Sunday, February 14, 2010

So While I Was At PetSmart ...

I have been registered with a local animal rescue group for awhile now. References and vet and living conditions all checked out.

I had no intention of adopting another cat so soon after Mia passing but Siren seems genuinely lonely, he stares at all the places where Mia used to hiss at him and smack him in the head.

So I spoke to the head of the rescue group and I checked out the available cats on their site and then I visited their adoption center at PetSmart and then ...

I had this little critter in my car and we were on the way home ...



The rescue group has been calling her Chessie. She's 18 months old.

I set her crate down and Siren seemed interested ...



She gave him her best pathetic look ...



He jumped down to protect his food and litter ...



I had already set up her food on the other side of the room so Siren decided to show her that everything was his ...



I left her in the crate for awhile. There was some hissing from Siren and a few cries from Chessie. Then I took her to another room and let her start to sniff the place out. When I opened the door Siren came in and she spent the next 2 hours behind the sofa.

This back and force dance of crates and closed doors went on from 3 this afternoon til about 9. I was very calm and attentive to both of them. There was no more hissing and at 9 Chessie finally ate a little and used her litter box. Siren left the room. He's such a gentleman. Since then he's checked her out a few times and she hasn't run away. There has been no hissing and no crying.

At one point Siren fell asleep and I found Chessie hanging out on my bed ...






I love her tuxedo look. I love her long white whiskers.

She loves to be brushed. She purrs and rolls around. She loves to rub heads.

I think we're going to be happy together.

I don't like the name Chessie but I'm waiting for her to reveal her new name to me the way Siren did.

51 comments:

Shelly said...

Yippie! I get to be the first one to welcome Chessie to the scene.
We had a cat that looked exactly like Chessie...his name was Tugboat because he was a bit chubby, best cat ever.
I love it that you went to the rescue and took somebody home - I thought you probably would.

Scott Oglesby said...

Beautiful cat Dianne. She’s already settling down nicely, by the look of her on your bed. I’ve named every cat I’ve ever had by a cool ass name, including my current …Tunado (lucky in Spanish, since we saved him from a tied up garbage bag in a dumpster…Spain’s not big on animal rights). Anyway all any of them knew or know is kitty cat. Anytime I call them or talk to them its kitty cat. I can’t seem to help myself!

Congratulations on your new family member!

Jackie said...

What a beauty - the perfect Valentine.

Ramblings of a Villas Girl said...

Hi Dianne! She's soo beautiful. I love her white whiskers and chin. I believe Siren and her will be good friend's. May take some time, but they will.
I agree about the name. My Baby had several before one stuck. Ralphy was always Ralphy. Red-head and always talking. Yipper was Tiger until she started to meow. Well not meow, but yip.
Keep us updated and congrats on your new family member.

Patti said...

Your funny valentine has arrived! I mean that in a good way, I love that song.

Sorry to read that Mia passed away.

Congratulations on your new family member.

jaycoles@gmail.com said...

She is a beauty. I am so glad she has you! j

Happy Elf Mom (Christine) said...

Only this very week one of my friends online went through the same thing!!

http://ganeidasknots.blogspot.com/2010/02/grieving-issi.html

They are Quakers, living in Australia. Their beloved cat was named Issi. :)

ellen abbott said...

Almost every single cat I have had has been a rescue only I don't go looking at shelters. they always come to me.

Nessa said...

Looks like a match. Congratulations on your new addition.

Rosemary and Reflections

Ron said...

OMG, Dianne...she's so PRECIOUS!

That face! Those eyes! Those whiskers!

She's a love!

Kudos to you for adopting her from the animal rescue group. I did the same thing with one of my cats when I lived in Florida. You can actually see in it their little faces, saying, "Thank you for adopting me!!"

So glad to hear that she and Siren have adapted to one another. I know how that can sometimes be a little adjustment for cats, but they always seem to become the best of friends.

I'm just dying to hear what name she reveals to you!

LOVE ya, dear lady!

And congratulations on your new family addition!

Happy Valentines Day!

Cherie said...

She's so beautiful! I'm glad that you found each other. :)

Dianne said...

shelly - tugboat is a great name!! hugs to you

scott - I love cool ass names and I have learned to let their personality reveal itself before naming
Siren always comes by name, I have had very few cats that do that

jackie - that came to me this morning!! plus this would have been Mia's birthday and I find a sense of comfort in that

villas girl - Siren became Siren because of his relentless wailing the first 6 months here, he still does it just not as often
plus he was rescued by NYPD
I love Chessie's whiskers so much ;)

patti - I love that song too. I'm going to check the lyrics for name hints :)
thanks Patti

jay s - I am glad we have her too :)
hugs to all

mrs c - I visited your friends to offer empathy

ellen - I used to rescue the strays and ferals but with a cane and a bad back I can't do that anymore and they're too skittish to just come
so I give $$ to those who can and go to the shelter

nessa - she woke me up this morn by nestling into my neck and kneading my shoulder
she is a cuddle monster :)

ron - she really has an adorable face!!
the rescue people told me she has passed up many times - people don't want black cats, someone said she was "plain", she had dandruff - well the air is super dry at the shelter and she's black and well - people are asshats
I'm glad she was passed up, she was waiting for me :)
I have a list of 10 names so far and don't like any of them LOL
this may become a process

Dianne said...

cherie - so am I :)
thanks

CG said...

