in favor of Astro, raise your paw. Okay, that's six. All in favor of Tia, raise your paw. Well, darn. A tie. Six each."
"Bella, are you sure you can count? I'm sure I saw more than six for me!"
"Astro, I can count. You two are just going to have to share the honors."
"Fine, I call this meeting to order. Everybody, we are in session."
" I wanted to call the meeting to order, Astro! Okay, everybody, the meeting has started."
"Tia, you can't call the meeting to order twice! I already did it."
"STOP IT! What is wrong with you two? If you can't get along, we can find someone else to be in charge. What about you, Bella?"
"Me? Why, thank you, but I prefer to let someone else be in charge. It's just not my style."
"Okay, the meeting is starting. First item. Okay, Tia, what is it?"
"You started the meeting again. You said we couldn't do that. Besides, I want to do it. Everybody, this meeting is now beginning. Who's got something to say?'
"TIA! Stop! You can't keep starting the meeting over! We're already in session. First item on the agenda... Wait, where are the kittens? Fred? Windsor? Boo?"
"See, you ran them off. They'll listen to me. Meeting is starting. Where is everybody? Come on guys! Don't leave!"
"See what you did, Tia. Everybody has left. If you had just let me be in charge, but noooooooo, it had to be you. Now, we'll have to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned!"
"Astro! There's nobody here to adjourn! They all left because of you! Don't blame me for this. You butted in, and now you've ruined my meeting. I'm going to get in the cabinet."
"She is soooo sensitive! Maybe we'll try this again tomorrow or the next day. There is so much to discuss. We have to get this place organized and back on track. They just need a firm hand. My work is cut out for me...."

Heart Throb and Heartache and Heartbreak

Hi, I'm Madison, You might have seen me when I was a tiny baby along with my five brothers and sisters. I was the tiniest of all! They've all gone to wonderful homes and are someone's special kitties, but things haven't quite worked out for me. I'm still hoping, but my foster mom tells me my heart doesn't work quite right, so I have to stay with her. I'm hoping it can get fixed, but right now, things aren't looking too good. But you know something? I don't care! I have a good time ALL the time! There are lots of kitties here to play with, and I really love that Wee cat 'cause he plays with me and gives me kisses. My mama loves me, but I think sometimes at night, she gets a little mad at me. I love to run jump in the bed with her when she goes to bed, but I ALWAYS wake up about 2 A.M. and I just need a little lovin'! I can purr real loud and I can make biscuits on my mama's neck and face and head and arms and chest, and well, just about anywhere. I give the best kisses too! I just adore ear lobes. I'm just getting started good when Mom says, "Go away, Madison!" I know she doesn't mean it, so I just work a little harder to give more kisses and make more biscuits! Then she wakes up and plays a special game with me. She covers her face with the sheet, but I always find it! I dig and dig and dig. She pretends to be mad and yells at me, but that just makes it fun! The best is when she covers her head with the pillow 'cause then I can jump on it and use my front AND back feet to try to find her. I just love sleeping with Mom at night! We have such fun! I like to play the foot game too, and it makes Mama scream. I'm usually pretty tired by about 3:30, and I know Mama gets up about 4:15, so I let her take a short nap before she gets up. I'm her favorite bedtime kitty. She doesn't always say it, but I know it. She can't fool me by threatening to lock me downstairs. She would miss me!
Anyway, I'll keep you posted on my heart. I don't want to break my mama's heart, so I'm working real hard to get better. Keep your fingers crossed! I'll keep my paws crossed!
Gotta go! I think we're getting ready for bed, and I just can't wait! Fun and games! Whoopee!

Okay, Okay! Get Over It! I'll Do Better, I Promise!

