Thursday, November 15, 2007

The Accidental Brother.

So lots of you want to know the deal with Russell. I'm feeling talky tonight, so here goes.

My mom visits the city shelter every now and then, maybe every month or two. She thought I might like a brother but was really on the fence about adding to the family. Mostly she was concerned about me because I am her favorite favorite tiny boy and she wanted me to stay happy. Plus, even though I was outnumbered by sisters, things were pretty good. Anyway, when we were on vacation, Mom went a few times. She said she'd know right away if there was a suitable boy. At that point, she recognized some from previous visits who hadn't gotten homes yet. Still, she was unsure and we decided we'd remain boyless for a while.

Shortly after that, she got sick and started acting cuckoo like Caroline, remember? There was that little incident with spraying the wrong thing on the hedges one weekend and then dealing with India with the DSL problem. Well, the next weekend she went to the shelter on a complete whim. And the same little orange and white boy she'd seen repeatedly was still there. She couldn't understand why he hadn't found a home yet. Maybe because he was so quiet and not all pick me, pick me! like the other cats. She asked the attendant if she could visit with him. The little orange and white boy needed coaxing, finally allowed Mom to hold him and then was just as happy back in his small cage. The attendant said his records indicated that he'd been owner surrendered and didn't do well with kids. Mom figured the kids probably teased him to the point of biting and that was why he was left there.

Anyway, Mom thought the little orange and white boy might be too reticent for the likes of us and might be happier as an only cat, so she pretty much decided against adoption. So she thanked the attendant and began to follow him out. Then she turned back to look one more time. And there was Russell with his paw out of the cage as if to say, Take me home! I meant to be friendlier, really! Hear me? I'm purring!

Once Mom and Russell got home and he was settled in the bathroom, she had the chance to look over his paperwork. He had a lot more history than either Olivia or Caroline did. Mom couldn't tell when he first arrived at the shelter, but he was picked to go to the little adoption storefront the shelter has at a local mall, and he got neutered, vaccinated and chipped. He waited for a month. Then he was adopted out to the home with the tail-pulling children and was returned a month later to the main shelter. Then he waited and waited and waited and waited. And then he almost missed his chance to get to his real and true home!

On top of that rocky start, I figure he'd also been taken from his cat mom too early because I had to teach him a whole bunch of basic cat things, like how to play nice and groom without biting and stuff. But he's really learned fast. And even though I was a really really mom-worrying major troll when he first came to live with us, now I'm glad he's here. We have a whole lot of fun together.


One happy boy.

28 comments:

  1. I'm so glad you are having fun with Russell now. It must also be kind of gratifying to be the big brother and teach him the proper ways of the cat.

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  2. William what a great story about Russell. Your mom has a very kind heart and I'm sure you like having a little brother. At least you aren't outnumbered by sisters now.

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  3. Oh, William! Your mom is the most kind hearted person ever! We are so happy for Russell. My mom went to the shelter last week to drop off some supplies, but it's hard for her to see the sad kitties. Give your mom some extra nuzzles from us, she deserves them!

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  4. aww that's such a great story - thank you WilliamsMom for giving a shy kitty a great forever home! The shy ones are so hard to get homes for. And William, we is glad you haf a brother again to play wif!

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  5. That is such a happy cat story. I am so happy for Russell!

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  6. We are so glad you shared this with us! Russell is so happy in exactly the right home for him! We are glad he adjusted to being with you 3 other cats and that you were patient William to teach him a few things he needed to know. What a cutie he is!

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  7. I am so happy that Russell has such a good home now. After reading the story, I think it was meant to be!

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  8. I am glad that Russell has found a home, he is certainly a good looking feline. I totally understand about the tailgrabbers! The last time the tailgrabbers were here to visit my Bean, they wanted to put glitter glue in my furrrs. Can you imagine???

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  9. Oh, thanks so much, we have been wondering and wondering about how Russell came to stay. What a great story, they do pick you, don't they?

    CalicoMom Toni

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  10. It was fate that Russell come and live with you. Sometimes we ginger boys are a bit shy at first.

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  11. I am so glad to hear this story! I think Russel will be a wonderful brother for you! And he will always adore you because you were the one teaching him those great things about being a good cat and he is at his forever home now and doesn't have to go anywhere anymore, hurray!

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  12. A very excellent story. We're glad Russell found his true home.

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  13. That is a wonderful story. I love your mom, I really do. What would us kitties do without people like her?!

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  14. Hi William!!!
    That was such a nice story.I'm glad Russell is working out. He is a pretty cat. Your Mom is so nice to pick him and you are so good to teach him.You must like being a big brother to him :)

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  15. Thank you for telling us Russell's story William. He's a beautiful kitty and I'm glad you are having fun with him now.

    We had blue jays at our house last weekend!

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  16. William - thank you for sharing the story of Russell. i'm glad you are being such a good big brother. when i think about my Mom bringing home another kitty i get all nervous, so you are wonderful to be so nice and generous with your time and your wisdom. may you all be happy together for many years.

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  17. Well I can't think of a better place for Russell live than with you and your mum!

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  18. William - we tagged all of you for a meme - come see!

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  19. OH William! That's wonderful story. We are so happy Russell is your brother and has wonderful and loving furever home. Russell's story made my mom's eyes leaking.

    -Jasper McKitten-Cat

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  20. When my Mommy volunteered at Wayside Waifs she knew so many Russells. A little shy, but get them in a quiet room with an adopter who had some patience, wow! Magic time! Our family would like to send a great big smooch to your Mommy. Russell knew who he was waiting for.

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  21. That is a great story. Russell knew your mum was the one for him. And you are furry nice to share with him. Let's face it, every house needs a Gorgeous Ginger boy. By the way, I don't think Russell signed up for the Gorgeous Gingers yet...hint hint. You don't even have to send us a photo, if you prefer we can just use one off your site.

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  22. Dang it.
    You made me cry.

    What if your mom hadn't looked back? I'm so happy she did!

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  23. Such a small thing, that last wave of a paw! And such a large difference it will make in his life...

    We are so glad for him (and you) that Russell waved and Mom looked back to see it. :)

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  24. Awww that's a lovely story about Russell. We're glad yer mum looked back and saw his little paw waving to her.

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  25. Sorry we're so late in visiting.

    What a wonderful story about how Russell found his forever home. We're happy that everyone is getting along fine.

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  26. Hurray for Russell! Hooray for your Mom, too! May you have many, many happy years together!

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  27. William ... Please tell your momma that there's a bright an' shiny place in Heaven for her 'cuz she's good an' kind-hearted.

    Russell is furry fortunate to have all of you in his life. He sounds like a good fit for your fambly.

    DMM

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  28. That is a wonderful story. We're glad that Russell found a forever home with you, William. We also enjoyed Skeeter and LC's version of your story.

    Happy Thanksgiving!

    ~J&B

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Wowee meowee.