Chessie looks beautiful - what wonderful whiskers!! A am so glad you have another cat :)

Akelamalu said...

Oh she's adorable! I wonder what Hope will make of her. :)

Hilary said...

Oh Dianne, she's so beautiful. I love that face. I'm happy you found one another. :)

I've known quite a few black and white cats over the years, and almost all of them were at least a little bit nuts (more so than the average cat). Over time, I've adjusted my thinking to believing that they actually seem more intelligent than other cats. I suspect this sweetie is too. After all she knew who to go home with.

Of those cats, there were a couple of names that I thought particularly cute. Charlie (named for B&W film star Chaplin) and Oreo. Then of course there's, as mentioned in your post.. Tuxedo.

Enjoy her.. I know you will. :)

Arkansas Patti said...

Growing up, we always got a new pet within a week of losing our older pet. You can't replace the one gone but surely there is plenty of love for a new friend and it does ease the pain a lot. She is beautiful.
Think you ought to have a name the cat contest.

j said...

I love the patience and calm attitude that you have. They will be friends in no time!

Happy Valentine's Day Dianne!

Anonymous said...

Most excellent that a wonderful loving home is once again being put to such good use.

It might seem too soon, but there you have a little furry delight in need of exactly what you have to offer. Sadly there is always need, so no time to waste.

Welcome little angel. I look forward to finding out what you name yourself and reading all about your adventures.

dianasfaria.com said...

Thanks for sharing your beautiful story Dianne! What a day brightener. I have a feeling you three are going to be very happy together too.
I can't wait to find out her new name. It's funny how that works - with it being revealed, so true.

Jay said...

Awww she's cute. And Siren thinks he gets to be in charge now? We'll see how that works out. haha ;-)

Reb said...

Dianne, I am sorry to hear about Mia. I have been a bit absent lately and am just catching up.

Chessie is not the right name, but she is a lovely cat and I'm sure she will fit into your home and hearts with ease. I can't wait to find out hat her name is.

Ganeida said...

Thank you for visiting & leaving your condolences. Issi was particularly my cat so his loss at such a young age has been very hard.

Chessie is beautiful. I hope you have manyhappy years together.

Anndi said...

I'm so sorry about Mia.

I think your newest baby is absolutely gorgeous. Looking forward to hearing what her true name is =)

Travis Cody said...

She looks very sweet.

Your story of bringing her home is similar to how Mr Tucker ended up with me. I had no intention of sharing my life with a pet, but I found my self at PetSmart and a few days later he came home with me.

Dianne said...

cg - thanks :) I'm glad too

akelamalu - Hope liked Mia, they just stared at each other
Siren frightens Hope because he gets so nervous around her and runs around too much
I'll let Chessie settle in and then we'll introduce them

hilary - she does seem very bright ;)
she is incredibly affectionate
I was hugged and kneaded and head butted all night :)

patti - I was thinking of a contest but I'd have to describe her personality and that could get complicated
I might do it though :)

jennifer - thanks, it comes from years of experience with crazy animals ;)

rob - that's pretty much how I feel, so many waiting for homes
Mia would approve

lily - thanks, I hope the name reveals itself
we're calling her 'player to be named later'

jay - it's funny how he's asserting himself yet running away whenever she looks at him
he eats her food only when she's not looking

reb - thanks :)
I have no idea why Chessie!? there is a mascot cat named Chessie but she looks nothing like my sweetie

ganeida - I find animal people all have common ground in how much they love their critters
thanks for stopping by

anndi - thanks kiddo, it's OK
and yes this newbie is pretty, she has the sweetest face

travis - she is sweet, thanks
she is incredibly cuddly
she buries her head in my shoulder like a baby
I love Mr. Tucker was a surprise adoption as well, means it was meant to be :)

fermicat said...

I think that adopting another rescue cat is a purrrfect way to honor Mia's memory. I'm impressed with how well the introduction went. Your two already get along better than my three (who have been together for three years). *meow*

OldLady Of The Hills said...

Oh My Dear Dianne....She looks so very dear and loving....! Things happen the way they are supposed to and when they are supposed to---May you be very very happy with your new kitty.....!
I bet Siren falls in love. (lol)

kenju said...

I wish my black cats had white whiskers!! She's very handsome.

Queen-Size funny bone said...

I'm sure youu will all be very happy.

magiceye said...

mia will be missed....
holding good thoughts for you and siren...

do let me know once you decide on chessie's final name shall put her name and birthday up on Pet Pride.

take care..

