I can't help it.
I really miss my kitties. I had to take them to C.A.T.S. the final full day I was in Medford before departing for Perth, Australia. C.A.T.S., for those of you who are not familiar, is the acronym for Committed Alliance To Strays; a non-profit organization that takes in stray, abandoned, and unwanted cats and kittens and cares for them in the most loving, clean and pleasing environment. They are located in Jackson County on Ross Lane. They do not ask for money, or anything in return. They simply take cats and kittens, make sure they are healthy, comfortable and loved, and put them up for adoption to people looking for a new companion. It is a labor of love for the folks who work and volunteer at C.A.T.S.; a most extraordinary gathering of people who love and are devoted to felines of all kinds who are in need. Jan Whetstone is the executive director, (forgive, please, if that is not the exact title) of C.A.T.S., and has been for many, many years. The energy, time and love she has devoted to cats and the organization is simply extraordinary. The minute I am on Medford turf again, I plan to become a humble servant to do anything that needs doing for this organization.
I acquired one of my cats there; Sosche. He came to me at 4 weeks old, brought in by someone who found him and didn't know what to do with him. Because he was "under age" I had to be his foster home until he was old enough to adopt. He was tiny and scared when Sam and I brought him home that day in June. We were smitten instantly. My other cat, Misha, was less than thrilled with this adorable bundle of fur, but it wasn't long before Misha was won over. I had Misha for 9 years and Sosche for 5 years before our journey to Perth became a reality. I relinquished them both to C.A.T.S. amid copious tears, hysterics and hyperventilation. Jan was on hand to personally take care of me (yea, me, not the cats!) since I was a bigger wreck than they were. They were scared; I was devastated.
Today, I have seen their pictures posted on the C.A.T.S. website (www.kittensandcats.org) and it tears my heart out. I hope they are still there when we return to the States because I will go there and snatch them up again. I miss them terribly. But, because C.A.T.S. is such an amazing organization, I know they are being loved and cared for and if they are adopted by anyone during the time I am away, I know whoever gets them will be a genuine cat-lover. The folks at C.A.T.S. are very good at making certain the home these cats go to is the right one for them.
We also miss and talk often about our dog, T-Bone, whom we gave to a couple who seemed to fall in love instantly with T-Bone when they met him. For those of you who don't know, T-Bone is a Border Collie, and smarter than all of us collectively. He was "adopted" by a couple with a huge love for animals, and had a dog appropriately named "Aussie" whom they wanted a friend for. We are in touch with these folks often and have been told of the spectacular way that T-Bone has enriched their lives. He will be going to agility training classes when he reaches one year old, which is in October. Our family is hoping to be able to see T-Bone perform in a dog agility show which are often held at the Jackson County Expo. Border Collies in particular are known to be outstanding performers for this venue. It will be such fun to see him!
Our adventure Down Under is fully underway, but we miss our pets every day. If anyone is moved to volunteer or donate time, money or supplies to C.A.T.S., I would consider it a personal favor to me, repayable many times over when we return.
Pets enrich our lives in so many ways. Remember to love and appreciate yours while you have them. And remember, with July 4th approaching, it's scary out there for dogs and cats. Keep them inside.
God Bless.
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