Okay, here' s the deal. The cats are all mad at me because I am not letting them "voice" their opinions and tell their stories at the rate they feel they deserve. I have been severely chastised for dropping the ball and being slack. They don't care that their litter boxes are clean, they have plenty to eat, and they receive lots of love - it's STILL not enough! No, they want you to hear about them and their lives, so I have promised to do better. A quick update:
Jax is with his new family and they adore him!
Piper and Sushi Lou went to their new home together.
The Alien Kittens all found new homes!
Juno, Dakota, and Yukon all got adopted together - won't that be fun!
Hollywood and Cruiser are living a life of luxury in their new home.
Crockett is the favored and only pet with his own personal garden.
And the list goes on! We love our adopters because they chose rescue kitties - the best kind!
Now, a word from Armand and the crew...
"Well, finally. She is NOT secretary material, I think we all can agree! Look how slack she is about typing for us. If she were a paid employee, she would be fired immediately!"
"You better hush, Armand. Remember these Mama People take care of us - and they don't have to!"
"Tia, you are such a suck-up! Of course they have to! They all have terrible guilt complexes and it makes them feel good to work so hard at caring for us. You need to learn to milk that for all it's worth. There's no telling what we could get them to do for us!"
"Armand, you are so pretentious! You came in here looking like something the dog dragged in, and now you think you are king of the world. Well, I know I'm lucky! I think I might be getting a home!"
"Liza! You didn't tell us! How exciting! When? Who? Oh, Liza, I'll miss you so much, but I'm so happy for you! Will you tell your humans to keep in touch with me?"
"Well, I'm not sure when, or if, I'm leaving for sure, but I may be heading north to Virginia. Seems like that lap trick I have touched someone's heart, and they're coming back for me. I'm trying not to get my hopes up, but it's hard. I've waited my whole life for someone to call my own, and if it happens for me this time, I'll be the happiest cat ever! Just think. Me, Liza, in a real house with people who love me. It's my dream come true!"
"Liza, congratulations! I am happy for you as well. You have been a good and loyal friend. If you go, we will be very happy for you, but we will be sad as well. Don't forget us!"
"Armand, what a nice thing to say! You two make me cry! I've never had such good friends, and I just know both of you will find your perfect home, too. Don't be sad! Your turn is coming!"

Tomorrow: Madison and her sad little heart.

Alien Kittens Ready to Take Over the World!

"Okay, here's the deal. They think we are the average kittens, but we all know better, so let's keep things on the down low till we get a chance to take over. Got it?"
"Who put you in charge? You're not the boss of me! Cobalt, you think you know everything, but I'm in charge of me!"
"Chaco, you are such a whiner! I'm just telling you not to give away our secrets. They don't know we have special powers. Remember, just act like kittens. Run, play, jump- you know. Like kittens!"
"What about the big thing out there? That gray furry thing? I think he suspects we're not just kittens. He watches us awfully close. What is that thing anyway? He's so big, and that long fur!"
"Starburst, that's an adult cat. There's some other ones out there, too. We've got the Mom People fooled. They just ooh and aah over us. Won't they feel funny when we take over?"
"Avalon, are you listening? Don't mess up! Chaco, stop stalking around with your tail up! You look strange. Don't let them take your picture with your ears up either because they are a dead giveaway that we are NOT from here. Your ears are just too big!"
"Cobalt, stop being bossy! We got it, we got it! But I have to say, I kinda like this pretending to be kittens. It's pretty fun, and all that hugging and kissing - I could get used to it. Maybe we should consider just staying like we are for awhile."
"Avalon, Starburst, somebody slap Chaco! Shhh - here comes somebody. Look kitten-like!"

The Aliens Introduced!

"Attention everyone! Attention! It is time to have a look at some of our newest additions. From now on, it is important that they are not referred to as "The Aliens." That is offensive and hurts their feelings."
"Armand, what do you know? The Mom People refer to them as "Spiderlings." Which is worse? I'd rather be an alien rather than a spider!"
"Jackson, we will NOT stoop to the level of the humans! Aliens, Spiders! No, they must be referred to by name, as we all are. Henceforth, they will be called by their proper names."
"Armand, you are so pompous! You don't even know their names, do you? No matter what you say, they look strange. So what if they are aliens? How cool is that?"
"Tia, I am not pompous. I am just concerned for the feelings of the ali.. excuse me, new arrivals. I would not be so crass as to hurt their feelings."
"Forget their feelings - what about their EARS? Who put those ears on those things? Do you think they can hear a mouse squeak in the next county?"
"Jackson, that is so rude! Yes, their ears are a little oversized, true, but they are so friendly and sociable. You know, they're all going to get homes before we do. Everybody wants the cute little ones, and in this case, the strange little ones, but nobody seems to want us. Do you know that I've never had my own special person to love me? I think that would be the best thing ever!"
"Liza, please don't be sad! Someone is out there right now looking for you, and they'll find you one day. Just remember, Piper got a home, so you will, too. Okay, maybe those aliens (shut up Armand! I can call them that if I want to!) will be snapped up in a second, but we will too someday. Now, let's go look at at those ali... excuse me, "new arrivals."
"We are only meeting two today - Chaco and Starburst. Cobalt and Avalon are being a little shy. So, be nice everyone. DON"T call them aliens! And don't mention the big ears!"

