Adopted Pets Are The Best!

When Ava, my 21 year old cat died, it didn't take me long to want another cat.  Our dog had also died but it took longer to be OK with getting another dog.  I guess Ava had been around with me so long that when we had to humanely help her transition, she took all of her presence with her.  I needed a feline companion and kind of wanted to 2 cats this time.  I've had cats and dogs all my life.  I guess I am more of a cat person ('cause I'm a LEO?). 

My intuition told me to stop at the vet's.  Don't know why - they didn't adopt pets or sell them.  When I walked in the door, I knew why the little voice had guided me there.  On the counter was a picture of the most magnificent cat and a non-profit organization was adopting him out. He was in a 'foster' home.  I called the number and they set up a meet and greet. 

The cat was creamy orange, with Paul Newman blue eyes and Angora fur.  He was gorgeous.  He looks like Aslan in the Narnia film, with a large mane.  He had been somewhat abused and had 3-4 pins in his paw from surgery needed due to an untreated injury by the previous owners.   I took him home for a try and he hid under the bed because of the dogs we had already adopted (another story).  After a few days he came out and decided he would stay with us.  Now Simba runs the house, just like a king should.  We didn't change his name because Simba suited him and he had that name for 3 years.  A few weeks later I picked up Miles (renamed Miles from 'Tiger') and brought him home.  Miles was a stray and the same organization had him.  Miles is a much larger version of the old Ava, a brown tabby and looks like a cougar.   Miles is my protector.  He slapped Simba around when Simba was hissing at me right after I brought Miles home.  He basically let Simba know that good manners must be observed in the adopted household!  He also lets us know by hissing and growling if there is something outside the bedroom window (another cat? a raccoon? we never have seen what it is).  2 male cats who never knew each other and are fast friends - it's great to watch. 

They play rough, tumbling around, pouncing and swiping at each other.  Older and street wise (he was an outdoor cat), Miles tires of Simba chasing him and turns into Bruce Lee.  Simba is larger, but is the "student" and Miles is the Kung Fu master.  Simba is mischievous, getting into everything and going wherever he wants - he opens cupboards, tests his jumping skills, takes anything new as his own.........Miles is more reserved and nervous, especially when my husband is around. 

All 4 of our adopted pets get along - no issues or messes in the house. Simba loves the dogs!  (The Aussie mix Mariah doesn't like it when Simba gets too close).  Ruby, the Akita/Ridgeback mix allows Simba to rub on her and snuggle.  It's a great happy home, much of it due to the magnanimous nature of Simba and Ruby.    Our crazy zoo of adopted animals

- each with his or her own quirks or issues.