How do I cope with saying goodbye to a loved pet? I adopt another one! I understand that for some folks, taking in a new pet right way just doesn’t feel right, they have to get through their grief in whatever time it takes. But for me, a new life entering mine is the best balm for my loss.
So this morning, I drove up to Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society planning to adopt a cat named Baked Alaska (to be renamed Barnaby), a fluffy 8YO tabby tuxie boy from a 50+ cat hoarder situation. He’s good with other cats, likes to snuggle with them (for comfort?), so should be okay with my cat Bruiser, right? BA was currently loose in a room with other cats, hanging out with them peaceably.
But: BA clearly got little to no human socialization in the hoard; he’s as terrified of people as a born feral. When I went to look at him, he was perched on a shelf in a tiny alcove, huddled away, hissing when I moved a long scratcher slowly toward him. He was equally scared of the MRFRS staff. Maybe he’d become brave and seek me out over time; maybe he’d always be timid and hide. For sure, he’s highly unlikely to be adopted by anyone looking for a new best friend.
So of course I’ve adopted him. Whether or not he ever comes out of his shell with me, I’m happy just to give him a safe home. And to give him a friend, I also adopted Sammy.
Sammy who? Well, he’s a big boy, a short-haired tabby with white, about 6YO, with crumpled ears. The rescue started him in a foster home and at this time had him living in the same room as Barnaby. He’s reported to have snuggled with BA at some point. In our meeting he was reserved but calm and accepted jowl and head skritches. I believe he’s likely to become sociable with me over time. So, yes, the two of them have come home with me.
They’re currently decanted into a confined space: the second floor front (my office) and the third floor library/reading room, with water and food on the first floor and a litter box on each floor. There’s a louvered door closing that area off from the second floor landing, so they and Bruiser can get acquainted safely. Last time I checked on them they’d each found a hiding place to cram into. I intend to keep them there for however many weeks it takes for at least Sammy to relax and warm up, visiting them daily, for short stretches at first.
Am I nuts to do this? Probably, but I’ve been a crazy cat lady for a long time, plus I felt sorry for poor frightened Barnaby. I hope he comes eventually to trust me, but as long as he can find some peace and safety here, that will be enough.
And here they are, in their shelter photos. Given how scared they both are right now, I doubt I’ll have any photos of my own for a while.