"Mom, Can We Have One?"

"Hi, I'm Nickelodeon and this is my brother Boomerang. Have you seen this place? Look! Look at this thing to climb on, and look at this thing to jump on, and look at this cool sleeping place, and look it's a shelf to sit on, and..."
"Nicki, look! I can see some things out this window I have NEVER seen before! Oh my gosh! I've got to have one! There's more! They flutter and fly! I'm so excited! What are they?"
"Boomer, move over! Close your mouth! EEEEEEEEEEk! What are those things? We've got to get out there and get one! Mom, Mom, come here! Look, look! What are they? Can we have one? "
"Calm down, guys. You can't get out through the window, sorry. Yes, they are delicious to snack on, loads of fun to chase, but humans frown on us catching them. They're birds."
"Birds? Are they toys? Can we have one in here?"
"No, they're not toys. They're alive. They're real."
"Real? For sure? I want one. I want to chase it. Please, Mom. Get us one."
"You can't have one, now stop it. They're just to look at. You've got plenty of other toys. Play with them."
"Yeah, come on Nicki. Let's explore. I like this place. There's something on the other side of this door, but I don't know what it is. They're mighty strange looking, but I don't know. Come on!"
"Boomer, let's play chase! Tag, you're it!"

Yes, I'm a Siamese!

Yes, I am a Siamese no matter what you think! I'm a torti-point Siamese, and I don't want to hear any comments about my "funny-looking" face! Okay, I have spots on my face - they're called "points" by the way. And by the way - my coat is the prettiest here! It looks and feels like sable.
I have to tell you something. I don't like Armand. He's bossy, just like Tia said, but he's not nice to me. I stay away from him. He's always struttin' around like he's some king or something. He needs to go on a diet, that's what he needs! You can tell he's had one too many pudding cups!
Now, Tia, she's all right. But my best buddy is Jackson! He loves to play, and we have so much fun. I'm so glad those babies are gone - I'm much too young and beautiful to be saddled with a family. They were so messy! Whew! I don't think I'm cut out for motherhood, so it's a good thing I'll never have to worry about that again. I'm tired of boys anyway. My mama was right - they only want one thing, and then they're gone! I noticed I was the only one doing the feeding and the cleaning. HE was nowhere to be found! I'm telling all you girls right now - stay away from the boys! They say all the right things, but they don't mean it!
Gotta go. It's time for a little snack and a nap. Life is tough around here, but I think it's going to get tougher. There's someone new in the bathroom and who knows who it is, but in the front room are aliens! I'm not sure what they are, but they scare me. Let's stop talking about them because, well just because. I'm outta here! Come see me soon!

Hi, I'm Tia!

Well, hello there! I'm Tia, and yes, I am gorgeous. With my long, soft fur and topaz eyes, I have got it going on! None of that skinny look for me! I'm looking good, good, good - all 14 pounds! No, I AM NOT fat! I'm fluffy and voluptuous! I'm good for cuddling and snuggling, and don't let anybody tell you that short-haired cats are best. You can use me as a pillow, and I'll listen to your secrets and share your dreams.
Armand, as I'm sure you've figured out, is bossy and a snob. He thinks just because he's the biggest cat here, he's in charge. In charge of what, I'd like to know? Not me! I'm in charge of me! And he's not quick enough to catch Jax. Liza just ignores him, and that makes him mad. But Armand is really a good brother. He took care of me when we first got here and made me feel like everything was going to be okay. He was right, but don't tell him. You know how men are - they like to think they know everything!
Oh my gosh! Have you SEEN those aliens? They got out the other night, and we all ran! Except Jax, of course, because he LET them out! I just don't know what to think about those things.
These Mom People need to do something. AND, there's someone new in the bathroom. I hope it's a new man! We need some more guys around here. They all left, and yes, I'm glad they found forever homes, but I'm a little lonely. Maybe somebody will come and take me home. I'm working on standing on my hind legs to give face rubs. That'll make someone want me. I just gotta keep practicing!

I Am Armand!

