A day or so ago, Maria looked at my body dropped across the floor, searching for some sign of life, and thought I was dead.
This morning, we got on the phone with Anne, a neighbor down the road who is fostering Zip (I love the name), and made plans to meet Zip, an abandoned outdoor and barn cat looking for a permanent home.
I love that about life and respect it. Life goes on and on.
Zip is being offered for adoption by Salem Community Cats, a novel feral and barn cat rescue organization just up the road for us. (I’ve raised money for them.)
The rescuing and homing of abandoned barn cats is an issue close to my heart; millions of them need homes, while most rescue groups refuse to put them up for adoption, part of their national campaign to keep animals away from humans.
Like the no-kill people who think they are being friendly to dogs by creating them for years, these outdoor cats are often trapped or locked in crates for the rest of their lives, waiting for their weekly visits from volunteers.
Salem Community Cats is an admirable exception; they are trying to help the millions of feral and barn cats without homes or medical care. They recognize that living outdoors has dangers, but also realize these cats need care and a chance to live their lives.
Zip was abandoned, perhaps by summer visitors, and is hanging out at a house a few miles away.
He has been neutered and vaccinated, which we will, of course, continue to due.
Anne, his caretaker, says he is friendly and slightly lonely. He has lived outdoors for some time.
He loves to be around people and hang out with them. Wait until he meets Maria and Zinnia. I am drawn to the photo of Zip; I’m looking forward to meeting him. Bedlam Farm needs a barn cat and watch out for mice and rats. (Minnie got rid of all of them.)
We’ll meet him on Tuesday, and if all goes right with the visit, we’ll set up a very comfortable and safe spot in the barn for him to sleep. We have no plans to let him into the house, but my money is on him getting in at some point.
This may be a cat I fall for, like Flo. I’m looking forward to it.
The cat always chooses their human. I hope Zip chooses you. He’s a very handsome boy.
He looks just like my cat Domino I had for 15+ years. My neighbor, an RN, adopted him & had him fixed. When he was 6-8 mos. old she quit her job & left to follow the Greatful Dead around the country. ??? We took Domino in, my roommate & me, with absolutely no long term plans. After a few months he & I just hit it off & I kept him til he died. His mannerisms & personality were more like a dog. Loved to play rough & wasn’t afraid of anything. I’ll never get over losing him. The only cat I ever really loved. RIP Domino & RIP Minnie. I’m sure y’all are both leaders up there.
Zip is a cutie.