Lisa (Mountain Photog) said...

Oh, that's so wonderful, Dianne! Of course, no one could replace Mia in your heart but opening your home--and your heart--to another poor homeless critter is the perfect way to honor her. Congratulations on your new family member! She's beautiful and she looks like she will be a perfect fit into the family. I'm sure Siren will enjoy her--once he understands she's not there to steal his things. LOL!

Schmoop said...

Isn't that cute. No way in hell Corky would go for that. Cheers to ya, Di!!

Jeni said...

She is a very, very pretty cat! I'm betting since Siren had become accustomed -in a way -to having Mia around (even if they didn't really get along) that he will make up to this cat with very few problems. Well, let's hope so anyway.

Ken said...

congrats on your new family member

Noe Noe Girl...A Queen of all Trades. said...

oh diane...she is beautiful and she looks right a home. you rock girl!
<><

Kerry said...

She's precious. Those eyes!!

The Island Cats said...

We read over at Bozo's Pet Pride about Mia's passing. We are so sorry for your loss. We know how it is to lose a furbaby.

But how wonderful that you have opened your heart to sweet Chessie! She is adorable and we know that she and Siren will become good friends soon.

Wally, Ernie & Zoey

Linda said...

I think that if Mia could have hand-picked her "replacement" that she would definitely chosen Chessie. What a cutie and she does look right at home on your bed there.

Hopefully Siren has missed Mia long enough to want to welcome another four-footed friend into his home without too much muss and fuss and fur-flying. Sounds like so far you are all headed in the right direction.

Scritches to Chessie!

Vinny "Bond" Marini said...

Very cut little kitty...I am so sorry, I scrolled back to find the date Mia passed...it was the Friday I was traveling...

SO sad when we lose strong family members

ds said...

Welcome Chessie, sweet and lucky girl! Hang in there, Siren, she'll soon be your best buddy.

jabblog said...

Dianne, I was so sad to read that your beautiful Mia had travelled on. I guess she was making room for Chessie who really needed you and Siren. Siren will be happy now with a new friend and companion. Hugs . . .

Dianne said...

fermicat - I agree and I do think Mia would approve :)
so far this is the easiest intro I have ever done! perhaps Mia trained Siren to be more accepting

old old lady of the hills - she is a dear, she hugs me!! and follows me around talking to me :)

kenju - thanks :) everyone loves her whiskers

queen size funny - from your lips to the "Great Cat's" ears ;)

magiceye - thank you so much!

lisa - LOLOLOL - Siren wants all her stuff and his too
suddenly beds he never slept in are coveted, toys he never touched are must haves - it's hilarious. She just ignores him and gets something else.

matt-man - Corky sounds like the way my JR was - he never accepted another cat, it made him so anxious

jeni - I am so glad that I didn't wait too long, I do think Mia has a lot to do with how good Siren is being

micky - thanks :)

noe noe - she is a pretty girl :) thanks

kerry - photos don't do her eyes justice, they are the most amazing green
thanks
hugs to the kids

island cats - thank you so much for stopping by
we all appreciate that :)

linda - I do think he's looking forward to being friends, once he gets over himself. he's such a nervous fellow :)
hugs to Tesla

bond - thanks Vinny, no worry
even when you're busy you're a good friend :)

ds - thanks :)
I think Siren is going to do OK

jabblog - Mia was so old and so ill, she knew it was time
I picture her as a kitten now
and this newbie is a wonderful joy for me and Siren
thank you

Lisa (Mountain Photog) said...

That is so funny, Dianne! Poor Siren. Sharing is such a hard lesson to learn. LOL!

Jeff B said...

Sounds like she's settling in nicely already. Can't wait to hear what name she shows you.

I've announce to Lisa that the next critter is going to be named Peeve. That way I can actually have my pet peeve.

Sparkling Red said...

Lovely! Congratulations on your new family member. It sounds like she's going to settle in easily.

Daryl said...

Oh Di! I am SO happy for you and the soon to be renamed Chessie .. she's so sweet .. so pretty and no disrespect to Siren but girl kits are much smarter than boy kits and she will have him eating kibble out of her paw in no time.

Her big eyes make me think of Hope .. and I think she must have spent some time with other cats so she social skillz are top notch ...

I am SOOOO happy for you!!!!!!!!!

Unknown said...

Awwww.... Congratulations. She's beautiful! I hope you will all continue to be very happy together! :o)

Bobkat said...

Oh, she is just gorgeous! I am sure you will all be happy together.

They never replace those pets that left us, but they do bring joy into our life don't they? :)

Unknown said...

She is lovely with her white whiskers. I'm glad you adopted her. Looking forward to getting to know her and since I'm backtracking, I know her name is Isadora. Purrrrrrrfect

bobbie said...

Thank you, Siren, for introducing us to Isadora. What beautiful green eyes she has! But you are beautiful too. I'm sure you will become friends.