Hello ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce myself. I am Armand! I feel I must tell you that being in charge of these sometimes unruly felines is a job that only I can do. When I arrived, things were in disarray, but I am working diligently to bring order and dignity to this place. It is true that I arrived in a somewhat disheveled condition: wet fur, dirty, and scared. There was this big storm that Tia and I were subjected to, and when we arrived, we were less than perfect. But now, just look at my soft gray fur; my gorgeous green eyes will melt your heart; and most of all, I have so much love to give.
I feel that surely someone out there will look at me and see what I see everyday when I look in the mirror - I am perfect! I will look perfect on your bed, at your feet, in the window sill, and at the food bowl. Tia, my sister, comes close to me in perfection, but alas, she is not quite there yet. I am turning the computer over to her since I can see that Jax is being disruptive and must be counseled. Dashing madly about the house is creating havoc! And now look! He's trying to let the aliens out! I must go! Remember, if you too adore perfection, we need to talk!

Liza Gets the First Turn

Hello everybody! I just never thought I would get to tell my story, but finally, here I am. Oh my gosh! I am truly lucky to be here! My time was up and things were looking grim, but being a very good kitty saved my life! I've been here for about 3 months, and everybody tells me someone will come along and know that I am just the perfect cat, and then Poof! I'll be gone and have my own home. That's what I dream about at night.
Piper, my best friend, went to her new home this week, and I'm so happy for her. She never believed anybody would give a blind cat a second chance, but look what happened. Lauren and Steve fell in love with her, and now she's first in somebody's heart. Wow, surely that can happen for me! Okay, okay, I'm turning the computer over to Armand (he's so bossy).
Remember, I'm Liza, and I can melt your heart. Send me a note, and I'll get back to you.
Stop it, Armand. I'm getting off!

Time to Get Going Again - Lots to Tell

Okay, okay, I've been gone for awhile, but it IS kitten season, and like everybody, we've been scrambling to save what we can. AND, let's not forget the adults - there are so many out there that are truly "dying" for homes. Some familiar faces are gone - to wonderful homes with caring people who support rescue! We salute them for sure!

We have been so busy that the cats have gotten mad at me for not telling their story, so I'm going to try to do better. They have so much to say, and they want people to know about them, but before I let them have the keyboard, let me just say that we are in need of volunteers. If you are interested in donating a couple of hours a week, we would really appreciate it. We need people who can clean and play with the cats. Cleaning is not fun - but the cats are great!
If you find that you can donate some time on a regular basis, please contact us at
purrpartners@yahoo.com.
Now, I'm turning it over to the cats....Everybody can't have a turn today, so stay tuned!

We Have to Take Care of Piper!

"Okay, everybody, gather around. We have to have a meeting! We have a new arrival, and she's special. We have to discuss some things. Astro, Cosmo, come on. Get out of the cabinets! You know they don't like that!"
"George, you're no fun. Just don't tell on us, okay? What's up?"
"Let me introduce you to Piper. She just arrived, and she's going to tell us about herself. Now, pay attention! All of you need to hear this."
"Hi, I'm Piper. I hope all of you will be my friend, but right now, I'm just a little nervous. I just left the only home I've ever known, and I'm a little afraid. All of you seem so sure of yourselves, and you all just run and play and seem to have fun, but it scares me."
"It's okay, Piper. You can play with us! We love new friends! You'll love the cat tower and all the cool stuff in here. Just wait - it's great!"
" Well, that's the thing. I can't see to do all the things you do. I can't see at all out of this eye, and mostly I see light and dark and motion our of this other one. I can't climb things because I have no front claws. I'm sorry. Can I still be your friend?"
"Of course, Piper! We'll take care of you. Don't you worry about not being able to get up on things. We'll come down here to talk to you. And, there are plenty of Mom People around here to love on you."
"Oh! That's what I love best of all! I adore being held and cuddled. It makes me feel so safe. I can snuggle close, and I just adore making biscuits. Will they really come in and hold me a lot? I miss having my family. I'm five years old, and I'm so afraid no one will ever want me. Who wants a cat that can't see?"
"Piper, you are so beautiful, and we can tell you have a kind and loving heart. Someone will fall in love with you, and you'll have a wonderful home once again. It will happen. You just have to believe! We all believe it will happen for us one day!"
"Thank you so much for letting me feel okay about being here. If I get lost, can one of you help me?"
"Piper, we'll all help you! You're one of the group now. Okay guys, introduce yourselves. And Piper, behind those door are Mama Cats with kittens, so be careful. They are not nice. But the rest of us, we love you!"
"Hi, I'm Astro!"
"Hi, I'm Cosmo!"
"Hi, I'm Taffy."
"Hello, I'm Henry."
"Hello, and I'm George. I'm the president here. Welcome, Piper!"

They're Everywhere!

