Ginger snap

I've been volunteering with cat rescue groups for several years now.  People ask if it's hard getting to know the cats then having to say goodbye when they get adopted.  Of course I am thrilled when a cat gets adopted into a good home.  But I will admit that there have been a few cats with which I've become smitten and was sad when they left the shelter.  Sometimes with no notice -- I would go in expecting to visit and play with them, looking forward to sharing a few moments with that special cat, only to find them gone. 

There was Oreo, a handsome black and white tuxedo who would follow me around.  He loved attention, getting brushed, and playing with string.  Shane was a beautiful orange long-hair cat that eventually warmed up to me would sit on my lap.  He and Oreo became good friends and I often imagined the two of them joining my family!  And there was a gorgeous, affectionate, playful white cat with blue eyes (probably deaf) that was adopted so quickly that I don't even remember his name!

Most recently there was Ginger.  I remember the first time she arrived at Pet Orphans (with her stunning sister, Janey).  She was so scared that she stayed huddled in the corner of the shelf with Janey.  I thought Ginger and Janey were just about the most lovely cats I had ever seen.  They are both tri-colors, Janey a long-hair and Ginger a short-hair.  Eventually, they let me pet them and it was obvious that they craved attention.  After a couple of weeks Ginger came down and she quickly became comfortable in her new surroundings and with her new roommates.  Ginger turned out to be a playful and friendly kitty.  She loved being petted and would roll onto her back and expose her belly for lots of rubs!  When visiting Pet Orphans, I found myself seeking out Ginger first.  She definitely had a special place in my heart and I called her my little Ginger snap.

Then one day she wasn't there!  Sometimes the cats are taken to the vet so I didn't think too much about it, although I was disappointed that I didn't get to see her.  But on the third visit I checked their name cards and hers was gone and my heart dropped!  I knew then that she got adopted.  When I got home, I checked the Pet Orphans website and saw "ADOPTED" written across her biography.  That normally makes me happy, but a piece of my heart was missing this time.

Ginger's new family is very lucky to have her.  But I will miss her friendly face and loving demeanor.  But there's always (at least for now) her sister Janey!!! 

 
A hui hou
=^..^=