I’ve been thinking for awhile that I wanted to adopt an animal and my first thought was to start small (fish, mice,etc.) and work my way up to larger mammals (cat or dog).  But I found I’d really bonded with one of my friend’s cats and decided to get one of my own.

So, I got all the gear first – litter box, litter, food, food dish, water dish, brush, treats, etc. – and then went to a local pet rescue with a cat carrier in my back seat.    I went in, went up to the desk, and told the woman there I wanted to adopt a cat.  She took me back to the first of the cat rooms and told me to pick one out – or let one of them pick me out.  I found a couple that I liked, then checked out the rest of the cat rooms.  After a bit, I narrowed it down to 2 – Bruno and Greyson.  And since Bruno showed affection by trying – unsuccessfully – to bit my hand off, I decided on Greyson.

I went back to the counter to fill out the paperwork and that’s about when the first wave of hell broke loose.  In addition to the animal supplies and adoption, the place was also a doggie day care.  And it was time for people to pick up their animals.  Every dog in the place freaked out at the new people and the dogs that were brought out to do be taken home.  I finished the paperwork and went to get the cat carrier from my car – though not before the staffer questioned me on my response to the section “How will you discipline your pet?”  I had indicated, “Harsh language and loss of driving privileges,” and then admitted that the cat was going to pretty much be in charge anyway.

The dogs settled down a bit by the time I got back and the staff person told me to go pick up Greyson and bring him to the front.  I went to get the cat and brought him up just as another huge dog was brought out and set everyone off again. We got Greyson into the carrier with what was I’m sure a meow of gratitude.

Then she noted that according to the paperwork, he had an upper respiratory infection and needed to be given medicine for the next 5 days.  She got him back out and demonstrated how it worked and I nodded, but I was a little worried about doing this myself.  We loaded him back up and I paid for him and took my cat- now named “Thunder” – to the car for the short trip home.

He meowed the entire way and I was eager to get him inside and settled down.  I opened up the cage and let him out in my dining room and he started to explore.  I took him on a tour of the house and he followed me.  In short order he’d:

  • Had his first meal.
  • First drink.
  • First poop – in the litter box, no less.
  • First of what may become infinite belly rubs.
  • First adventure with a paper bag.
  • First video game.

And all the while, purring so hard I thought he was going to hurt himself.  I was like “dude, shift gears already! You’re going to  blow out your trans-axle!”

We settled in for the night and he joined me – laying at the foot of my bed.  At some point in the night he must have gone to the basement to use the litter box again, but he was back up in my bed when I woke up this morning.

We’ve spent the day hanging out and playing. I introduced him to the windows and a cardboard box  – and he really enjoyed both.  I brushed him and then decided to try to give him the medicine.

That did not go well.

Nothing got spilled (including blood), but nothing got in the cat either.  We were both pissed off after several failed attempts and I think I’ll try again in a bit with him wrapped up in a towel.

He’s also pretty much learned his name and I can call out “Thunder Cat, HOOOOO!” anywhere in the house and he’ll come running.    Well, sometimes.

So, I’m now a pet owner.  And I think we’re both pretty happy at that – I’d be purring if I could.