I've always been a dog lover, having lived with dogs my whole life.My love of dogs and desire to help homeless animals brought me to my local shelter where I became a volunteer. After seeing firsthand all the animals who were awaiting loving homes, I decided I should open my home and my heart to a cat. I told the shelter manager that I was looking for a cat who liked dogs and would enjoy being a companion to my adopted 6 year old Akita mix, Rusty.
For months I teetered back and forth, as I contemplated all the problems a cat could cause. My life was so simple now -- my dog had finally gotten over his separation anxiety and had calmed down. There were no more accidents in the house, no chewing and no leash pulling. I wondered, would the cat use the litter box? Would he scratch my furniture? Would he spray? Would he try to run outside when I opened the door? I knew nothing about cats and wasn't sure I could handle any problems that might arise.
One day, the shelter manager informed me she had the perfect cat for me. Stephanie was 9 months old and loved dogs. I humored the manager and let her take Stephanie out of the cage. I held her, and she loved being in my arms. She was sweet and very beautiful with her long gray hair. The manager told me that Stephanie was to be spayed on Friday and that she'd be available Sunday. I agreed to come back with Rusty then, to see if they got along.
I went out and bought all the necessary supplies for my new cat, even though I still wasn't sure I was doing the right thing.
The evening before I was to adopt Stephanie, I went on a date. On the way home, I noticed a pair of eyes glaring out from some bushes near my condo. I asked my date to stop so I could investigate. The pair of eyes belonged to a cat.
I went home to get out the cat treats I kept on hand for my neighbor's cat and returned with them. As I lured the cat out of the bushes, I saw that he was very thin. He was very dirty and was missing clumps of hair. I felt sorry for him, so I brought him in and kept him in my spare room overnight. He immediately fell asleep.
The next morning, I packed Rusty in the car along with the stray cat. I knew he'd be safe because this is a reputable shelter. The manager brought Stephanie out and she immediately rubbed against Rusty. Success! Now, all I had to do was give them the stray cat and Stephanie was mine.
Instead, I was told that they were already overcrowded and didn't provide animal control for my town and couldn't take the cat. Discouraged, I went home sans Stephanie, but with this bedraggled cat who growled and hissed at Rusty constantly. I decided I would find a good home for him and go back to adopt Stephanie.
The stray cat did find a good home -- mine. He was neutered, treated for ear mites, vaccinated and bathed. Dallas has been with us for a year and absolutely adores Rusty. The cat with bald spots now has the most beautiful long hair. Never did I imagine that a cat could bring so much joy to my life. As a self-proclaimed "dog person", I never thought I could be so in love with a cat.
I think it's true what they say -- cats DO find you.
And yes, Stephanie found a good home as well.
Copyright © Shari Wexler
August 13, 2001
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