Monday, October 19, 2009

Change of Name on the Cat Due to a Slight Fuck Up

I made the 2- 1/2 hour drive to Hartford City, Indiana, on Saturday and enjoyed myself tremendously, despite the fact that I had to get up and get going at 6:00 a.m. on a goddamn weekend. It was a gorgeous day for a drive through the country with all the leaves turning for fall. There were golds and reds and lots of sunshine.

The folks in Hartford City are about as nice as they come. I had to stop and ask directions to the shelter on the edge of town, and I had four people at the Quik Stop helping me. Thank you Hartford City!

It's good that I stopped to ask, because the shelter was out in the country and very small. The ladies working at the shelter were both lovely and kind, and the poor animals are lucky to get them. They said that they try and keep the shelter as no-kill as possible. It would not be easy, as their facility is so small. So, if you live anywhere near Hartford City, please help them out and adopt a lovely pet.

I found the shelter a little early, so I drove back to town to get a cup of coffee at the local McDonalds. I have never seen a busier place in my life! I had trouble getting out of the damn parking lot when I went to leave. God bless smalltown Indiana--they actually still have a smoking section available in the restaurant. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Ohio is non-smoking in every bar and restaurant. Ohioans are pinheads, but we still drive better than the damn Hoosiers. Sorry, but it's true.

Anyhoo, I really enjoyed sitting in McDonald's, listening to the local men talk about various things. I felt right at home. I grew up in a small farming town, and I guess I miss it.

I got to the shelter around 9:30, and the nice lady working there (Vicki) said that they hoped they had gotten the right kitten. There was a male and a female (brother and sister) at the house where they were being fostered, and they had trouble catching one of them, so they brought the one that they were able to catch. And yes, it turned out it was the girl kitten. So, Ozzy won't really work for her.

The whole drive home I thought of potential names, and I have lots of male names I like, but very few female ones. I like Cheyenne a lot, but it just didn't fit her somehow. I considered Auden (my favorite poet) and Drayton (after one of my favourite streets in Savannah), but I decided that since she is a beautiful long-haired gray, that I would name her Shelby after Shelby Foote, one of my favourite people of all time. For a middle name, I gave her the best southern name ever: Lee. So I have a Shelby Lee. All my kids have good southern names, except the pre-named ones. I wasn't about to give them damn Yankee monikers. Uh-unh. They're little rebels, goddammit.

Shelby is skinny as a damn rail, but eats hardy. She is about as sweet a soul as I have ever encountered. I let her out of her cat cage about a half-hour down the road, and she rode in my lap a lot of the way home. I bought an extra bacon-egg-cheese bagel and fed her most of the bacon off of it. She was so hungry.

When I got Shelby home (remember, I have a dog and five cats already), Shelby got right down on the floor with them and didn't hide or hiss, and Ginger about drove her nuts smelling on her, and some of other cats were rather mean to her. She sat on the couch next to me most of the day. I really love her, and she is a TOTAL joy. Worth every mile and every dollar to adopt her. She was even worth getting up THAT EARLY for, and I can't say a whole damn lot else would be.

This morning, Shelby and Bella (my other kitten) shared the windowsill in the bathroom tentatively. It was a good sign, and it made me very happy.

I am going to bring Shelby into work with me after lunch this afternoon, as we have a skeletal staff today, due to the annual off site. I can't wait to show her off.

She is a blessing. I am blessed.

[The photo above is of Dakota, Shelby's brother, but they look nearly exactly alike. Dakota is the cat I originally went after, but I guess fate had other plans. Sweet plans.]

22 comments:

Mel's Way or No Way said...

Congrats on your newest addition. She really is beautiful. Thank you for bringing her into your home.

Sage Ravenwood said...

I know you probably already know this post had me smiling. I wouldn't trade one of my nine (4 inside and 5 outside cats). The outside cats couldn't be domesticated but I'll be damned if I let a shelter put them down. They're happy and content outside on my property. (Hugs)Indigo

Petit fleur said...

Awwwwwwwwwwe! I love the name Shelby. She is a dolly! I can't believe your other furry babies are seem to be accepting her so soon. We never enjoyed that particular blessing around here. I could tell you stories... Maybe I'll post about the time Henry shat tinsel and then redecorated my hub's office!

Anyway, congrats Kitty Momma. She's a beauty.
xo pf

white rabbit said...

That's a nice story. Someone has a soft centre ;)

Sarcastic Bastard said...

Heya, Mel. Great to hear from you again.

Thanks for your kind words.

Love,

SB

Sarcastic Bastard said...

Indigo,
I thought of you when I went to pick Shelby up. I know you love animals like I do.

I love you.

SB

Sarcastic Bastard said...

Nicky Nick,
You made a FUNNY.

Love you dear boy,

SB

Sarcastic Bastard said...

Petit Fleur,
Yes, do tell the tinsel story.

Love,

SB

Sarcastic Bastard said...

White Rabbit,
Shhhhh. Don't let that soft centre stuff get out. It will ruin me.

Love,

SB

May said...

Dear SB,
You are the best, sweetest Kitty Mama I have ever known. Whenever my cat acts up (like this morning) and I have to yell "God DAMMIT Lupita!!!" I think of you and all your babies and I think WWSBD? And then I smile and clean up whatever thing she broke and all is well.
Love,
May

Sarcastic Bastard said...

May,
You are special to SB. I love the name Lupita, by the way. We used to have a great Mexican restaurant here in the Dayton area called Casa Lupita. I miss it.

You should try cleaning up after SIX cats! Goddamn.

The Dish said...

I love her and all fur babies! Congrats on the new addition!

Glimmer said...

I don't know, looks like Shelby Blue to me. That's just what I am seeing.

Syd said...

Shelby Lee is a great name. I can't wait to hear more adventures. Glad that she fit in with the other furry pets.

Sarcastic Bastard said...

Thanks,Dish!

Sarcastic Bastard said...

Glimmer,
Good observation, sister.

Love, SB.

Sarcastic Bastard said...

Thanks, Syd!

Ms. Moon said...

I actually tried to post on this this morning but I did not go through all the damn steps because I was in a hurry and there you go- quit being in a damn hurry!
I think Shelby Lee is just a great name and I think Shelby Lee is just a lucky cat and I am so glad y'all found each other.
Meow.

Chic Mama said...

Awww, sounds lovely. You are just so kind.

Bethany said...

Yay! Gorgeous kitty and fantastic name.

Queenneenee said...

now if Shelby can let you sit and shit in peace you're all set! She's a beauty!

Sarcastic Bastard said...

Thanks for all of your kind comments. I am SO in love with Shelby. She is a real doll, and she slept on the pillow next to me last night.