mrs. kitty lou claws

If you follow me on Twitter, perhaps you read the saga of a kitty waltzing into Gerry's and my life. We had been seeing this kitty for roughly a month, and gradually started petting her, and occasionally feeding her. One night after feeding her a few minutes prior, I went out onto our balcony, and there she stood meowing at me, asking to come in. Gerry and I debated it, and I suggested we open the front door to see what would happen. After a few minutes she sauntered upstairs, and I sent Gerry off to buy kitty food and a litter box.

I think all animals deserve love and a good home. Gerry and I let her live with us, and named her Mrs. Claws. It wasn't long though before we realized this arrangement jut was not going to work for us. I have terrible cat allergies. Incessant sneezing, drippy nose, itchy throat, swollen bright red eyes and difficulty breathing (allergy-induced asthma issues). After a week I was a total mess, and Gerry hated being around me because I was so miserable. 

I felt so guilty. I still feel guilty. Also, a little surprised. I thought I could tough it out because I grew up with a cat in the house. Let me tell you though, being a kitty's sister is a lot different than being her caretaker and source of affection. When you're the person who calls her to come home and feeds her, you're the person she turns to for snuggles and love. Who can turn that away? Kitties need pets.

After three weeks, some newspaper and Craigslist ads, and a lot of phone calls and emails, Gerry and I brought her to the Multnomah County Animal Shelter this past Saturday. It was a teary departure letting her go.

There's good news, though! Kitty Lou Claws was microchipped! Today I went back to the shelter to submit papers to be be a last resort phone call to prevent the possibility of euthanization, and they told me they were able to contact her owner. She had been missing for a year! Her owner said she would be picking her up this evening. I started crying when they told me because I am a huge baby. I also found out that she really didn't stray too far from home. Gerry and I are sort of expecting her to wander back our way. Wouldn't that make the cutest story? If that were to happen, I'd take further measures to get my allergies under control. She is such a sweet cat. I really, really hope Kitty gets home, and gets the love she deserves. It sounds like that is exactly what will happen.