We’re Expanding Our Family
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We are officially expanding our family, Charlie and I. I am adopting a rescue cat.
Over the last few weeks, since Charlie finished his last antibiotic, he’s been restless. He doesn’t seem to know what to do with himself. I think he’s bored.
He wants out more often. He moves from one side of me to the next every little bit. Then to his bed at the end of the couch. Then back again. Each time I have to lift my laptop to let him across.
And he barks at pretty much anything now.
Charlie never learned to play with toys, even though there’s a big plastic container in my closet full of them.
He never would chew bones, which is probably why he’s down to two teeth.
I Made a Decision:
So I’ve thought about it and thought about it. And I decided that I’m getting him/us a companion. A kitty.
We have not met her in person yet. I found her on the Animal Aid of Tulsa website. They have a thrift shop about a block from my vet, which funds their animal rescue efforts.
Tomorrow at 11 a.m., we are going there to meet and bring our kitty home. She is 19 weeks old. They say she does well with dogs and is very chatty and affectionate.
She is neutered, chipped, and vaccinated.
Below is a photo of her when she was younger. It is the photo I saw on their website.
Below, she’s an itty-bitty kitten, and they named her Allie. I will be renaming her.
Here are a couple of photos they sent me, taken when she was a bit older.
Isn’t she adorable?
Here’s a more recent photo.
Chewy.com:
I have placed an order with Chewy.com, where I get Charlie’s prescription diet food and other items I will need for her. Even though I placed the order yesterday afternoon, it should be here today.
I have to say I love Chewy’s. They have excellent customer service. Most of the time I order online, but to make sure the order would arrive before Friday, I called and chatted with a young man there.
They’re so nice and accommodating. Whenever I have received dog food cans with dents, I call them, and they put the cash amount back on my bank card.
I think their prices are great too. Shipping is so fast, and it’s free for orders over a certain amount. I can’t say enough good things about this company.
The Debate:
I debated on an adult cat, a young cat, or a kitten. But when I saw this kitten’s face, I fell in love. She is kind of in between. Not a baby kitten, but not an adult.
Charlie will still get to go in the car with me when I’m out and about, and I’m not planning to go inside anywhere (you know I would never leave him in a car).
Charlie goes out on the patio with me, but the kitty will not. She will be an indoor kitty.
I still sing the little made-up song to Charlie at night once the lights are out. After I sing the song, I say: “Night, night, sweetie. Mama loves her Charlie boy.”
Cleaning Out the Closet to Get Ready:
I have cleaned out one of my walk-in closets. And I will put the litter box, which is entered from the top, on the trunk in the closet. I will leave the door a bit open so she can come and go as she pleases.
I’ve made her a bed in there and will put her food and water in the closet up high to give her her own space and to separate them at first. I will always have her food and litter box up high so Charlie can’t reach it.
I’m home most of the time, so I can watch them closely. And I’ll separate them when I go out, until they become accustomed to one another.
My heart is still very heavy every time I think of Abi. I look at her photo, and I am overcome with emotion. I think most of you animal lovers understand that.
Oh, and I asked them if changing her name would be problematic. They said no. The name Allie is just a bit too close to Abi. I’m afraid I’d go around calling her Abi. Or I’d feel sad because they sound so alike.
The gardener in me wants her name to be Ivy. What do you think?
Well, good for you! I think this will be good for Charlie, and Ivy is a great name. She will most likely hide for a couple of days and you won’t see much of her, but soon enough she will venture out.
That’s what I figure. She’ll have a nice hiding place with everything she needs and won’t have to venture from the closet till she wants to. There is no smell of Charlie in the closets because I keep the doors closed.
Ivy is a lovely name! And perfect for you , the great gardener!
Congratulations to all 3 of you!!
I like Ivy. Not sure why. I guess because I like to grow it.
Is it a female or male? Females are spayed and males are neutered.
Oh, I didn’t know there was a difference. She is a she.
She looks like an Ivy. So cute! I’m so happy for you and Charlie.
Thank you!
What an adorable kitty! I am sure she will fill your home with love. Kitties love to be petted, I’m sure she will fill the need to love on a furbaby. Best wishes for your family♡
Charlie loves to be petted and brushed. I pet him the whole time I’m singing to him, from head to tail. But he doesn’t like cuddling.
