It’s Christmas time again. Mom and Dad have put up the tree and the kids helped decorate it and I am trying so, so hard to be good, but man, would I love to climb that.
I was adopted a few years ago from the Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter and on my first Christmas, I knocked the tree over three different times. I thought for sure I would be returned to the shelter, but to my surprise, it didn’t happen.
At one point, I’m pretty sure I heard Dad ask Mom why they decided to get a kitten.
She said this was all part of pet ownership and it made my heart warm. I had a pretty good feeling I was going to stay, no matter what.
Looking back, I was kind of a jerk when I was younger. I took over everything, including the dog’s bed. It’s just that Charlie is so easily swayed to do my bidding, I’d be kind of embarrassed for him if I wasn’t too busy taking advantage of it.
He even lets me eat his dog food! I don’t even really like dog food! I just get such a kick out of being able to put my face in his bowl without him doing a thing to stop me. It’s exhilarating!
The kids are growing up and they don’t rat me out when I’m being a little ornery like they used to. Sometimes they even like to see how many different items I can knock off the top of the book shelf. It’s fun to make them laugh like that.
Ashley and I have a bit of a routine when she gets home from school. She hollers for me when she comes in the door and we sit on her bed and she brushes me and tells me about her day. Man, that brush is amazing. It’s like heaven!
It kind of started a month or two ago when she came home looking pretty sad. I couldn’t help but tiptoe into her room and it all just fell into place.
She said, “Simba, I don’t think I’m going to make it through ninth grade. High school is the worst! I liked being in middle school.”
See, the older kids aren’t that nice to the newbies. That’s what Ashley said any way. She said it was way better being the oldest in the school, like she was in middle school. Now she had to start all over and it’s overwhelming and intimidating.
I get it. When my siblings and I first came to the shelter, we were totally freaked out. The cats that had been there longer told us all kinds of stories.
I wish I could tell her that I understand, but instead all I can do is purr and curl up in her lap. I hope she understand.
Before dinner, Gabe and I play catch. He tosses a ball for me and I chase it down and bring it back. He plans on trying out for softball this spring. He’s a junior in high school and got into softball this summer at the Y. He really likes it and thinks it could be something that he could even continue in college.
Can you believe I know all this human stuff? Isn’t it wild?
I never dreamed this would be my life when my siblings and I were out on the street with our mom. I think about them some days and hope they’re all doing as well as I am. I really hit the lottery with this family.
It’s getting to be dinner time, so I better head out to the dining room. I like to walk around my family’s feet as their eating. That’s when I find out a lot about what’s going on with them and what I can expect, especially with the holidays. I have a feeling there are going to be guests that I might be able to torment a little. Heh.
Plus, I have to keep Charlie in line. He’s always begging for a nibble from the kids. He thinks those brown eyes of his can get him whatever he wants. I like to be his reality check.
Mom sits down at her place at the table and gives my head a pat. She still lets me sleep on her pillow next to her head.
Talk about a Christmas wish being granted. I’m one lucky cat.
Unconditional love really is the best gift of all.
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Jennifer Vanderau is the Public Relations Coordinator for the Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter and can be reached at cvascomm@cvas-pets.org. The shelter accepts both monetary and pet supply donations. For more information, call the shelter at 717-263-5791 or visit the website www.cvas-pets.org. CVAS also operates a thrift store in Chambersburg. Help support the animals at the shelter by donating to or shopping at the store.
