The week between Christmas and New Year's went pretty much as expected. We saw lots of family, ate lots of food, cleaned the house up a bit. What we didn't expect was an addition to our household.
For the past two months, I've seen a little black and white cat hanging around the neighborhood. She seemed very sweet and friendly, and she would always come up and let me pet her. Recently, after Christmas, I would occasionally find her outside of our door on the stoop. I'd pet her, talk to her for a bit, and continue on my way. I kept thinking about her and wondered if someone had abandoned her. She seemed so people friendly and no match for the mean alley cats that dominate the neighborhood.
I began thinking about taking her in, but not seriously - what would Dexter make of it? Every time I left the apartment, she was there, patiently waiting. For food? For attention? My parents and Wayne's parents saw her, and they instantly fell in love with Ella. My dad even asked me if we were going to take her in, which is no mean feat. Then it started raining and I felt positively awful leaving her outside, waiting. I brought her some food, and she devoured every last piece. At that point, Wayne, Stepha and I broke down and took her in.
Wayne took her to the vet first, and she came up with a clean bill of health, and the vet is almost positive that she had been spayed. Now comes the challenging part... Dexter wasn't too happy about having a new cat around, and is still given to growling fits. So we've been slowly trying to integrate them - they are currently at the "I can see you through a gap in the door but I can't touch you" stage. Hopefully they'll get along within the next week or so. We decided to name her Ella to keep with the jazz musician theme - I guess she's our Lady in Satin now!
For the past two months, I've seen a little black and white cat hanging around the neighborhood. She seemed very sweet and friendly, and she would always come up and let me pet her. Recently, after Christmas, I would occasionally find her outside of our door on the stoop. I'd pet her, talk to her for a bit, and continue on my way. I kept thinking about her and wondered if someone had abandoned her. She seemed so people friendly and no match for the mean alley cats that dominate the neighborhood.
I began thinking about taking her in, but not seriously - what would Dexter make of it? Every time I left the apartment, she was there, patiently waiting. For food? For attention? My parents and Wayne's parents saw her, and they instantly fell in love with Ella. My dad even asked me if we were going to take her in, which is no mean feat. Then it started raining and I felt positively awful leaving her outside, waiting. I brought her some food, and she devoured every last piece. At that point, Wayne, Stepha and I broke down and took her in.
Wayne took her to the vet first, and she came up with a clean bill of health, and the vet is almost positive that she had been spayed. Now comes the challenging part... Dexter wasn't too happy about having a new cat around, and is still given to growling fits. So we've been slowly trying to integrate them - they are currently at the "I can see you through a gap in the door but I can't touch you" stage. Hopefully they'll get along within the next week or so. We decided to name her Ella to keep with the jazz musician theme - I guess she's our Lady in Satin now!
12:15 AM
She is so cute; I think if you give them time the two cats will get along. It will be good for Dexter to have a friend. He is so spoiled. May be now when I visit I'll have a cat to pet.
2:12 PM
Ella, what a great name!Thanks for your help at the 2006 Year of the dog cookies party!
Love your site.
Jen