That is wonderful news! Ivy is a perfect name for her. I bet the 3 of you will be so happy. Plus it might help Charlie when you do have to go out. I can’t wait to see all of the mischief she gets into! Lol.
I’m hoping he won’t feels so lonely. I rush and rush when I’m out to get home to him. So that’s kept me from doing things with Andrew. They just come here now. I wonder what Andrew will think about her? They have a dog.
Congratulations on your new family member. Hope she and Charlie become good friends soon. My daughter has had dogs and cats all her married life and they slept together and did fine.
I hope the same goes here. Charlie likes to sleep at the foot of the bed.
You will love having a kitty again, Brenda. I bet she is playful and will bring a spark to Charlie’s life!! They will probably be friends and playmates. She is just adorable and I like the name Ivy! xo Diana
I sure hope they become friendly with one another. I know it will take time.
Congrats Brenda! So happy to hear this. Ivy is a perfect name. It’s close enough to Allie that she will adapt quickly. We did that with one of the dogs we have now. Choose a name close to what she was being called in her foster home. And I couldn’t agree more about Chewy.com. Such a great company.
I never buy pet supplies any where else now.
Gina
That’s what I thought about the name. Not far from Allie. I thought about Ellie. But I like Ivy.
Brenda,
She looks so sweet and I love the name Ivy. I love the pictures of Charlie also. I love his eyes.
Susan
He does have the most beautiful eyes, my Charlie Boy.
Congrats on your new addition. I hope everything goes well when you bring her home and I think the name Ivy is purrfect!
Well, Charlie is about to drive me crazy crawling over me constantly all day long. I hope nothing is amiss and it’s just boredom.
this is wonderful and exciting news and Ivy is a perfect name for her!
she is just beautiful! I’m so happy for you and Charlie both. xo
I keep talking about “kitty” with Charlie. But I think it’s confusing him.
Congratulations and I think the new name, Ivy, is perfect. Enjoy your new addition.
Thanks. I have an MRI on my neck Monday and see a doctor on Wednesday. I hope to have things somewhat sorted by then with the pets.
Congratulations to you and Charlie! I think Ivy is a lovely name. I once had a cat with similar markings
whose name was Daphne.
Daphne is a pretty name.
I like the names Ivy and Daphne. I have a Tiger Lily and had cats named Poppy, Violet Rose and Pumpkin.
Your beautiful Ivy is what they all a ‘Cow Kitty’! LOL
I’m so very happy for you.
Oh Ivy, you are going to be very blessed in your forever home!♥️
I hope she thinks so.
I hope the 3 of you have a wonderful life together. Ivy is a lovely name and seems to suit her.
Thanks Sonny. Miss talking to you.
Oh…that is a darling kitten! I know she is going to be a good addition to the family. I’m sure everyone will adjust in no time. I had thought about getting a kitten myself, but I don’t think Priss will appreciate it. I really don’t want a cat if they jump up and down on cabinets, furniture, etc.
You will be a great mom!
Congrats!!!
I don’t want a cat jumping up on kitchen cabinet and dining tables either. Maybe one of you experienced cat owners will give me good tips.
I’m not a cat person at all but I love that you’re rescuing this precious girl! I think it’s a wise decision for you and for Charlie.
How about Ivy Rose? ?
xo
Pat
Abi was Abi Rose. So I want something different if I give her a middle name.
I love the name Ivy, but any flower name would work. I’m so glad you’re getting a kitty! Two of my grown children have adopted kitties in the past few months with great results, and they’re both completely inside cats. Congratulations, good decision. Looking forward to hearing all the details of her settling in!
Well you know I’ll tell you everything!
She looks like an Ivy!!! What a sweet face – I hope the transition goes as well as Molly’s transition into our little family!
I think this will be a good thing for both you and Charlie – it will be good for you to have another little sweet baby to love and spoil!
I would loved to have adopted a dog like your Mollie. But living in an apartment, even with the patio, I still worry about the barking.
Yeah Brenda for adopting. You will be a great forever home for this sweet little kitty. Allie does not know it yet but her life and luck are about to change when you pick her up. She is going to be so loved by you and Charlie and have a great new home. Hugs to you for helping out with adopting a rescue.
Kris
I think reading that you adopted recently gave me a little push.
This is so exciting! I think Charlie will love her and you will have another member of the family in the house! I love the name Ivy! Congratulations to the 3 of you!
