Micky & Merl Getting Checked Out

Merl peeks around the desk in my office. 
He's not very happy to be here.

Micky likes being in the office.  He has
no problem cat-napping before his
appointment in the medical center.

Enough rambling about rambunctious little Charlotte. The older guys in the house need attention, too. And, not just cuddle-time; they need more veterinary care than Charlotte. Micky and Merl are hanging in my office today since both are going to be examined by Dr. Rosen later today. Nothing is wrong, just slowing down, getting older. And, neither Mick nor Merl can tell me what, if anything, ails them. So, Dr. Rosen will poke, prod and ask me lots of questions. "Are they eating?" Yes. "Are the throwing up?" Yes. "Which one?" Not sure, probably Merl. And, since I'm not as observant as I could be, Dr. Rosen will have to use other tools of the veterinary profession to investigate further. Both cats will have blood drawn. And both cats will probably have their urine checked. Neither cat will cooperate, both will have to be held down.  But, when it's over, I'll know if they need anything extra to keep them healthy so they feel up to keeping Charlotte in line.

Cats, Cats, and More Cats!!!

The Washington Animal Rescue League has a GREAT cat room, the resident cats spend time roaming the floor, climbing the kitty-jungle-gym, and playing with lots of cool toys donated by generous supporters. But, as good as it is here, it's not home. We've got some cats who have been waiting a LONG, LONG time for their forever homes. Look at these guys, Bruno, Whiskey, and Jules are just three of the many WONDERFUL adult cats waiting patiently for their someone to say, "I love him, I want him to live with me -- forever!" The more than 5 dozen cats living in the cat room are patiently waiting for homes with people showering them with attention, windows to look out, and multiple beds to curl up on. If your family is thinking about adopting a friend, consider an older cat. Cats have a long life span, an indoor cat can live to be 20 years old! Most kids will be long gone by 20, but a loyal cat, like any of these guys, will be content to stay at home.

To see all of the adoptable animals at the League check out our web site, http://www.warl.org/ or click on the picture of Maya (another long-time resident) pictured in the column to the right.

No New Home for the Holidays!

This is Cassius Clay, one of my favorites at the League. He is a big, bruiser of a cat who looks tough, but is a real love. Cassius Clay's namesake is Muhammad Ali (born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr.; January 17, 1942). Ali, the three-time World Heavyweight Champion is widely considered one of the greatest boxers of all time. Our Cassius Clay is definitely not a fighter. He'll nudge your fist or knee and he'll come running right up to you when you say, "Hi Handsome!"

So, why is he here and not in a forever home? Well, he's 11-years-old. And, while 11 is quite young in people years (only fourth or fifth grade, not old enough to drive or vote), 11 is middle-aged for a cat, and most adopters are looking for a younger cat. Too bad -- because they are missing out on a real sweetheart. A middle-aged cat does not mean a sick or sedentary cat. Eleven is just a number -- and in cat years it means not a youngster, but not a geezer either.

The holidays are a hectic time. Lots of folks who are thinking about welcoming a cat or dog into their homes, choose to wait until all of the travel and celebrations are over. Maybe Cassius Clay's new person is planning right now, he or she just hasn't met this handsome hunk yet. My favorite kitty could easily undergo a name change -- I vote Romeo!