Saturday, March 18, 2023

Seniors

When Cleo passed away last year, her mom and I decided not to think about another feline companion for the time being. As it was, we knew it would take a while to adjust to a home without our ornery old gal, and we needed more time to consider another housemate. Additionally, our home is part of a large private estate where I am the caretaker, and although we've grown to love the Asheville area, my employer decided to relocate and has placed the property on the market. We decided that the random showings and the fact that we've occasionally been traveling out of state for my work would be too disruptive. Over the months, we've been visiting Brother Wolf Animal Rescue to visit the furry little residents awaiting furrever homes for our🐱fix and to drop off a donation. Last Saturday, we stopped by to see the kitties, and Cleo's mom called my attention to a gorgeous 13-year-old lady cat curled up in her padded dome. Smudge, it was noted, had some minor medical and diet issues and had been head pressing and exhibiting other stress-related behavior. Among the more alarming notations in Smudge's file that gave us cause for concern (😉) was this: "has a duck-like meow (lol)". For real. Her meow was more like a cross between a duck's quack and the low, throaty croak of a Kardashian. That sealed it. You can probably guess where this is going.

The Sweetest Little Smudge

We were only planning on visiting, but we decided then and there that we weren't leaving without this senior sweetie who made sure to let us know that we could give her head and chin scritches, but were in no way allowed to pick her up (remind you of someone else?)
Already learning to relax in her new home

 
So why do we do it? I mean, it's one thing to watch your pet grow from a newborn through kittenhood and on up through the years. I guess we just have a real soft spot for the elder kitties. All the worry, special needs, potential heartbreak, and everything else that can go along with adopting a senior might scare off many pet owners. We just can't help ourselves, I suppose. As with Orbit before her, sweet, slightly crotchety Cleo can't be replaced and will never be forgotten. Smudge has kidnapped a big chunk of our collective hearts and is slowly settling into her routine here with us.  Her records say she's a gray tabby, but I believe she might actually be a dilute torbie with that smudge of color on her forehead and in a few other less noticeable places.  Whatever the case, we love her like crazy and look forward to a life filled with her companionship, indifference and antics (she's already showing a playful side, albeit a somewhat lazy one much like a previously-mentioned someone else). On Wednesday, we brought Smudge in for a complete physical, and we just heard back yesterday that she is remarkably healthy for a 13-year-old. And now we can release our breath.

29 comments:

Mickey's Musings said...

Welcome Smudge!!!!! You are very lucky. The home you have now is pawsome and you will have a purrfect life. You look like you are settling in nicely :)
Purrs, Julie

Lynn and Precious said...

Fantastic news for Smudge! To get to live with you two for the rest of her long and enjoyable life. And she got a good clean bill of health. It is difficult to make the decision to bring in a new pet when grieving and especially if you are in the midst of relocation. But pets bring such simple and peaceful joy. I was only able to make it thru losing Seney in 2012 because I brought Precious home just weeks later. It makes it sound as if I was hard hearted, (as my mother had always said), but my sanity was at stake without Seney after 20 years. I hope the best for the 3 of you as the days go by. Lynn

Eastside Cats said...

Concatulations, Smudge, on finding your furrever home, and two humans who will dote upon you.
Looking forward to learning all about you.

TurtleLover said...

Welcome Smudge!

Brian's Home Blog said...

Oh my goodness, we are so happy to read about Smudge and her new world with you. She looks like a dilute to me. It was just meant to be, she needed you and you needed her. Brother Wolf is such a fine place, I've had several kittens that I've trapped, and elders too, go there over the years. Welcome home Smudge!

Gidget Blue Sky said...

what a beauty!!!!! what a special girl!! i can sometimez quack like a duck

Memories of Eric and Flynn said...

Welcome to Smudge. She is a beautiful girl who obviously won't replace Cleo but will make her own place in your home.

My Mind's Eye said...

Smudge clapping wildly and quite gleeful WOW
You dear sweet lady have fallen in to laps of luxury and love and it was the first day of the best days of the rest of your years. Angels Madi and Cleo neither liked being picked up. But they were great couch/chair companions just like Smudge. I agree I too think Smudge is a dilute tortie.
Love her furs
Hugs and enjoy every moment together
Cecilia

My Mind's Eye said...

