Monday, February 2, 2015

Rescued - A Kitten's New Life Begins Today

Bringing a rescued pet home from the shelter produces a mixed bag of feelings. At least it did for me.  My kitten, Mittens, finally came home today. On the seemingly endless drive home, my thoughts raced. It seems that my feelings changed with each traffic light.

I already know that she is a "spirited" kitten, described as such by the shelter staff.  And the mystery of the adoption of Mittens deepened as her first homecoming was delayed after scratching the veterinarian. 

Today, the Vet Tech talked to me briefly, explaining that Mittens had also scratched her during this 10 day hold but it appeared to be a combination of playfulness, overly long nails, and being the type of cat that wants to be engaged and social but NOT be held.

I'm fine with that.

I was thrilled on the way home. Glad that she was finally mine.  I was relieved and thrilled that this kitten who bites and scratches won't be euthanized because she didn't seem adoptable.  Or adopted, misunderstood, and abused.

During this entire process, I've been more than a little scared that maybe I was biting off more than I could chew. I've had plenty of pets over my lifetime but this is my first formal rescue. I worried that rather than being a playful cat, she's a fearful cat, and won't be happy in my home. Oh the worrisome thoughts to think.

On the way home, she tried repeatedly to touch me from the carrier.  I swear she was saying, "Hey Lady, let me out!"  

I kept sticking my finger through the cage to pet her at stop lights, repeating to her, "We're almost home."  Followed by,  "Just five more minutes" (which my children learned to recognize as a little lie, but she doesn't know differently. Yet. Shh, don't tell her.)

Then I swear she said, just a little more loudly, "Hey Lady, I remember you. Let me out!  I won't scratch you, I promise." as she held out her paw, "I promise. See, they trimmed my nails."





17 comments:

  1. Oh my, what sweetness this coming home tale! I am so happy for you, Dawn Rae and for your Mittens. I think the two of you will do well together. And then there is dog Willy too, ha! I look forward to many critter tales in the future!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am so happy. There for awhile, I thought she'd never end up here. I think I feel sorry for Willy. I think Mittens is going to be the boss. Of all of us! Haha.

      Delete
  2. Will be waiting to hear all about your adventures with Mittens in the upcoming days and weeks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Susan. I can't wait for the adventures to begin fully. Right now I'm just trying to convince her to rest comfortably.

      Delete
  3. Good luck! So exciting to bring home a new family member. Looking forward to hearing stories about Mittens.

    --Purrs (and wags) from Life with Dogs and Cats.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you. I am super excited. She's a doll-baby. At least she is when her eyes are closed! Haha.

      Delete
  4. Yeah - you are going to have a great time with your new furry family member! So happy for you and Mittens!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you. I think she's going to keep me on my toes, for sure! I love it.

      Delete
  5. We dashed over from the Boost, to wish you and your new arrival sweet dreams and a happy new life together!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much!! So far, she's settling in nicely. We are all three anxious to get to know each other a little better.

      Delete
  6. Awwww.... what a sweetie!!! She's going to do just fine. You're both in for a lifetime of love.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I sure hope so. We are all very excited, that's for sure.

      Delete
  7. Dawn Rae, this is precious! It's wonderful of you to give this kitty a chance. I hope you have a good relationship, and I'm sure he has a good home.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Yay!! Mittens is finally home! Can't wait to hear how your first week together goes. Just have plenty of scratching posts & rub 'em good w/ enticing catnip!
    Love & Biscuits,
    Cathy, Isis & Phoebe
    www.dogsluvusandweluvthem.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. Dawn, I want to know more about how it goes with Mittens! I'm curious about how she was when she got in the house - and by the way, that photo is the cutest!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Wishing you both a very happy future together - Mittens is adorable!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Welcome home, Mittens. Will look forward to Dawn's stories of your adventures together. Hopefully Willy the dog will be accepting of you as a new housemate! :)

    ReplyDelete