In my previous life, I lived in downtown Schenectady on a dead end street. While sitting on my porch one evening a person drove down to the dead end sign opened their door and ‘threw out’ a small creature into the woods. Of course, being investigative in nature, I went down and picked up a lovely cream colored kitten. This is how we became foster parents. We just couldn’t help ourselves. What is going to happen to these innocent victims, if we were not their to help. My husband and I had the discussion, going back and forth, of whether or not, give her up. Shelters were overbooked, other fosters were filled to the brim. The only other logical thing was to see if anyone wanted to adopt her. And so, we named her joy (joyful), then brought this cutest little buddle to Petsmart to see if anyone would be willing to bring her home.
Now, we were already very cautious. Often going back and forth on if this is the right thing to do. You know, you get in your mind that someone else would not do the right thing and love her as much as you can. This is dangerous think – as you and I know that there are some very nice people in the world – who would love her as much as we do.
Fear sets in, and I find myself watching everyone with scrutinizing eyes as many people walk past the window; ews and aws were constant as Joy was playing with her ball in the window.
Then it happened! One middle aged lady with a red lipstick, a red hat, and a matching scarf came over to the window. She was short in stature with big rimmed glasses; having to stand on tiptoe to see her. She tapped on the glass. Joy turned to look at her. The women smiled and then blurted, “how nice, you will go great with my curtains”.
Well, that was it! I grabbed all of my stuff, and then Joy, and brought her home.
Did I over react? Well maybe. But at least I did not regret it. She was true to her name and throughout the years spent with her, she was amazing, loving, and full of life.
So, if you are ever in a position of fostering a cat, you are the last defense. Please, make sure that the person you gift the cat truly appreciates them and not, just because, they go with their curtains!