Duchess

In exactly one hour and twenty one minutes we will be bringing a new friend home.  I was so excited that I cannot sleep!
Her name is Duchess and she is perfect!

I will be spelling her name a bit differently.  I hope she doesn't mind! Hi Duchess!  I cannot WAIT to see you again!  Oddly, I always have animal names lined up in case I meet another stray.  Duchess was the next name on my list.

While creating my last "New Leash On Life" post I gave in to  PetFinder temptation and I looked in my local area for pets in need.

Several weeks ago I lost one of my best kitty friends, Shenanigan, to cancer.  The loss was unexpected and devastates me to this day.  I miss her more than mere words can define.

I know all too well how many animals need loving homes.  It is heart wrenching.  

All of our kitties were strays.  They literally walked into our lives (and we are all the better for it!)

Since we have moved to our new home there are no strays in the immediate area.  I know.  I have been looking! The subdivision is brand new and devoid of any animal life.  No squirrels, skunks, oppossums, raccoons.  Some birds.  Not many.  No trees.  I digress...

When Shenanigan passed my husband said "well, we are used to having six cats..." Hardened police officer by night, cat furniture by day (he works nights).

I am in no way attempting to replace Shenanigan.  She has a special place in my heart, in the fabric of me.  My animal friends have given me nothing but unconditional love.  It is a breeze and a gift to love them back.  The amazing thing about love is that the more you give the more you have to give.  My pets taught me that.  In doing so, they have planted a seed in my heart and soul.

I called the shelter where Duchess has been living for the past  EIGHT YEARS!!!  They have a policy that you have to wait 24 hours between filling out paperwork an bringing your pet home.  Since they are closed on Fridays we had to wait until today. On Thursday,  Gracie and I sped to the shelter to meet Duchess before they closed.  I was so nervous, afraid she wouldn't like me.  The shelter manager directed me to her cage.  It was open but she was sleeping inside.  All the cats roam during the day.  I was in kitty heaven!

We walked to her cage and asked the manager if Duchess minded if I picked her up.  The manager told me that she didn't know because "no one ever tries".  

I spoke softly and gently lifted her.  She was so full of purrs and affection!

Duchess is thirteen years old.  She was found abandoned in a vacant apartment with her kitten eight years ago.  Her kitten died.  She had a terrible eye infection which necessitated its removal.  Poor, perfect little angel. 

No one had tried to pick her up...  That echoes in my head.

Her story isn't the only one.  There were so many sad looking little babies who had been let down by the people they trusted.

We will be getting ready to leave soon.  

Duchess!  We will be there when the shelter opens! You will sleep on velvet, feathers and silk.  You will eat out of silver and crystal.  We will love you forever. We will cherish every moment of your time with us.  I will never let you suffer again.  I promise.  I promise.