Conventional wisdom is that people should wait a while before replacing an animal or pet that dies. I’ve never subscribed to conventional wisdom, and at age 76, I will have plenty of time to wait soon enough.
Yesterday, I contacted Salem’s Community Cats, a rescue group specializing in finding good homes for feral and barn cats. They make sure their cats are neutered and given their shots.
Many rescue groups think they are helping these abandoned cats by refusing to let them be adopted. This is the same logic that prohibits people who are old, poor, hard-working, or unable to afford tall fences from adopting pets they would love to love.
I admire this group; we have raised money for them occasionally, and they take great care to place animals in loving homes, all much better than a lifetime in kennels and crates getting hugged once in a while.
There are so many feral and homeless barn cats in America; it is one of the shameful holes in America where animals fall through.
Darlene got back to me right away and asked me many questions, and we are talking this afternoon, Darlene, Maria, and me. We were expecting to wait a while, but Maria is very much a cat and dog person, and I have never been any good at waiting.
My grief idea about animals is this: I love animals; they are a part of my life, and when one dies I am eager to love another. That’s how I heal, rather than post heartbroken messages on Facebook on the anniversary of their deaths. It works for many people; that’s their choice. It just doesn’t work for me or for me Maria.
I just try to take the drama out of it.
Maria and I like the look of Zip (and he takes a nice picture.) He’s a stray, a young adult that a woman found and took under her wing while searching for the right home. He is neutered and has his rabies and distemper vaccinations.
Since we have no other cats, he would have little trouble acclimating to the farm and our roomy barn. No cat can do much better than living with Maria. So, we’re going to talk to Darlene this afternoon.
I thought about my age and wondered if I should get an animal who is likely to outlive me. But Maria is 17 years younger than I am, and no cat could have a better human to care for him or her.
He will be well cared for here.
We looked at his photo together and said, “This is our barn cat.” Apart from our love of animals comes a distaste for rats and mice. Barn cats do a lot of good.
Salem Community Cats is the real deal. I admire the group and have donated to them. The fate of these cats is a hidden crisis in the animal world. They are doing something about it.
I hope some of you can help them, their costs are high. They save the lives of a lot of cats. You can donate easily via Paypal or through the mail. This is tentative, but it feels promising to me and Maria. We want and need a barn cat on Bedlam Farm.
Jon, that cat ZIP ! What a champion cat ! Thank you for turning to Salem’s Community Cats !!!!
I’ve always found females to be the better hunters (over the years with barn cats), but ZIP is lovely, and if he is your lucky choice, then I hope he works out well!
OMG the Tuxedo cat is the best! I have one and they are total characters, my favorite cat ever and have had a lot of cats. I say RUN don’t walk to get Zip…you will be very happy with this one…💖😻👍🌈❤️
I donate monthly to Salem’s Community Cats because I grew up there..and as a kid, watched as so many cats and kittens were discarded or drowned because, well, people just didn’t spend money on cats. I was so happy to see this group form and thrive in this area. Good luck w/Zip.
OMG … I can only imagine the person at the rescue taking THAT call. “So, I’m a relatively famous person known for my love and devotion to all sorts of animals. I have a small farm with a barn and lots of space. My wife worships cats. We just lost our barn cat. Do you have a somewhat anti-social and hard-to-place cat that would be very happy to have a warm safe place to live with limited but available contact with human beings and an assortment of other beloved animals?” You are lucky the rescuer that answered that particular call didn’t faint! Yeah for you!! If Zip is the man, he is one lucky cat and has some serious paw prints to fill.
I recently lost a beloved Cocker spaniel. I’m older so traditional wisdom says don’t rescue too soon if at all. I have a 12 year old border Collie. Traditional wisdom says don’t force another dog on her, she’s old , she deserves a peaceful old age.. I’m taking a moment to consider but my thought process says to save a life. None of us know what tomorrow brings.
He’s cute. I have a thing for the tuxedos! They are sweet from my experience. I def think a mouser is needed on a farm. I learned the hard way after a big rat infestation when we were in between cats. Now we have three and only see a rat occasionally. And mice and moles haven’t a chance here! I forget have tokens of love left on the barn floor! I hope it works out with Zip! If not I know there are many barn cat rescues that would love to give you a cat (or more!).
Hooray for Tuxedo Zip!
Tuxedo cats are the best! My husband and I have had several over the years, and they have all been great cats. Good choice, and I hope you have many happy years together.
Zip!! He looks like my Runi, reincarnated 3 years on. I love that you’re giving him a home. Lucky cat!