Thank you, Elizabeth. I know you are a good pet mama.
Oh my goodness; what a wonderful post today. Allie (Ivy) is a doll and looks so healthy, lively and has such expressive eyes; she will keep Charlie (and you) busy for quite some time. I am so happy for you and look forward to all the stories about getting acquainted with the new member of your family. I am sure this new kitten will keep you and Charlie entertained (and crazy) for the upcoming months.
We use Chewy as well for our pet needs; good prices, prompt delivery, and great customer service.
I have agonized and agonized over this decision. I’d look at rescue animals online and my heart would be heavy for all the ones who need homes. Then I’d talk myself out of it. Finally just did it. Hope all turns out well!
Declawed…autocorrect thinks it is helping me.
declawed!!!! never. several of our provinces do not allow this antiquated and obviously cruel practice.
When I adopted my Dexter I had to sign to say I wouldn’t declaw him.
One only has to apply it to oneself to know what it would be like without nails! If you don’t want a cat to act naturally then don’t have a cat.
Ivy sounds perfect. I also like Dahlia and Pansy. I have a Lily and Taishi. My latest addition is a Golden Doodle that I named Yankee( as in Yankee Doodle). I keep her leashed in the house because she lunges at the cats. They dash away and hide, but I am reluctant to unleash her since she is 4 months old, bitey and much larger than the cats. They both are declared, so I am not sure if they could evade her. I am trying to teach her manners. She is smart and a fool for treats, so I am hoping she will coexist with the cats as she matures. I am looking forward to meeting Ivy or whatever name you decide suits her. She looks very sweet.
I figured naming her Ivy would kind of sound like Allie.
I am so happy for you. I think you have made a wonderful decision. For years we only had a dog. Then a cat decided that he should live here. We adopted him and he and our Dani got along just fine. After he passed away I really missed having a cat so we adopted another. Her name is Cleopatria (Cleo for short) and they got along just fine. A couple of years ago we lost our Dani and that made Cleo even more important. We also have an outside cat who adopted us. I wanted to bring her inside but she didn’t like that idea so she lives on our deck. She has a comfortable bed and in the winter she sleeps in a dog house that has a heated pad in it. We also have a heated bowl for her water so it doesn’t freeze. We are empty nesters and our pets fill a very empty spot in our lives. I love the name Ivy and can’t wait to meet her.
You are a good pet mom. There are so many pets that need homes out there. I wish I could take them all.
I think you are a wonderful parent to your fur baby feline. You honor her preferences and yet give her great comfort and care. What a lucky kitty !
OMG I am over the moon happy for you!!! Ivy is perfect name and so sweet looking. I think Charlie will like the energetic company of a kitty cat as I know it keeps my two dogs happy when they run around together in the house. It usually happens right after dinner and they decide to play chase or hide and seek behind a door and tempt the dogs to find him. We laugh and laugh over their antics all together and when I go to sleep at night with all three on our bed, I know my life is full and blessed as can be. It sounds like you are all prepared and know exactly where to get so that Charlie doesn’t try to get into anything. I can’t wait to see pictures of your new baby in your home. Congratulations. Good choice to follow your heart.
Since Charlie won’t play with toys or chew bones, I got him a nice blue dog bed for the car. He loves beds.
Beautiful kitten. They can be so affectionate. I think it’s a wonderful idea. Ivy sounds nice.
I just don’t know anyone named Ivy, never heard of a pet named Ivy. It stuck with me.
Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!
Great news! I think this will work wonderfully for all of you! Thank you for adopting! Best wishes for heavenly match made on earth. She is beautiful and Ivy is a lovely name.
Absolutely good news! All catties & kitties are fun! We had 3 for many years. Now just the 2 poochies is all I can do. CHEWY is the best! We get everything from them. Always complimentary delivery!! Hope to see more pictures of Allie! Or Ivy. Both sweet.
I’ll try to get photos of her when I bring her home tomorrow. Most of my Chewys order has already arrived. The litter box with the opening at the top, catnip toys, dry and canned food. But the litter has not arrived yet.
I don’t know why I fixated on Ivy. I just got back from Petsmart. Of course ordering from Chewys wasn’t enough. I got her a pink bed, pink collar, Meow food/water bowl, treats, a brush, and a few cheap toys. Maybe she will play with all those toys Charlie won’t have a thing to do with. Maybe then he’ll change his mind!