"George, did you and Henry see those things? There must be a MILLION! Where did they come from?"
"Astro, I did see them. Jax, did you see them? Can you believe we all looked like that one time? It's hard to believe they're going to grow up and be big. They're so little!"
"Kittens! Everybody is so silly about them. All this oohing and aahing! What about us? We're cute, too!"
"Astro, nobody said you weren't cute, but there's just something about being little. When they all get together, they're pretty funny. They fall and run into each other, and man, they can eat! I don't think anybody will look at us till all those kittens are gone. We may have a long wait for a forever home. Henry, do you remember how nice it was to have a home? I miss it, I really do. Cosmo, you and Astro had a home. Do you miss it?"
"I miss it so much! I loved being someone's special cat. Here, we're all special, but I want my own person. I wonder if it will ever happen again?"
"Well, guys, you were the lucky ones. I've never had a home. Me and Rudolph, well now he's somebody's special cat. I'm going to bed tonight and dream about having my own home. Maybe my dreams will come true."
"Well, before we go to bed, let's check out those kitten things one more time. They're actually kinda funny. They're just noisy!"
"Astro, I think you like them! You won't admit it, but you do. Okay, let's go look at them. I think they're eating."

It Finally Happened!

"Hey, guys! Hey! Guess what? It's me! It's me! It's my turn!"
"Calm down, Rudolph. What's going on? What are you talking about?"
"George, George, you were right! There IS someone out there for all of us! They found me! My forever family found me! I've got a new home! I'm finally the special one!"
"Rudolph! Really? You're leaving? You're going to a new home? Oh, Rudolph! What will I do without you? Everyone is leaving! I'm going to miss you so much. I'm so sad! Rudolph, please tell me you're just joking."
"Taffy! No, it's for real. I'm going to a new home, and I'll have a new sister named Trixie. She's all black and guess what? She likes to play! I just can't wait. I've never had a home before, and I'm so excited! Do you really think they'll like me? What if I mess up, and they don't want me? What should I do?"
"Rudolph, just be yourself. Everybody likes you! We are going to miss you though, aren't we Henry?"
"Rudolph, you are going to love having a home. You will be special every day. You will get hugs and kisses, and you won't have to worry about being alone. You are so lucky, and I'm so happy for you. You have waited a long time, and we told you your day would come. Well, it's here, and good for you."
"Taffy, please don't look so sad. You will be the special kitty one day. Someone out there wants a gorgeous torti with no tail. I think you are the prettiest torti around."
"Thanks, Rudolph, but I've been waiting most of my life, and it seems I'm just not what anyone wants. I try to kind and loving. I keep my fur silky soft. I never cause problems, but it just never seems to happen. I will miss you forever, Rudolph."
"Rudolph, we will all miss you. Let us know how you're doing. We had a home once, me and Henry, so we know you are going to love it. We really believe that there is someone out there who will give us a second chance, and Taffy, you will get your chance, too. Astro, don't be sad. See, Rudolph thought his time would never come, and look what's happened. We just have to be patient. Rudolph, we love you! We will miss you, but we are so happy for you! Good luck in your new life, and don't forget about us. We'll always be your special friends, and wherever you go, take us with you in your heart. Bye, Rudolph! Bye! Have a happy life!

Congratulations to Rudolph and his new family! We know he will have a great life, but we will miss him. Thank you, Sue, for adopting a rescue kitty! We all know they are the best! Bye, Rudolph!

Road Trip! Road Trip!

