Baby Dusty

A friend asked my how did you pick your cat. I laughed and said I didn't, he picked me.

I went down to the local humane society to adopt a female kitten. There were tons to choose from (sad) because it was "kitten season". Most of the kittens were skittish backed away and hissed when I tried to pet them, then I saw the cutest little timid, sweet multi colored kitty and I opened her cage to pet her. Well, the cat in the next cage was meowing and sticking his paws though the cage trying to swat me. I ignored him and went for the cutie, and this obnoxious kitten next door would not let up, he was hurling himself at the cage shamelessly to get my attention, meowing like a crazed beast.

Well he caught the attention of another couple and when they tried to hold him he spit at them, wiggled around and tried to grab at me again. Hmmm...okay I thought lets check this loudmouth out. I opened the cage and he jumped out onto my shoulder and started rubbing his head all over my neck purring up a storm. He perched there as if to say, "I'm happy, let's hit the road". I plucked him off to get a better look at him, scrawny, HUGE ears and paws, kinda goofy looking and LOUD! I was in love! I said to the attendant "this cat has picked me, set up the adoption".

That was six years ago and Dusty is now 20+lbs (grew into his ears, sort of) and still a big lovebug. I really wanted to adopt the sweet girl too but I could only afford 1 kitten. I called back later that day to see if she had been adopted and they said she had. Dusty is the best cat buddy I have ever had. So when anyone asks my how to pick a cat I say let the cat pick you!

Copyright © Tambra Jo Gwozdz
August 20, 1998