The last photo of Smudge shows she has settled into Queen of her Domain
Love it.

My Mind's Eye said...

PS PS I love her header!!
She is inspiring you already.!!

catladymac said...

Concatulations ! We have a feeling your previous "old girl" had a hand in this...you are just sequing from one older furiend to another...Purrs and purrayers to all of you !

pilch92 said...

Congratulations! I am sure Cleo ed you to this sweetie. She does look like a dilute calico. She is beautiful. I look forward to more posts about her.

Wanderingcatstudio said...

Cats pick their people. She was just waiting for you to finally show up.

Zoolatry said...

Hearts here are going pitter-patter for this wonderful news. It may have been she was there, just quietly waiting until you were ready for her ~ time has a way.

Basil and The B Team ~ BionicBasil ® said...

Welcome Smudge, what truly epically epic news here today!

The J-Cats said...

Welcome, Smudge! We look forward to getting to know you better! You are a gorgeous ladycat - and We are sure Angel Cleo sent you, because she knew the time was right!

The Florida Furkids said...

Welcome Smudge! You're a real beauty!

Just Ducky said...

Hello Smudge and Welcome. You got a super nice place to hang out now, so enjoy!

Tama-Chan, Benny, Vidock, Violette, Ollie, Heloise, Momo, Ryu said...

This is the absolute loveliest piece of news we've seen this weekend! Welcome, Smudge! It's lovely to meet you. We know how well-loved and cared for you will be in your new home, and look forward to reading all about your new life.

Welcoming Purrs, Woofs and Neighs,
Everyone at The Poupounette

Cat and DOG Chat With Caren said...

I have TEARS IN MY EYES!! OMG SMUDGE!! I LOVE HER! I also LOVE her name! I agree with you about her being part Torbie....but.....when I saw her I was reminded of my Angel Cody (he was a gray tabby)....so I instantly fell in love. I also think you and your wife are Angels on Earth!!! I applaud you for adopting a senior kitty, (I haven't done it yet, but who knows, maybe one day I will). In the Jewish religion they call something a "Mitzvah", (it actually is a blessing).....when someone bestows a blessing on someone. You sure did a "Mitzvah" for this beautiful girl! I'm sooooooo happy! Your blog doesn't come to my email (like many of the blogs don't), so please don't let me miss posts about her! As soon as I read your comment on my blog that said "nice to meet you".......I had a feeling..........I'm sooooooo happy! (((hugs))) and love to you and your wife!

Summer said...

Hi Smudge! You were clearly meant to be with this pair of humans.

da tabbies o trout towne said...

OH EM COD !!!! welcome two ewe smudge anda most happee gotcha day two ewe....ewe bee one gorgeouz gurl. we iz buzzed happee two meet ewe and look for werd two lotz mor postz in de yeerz two come. YAY and HOO RAY !!!!! ♥♥♥♥♥♥

pea ezz.... If ya canna figure out R speech...thatz oh kay...we due knot understand R selvez most dayz !:) ☺

Melissa, Mudpie and Angel Truffles (Mochas, Mysteries and Meows) said...

I am SO happy for all of you! I've thought of you so often since Cleo's passing. Welcome to your purrfect new life, Smudge! You hit the kitty jackpot!

The Island Cats said...

Hello Smudge! It’s so great to meet you. You are in good paws with your humans.

Catscue said...

Awesome! Smudge, you just landed in a purrfect furever home - welcome to the Cat Blogosphere pretty girl!

The Oceanside Animals said...

Charlee: "Aww, welcome to your forever home, Smudge. You are a very lucky kitty, and we are happy to meet you!"

Kitties Blue said...

Congratulations on welcoming a new fur person into your home. Smudge is beautiful. One of our new arrivals (last July) won’t even let us touch him. We pray that you will have many years to love Smudge. XOCK, angel Lily Olivia, angel Mauricio, Misty May, angel Giulietta, angel Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth, Calista Jo, Cooper Murphy, Sawyer, Kizmet, Audrey & Raleigh

Katie Isabella said...

Hello darling girl. Your parents love you...and I love reading that you love them back and are starting to be at home. You are lovely.

Darla M Sands said...

Darling Smudge, you scored the jackpot. :D Blessings to you all on this new journey.