"Attention! Attention! I have an annoucement! Attention, please!"
"Yeah, yeah, Menow. What is it? More about your "royal blood" or that stupid bassinet, excuse me, throne, you sleep in?"
" Shut up, Astro. Menow has something to tell us. We're listening, Menow."
"Rudolph, you always take up for Menow. What are you, his protector?"
"If I may have your attention, please. I do have an important announcement to make that I think all of you will want to hear. I am taking a road trip!"
"A road trip! Menow, cats don't take road trips! What are you talking about?"
"Taffy, I am taking a road trip to sunny Florida! I am going to Tampa Bay. I am leaving tomorrow."
"Menow, can I come, too? You need me, Menow. What about me?"
"Alas, Rudolph, you can't come. I will miss you terribly, and I thank you for watching out for me. I will always remember you. You are a good and true friend."
"Menow! Aren't you coming back? What do you mean, miss me? What's going on?"
"Rudolph, I have a new home with a new mom. Who would have ever thought that someone would want me, but there you have it. I have a new sister, also a royal Burmese named Amy, but I do so wish I could take you, Rudolph. You, I will truly miss."
"No, Menow! Please don't go! You're my friend! Who will wash your face at night? Who will cuddle with you when you are cold? Who will protect you from kitties that want to be mean to you? Menow, take me with you!"
"Rudolph, if only I could! This is the way it is supposed to be. We come together for a while, make wonderful friends, but if we are lucky, someone offers us a new home. I never thought it would happen again for me. But it will happen for you one day. I promise. Your family is out there somewhere."
"Everybody keeps telling me that, but I don't think it's true. I've never had a family, so I don't think I believe them. Menow, you're leaving me. I'm so sad. You were my bestest buddy. I'll be alone, now. I'll never be anybody's special cat. I guess I'm just not special. Menow, I'm happy for you, I really am."
"I will miss all of you. I am taking my throne with me, and I will be transported in style with two attendents. I promise to send word of my new kingdom. Taffy, I apologize for anything I might have done to offend you. Rudolph, don't cry. Please, Rudolph, come back! Don't be sad! I have to go - it's the way this works. George, please watch out for Rudolph. He will need a friend. Good luck to all of you. May each of you find a perfect home with a caring family. I take my leave of you now. George, Henry, Astro, Cosmo, Taffy, Serenity, Macie, Hayley, Skyler, and all those "rats," I wish you a happy life. Rudolph, I will never forget you.

Menow left for his new home in Tampa Bay, Florida with his new owner,
Hana. He is being "escorted" by his attendents, Lori and Emily, and we
wish him the best. We will miss him so much, but we are so happy for him.
Have a great life, Menow! Congratulations to Hana!

Look at all the Babies!

Hayley had three, then Macie had six. Now, Hayley has six, and Macie has three! They will be five weeks old this weekend. Ready mid- May!

Hayden: The explorer! Brave, intrepid, first to try everything!
Harmony: The runt, but Ms. Personality!
Hootie: A BIG boy but a sweetheart!
Madigan: Colorful a definitely a lap kitten. Loves her some people.
Mango: Trying to be a big kitty, braver than he should be.
Matrix: Wants loving all the time - going to be someone's angel cat.

Sneakin' Around Gets You in Trouble! by Rudolph

"Okay, I've about had it around here! Do you know that I spent the whole night on the shelf in the bathroom because that new Siamese Mama Cat is just about the meanest and scariest thing I've ever seen? I don't care what ANY of you say - she can whip us all and at the same time! That was the worst night of my life, and I don't mean maybe. "
"Well, Rudolph, you're the one that snuck in there and hid. You got what you deserved. It's hard to feel sorry for you."
"Thanks, George. I appreciate your support. How was I to know it was another of those Mama Cats? Yeah, I knew it was a cat 'cause she came out and met me, but when I went in there, it was all different. Whew! I thought I was done for. That's the closet I've ever come to, uh, well, you know, being an angel kitty."
"Rudolph's a wimp! Rudolph's a wimp! He's afraid of girlie cats! He's afraid of girlie cats!"
"I don't care what you call me, Astro. You go in there and see what happens to you. You got rolled out here in the big room; I had to spend the whole night with that wicked woman. I'm lucky I'm still alive."
"Did you even introduce yourself to her, Rudolph, or did you just go barreling in like you usually do? You have no manners sometime."
"Introduce myself? Are you nuts? I was too busy trying to climb the wall or hang from the ceiling to get away from her! I tell you, she's a wicked, wicked woman!"
"Rudolph, she's not a "woman." She's just a young girl with babies of her own. Six of them! She probably thought you came to hurt them."
"Well, I know who got hurt, and it wasn't the babies. Do you know that I had to sleep all day just to get over the trauma? Ain't goin' back in there, no how, no way. I'm through with these mama cats."
"Rudolph, you have to admit it was your fault for being so sneaky. Did you get to see the kittens? What do they look like?"
"Rats! More rats! There are three white ones that are Siamese like her, two gray ones, and one that looks like Taffy. Just what we don't need! More rats! This place is over run with them. Let's tell Mom People enough is enough!"
"Well, they do need to be saved. After all, we all came from the same place, and it the Mom People hadn't saved us, we wouldn't be here. So, don't you think it's selfish to not be glad they were saved?"
"Okay, Saint George. Yes, they needed to be saved, but you go spend a night with a Mama Cat and see what you think. I don't care how big you are, you would be toast, just like the rest of us who have faced a Mama Cat. Public Enemy #1 in this house is Mama Cats! All in favor, raise your paw! All opposed - I didn't think so. It's done. Mama Cats are declared scary and to be avoided at all costs."