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?
I’m going to give Chewy a try. Do you like it because of the convenience of it or really find it saves money? I’m down to one feral cat that loves to be loved on but has no interest in becoming a indoor cat. Thank goodness he came fixed but I just noticed this morning I used my last wet food for him and he’s not going to be happy tomorrow unless I stop and buy a little to add to his dry food tomorrow. We lost our 17 year old pup a couple weeks ago and I’m finally donating the last of his food today. I saw Chewy also has wild bird sunflower seeds. I’ll do price comparison on that as I go through a lot of sunflower seeds.
I am so excited for you and Charlie !!! Ivy is a beautiful kitty and I love her new name. I think you made a very good decision and I predict that Charlie and Ivy will get on very well. I also use Chewy. I love the selection, convenience and the prices !
That is wonderful news! I think a kitty is a great choice too. She will most likely delight you and Charlie with her antics.
Congrats!! Kitties are wonderful. My daughter’s boyfriend recently lost one of their dogs. Their other dog was so sad. So when they found a kitten on the side of the highway, they adopted him. He is adorable and full of energy and cuddles up with their dog. She loves him and loves having a new companion.
My sister works at a vet’s office. She says that is the best way to bring a new animal member into your home is to take the puppy out to meet the new member away from it’s home. That way they don’t think they are taking over their space but rather joining it. I think this is wonderful! It will give you both something new to experience. Ivy is perfect, I love the name!! Congratulations to the new kitty she is joining an amazing family and thank you for rescuing her.
I love the name Ivy. Her little bandit face is adorable. I hope Charlie likes her and perks up with her company. Also now no mouse will dare set paw in your apartment ! I love Chewys too and I’ve ordered a dog ramp from them and a cat window bed. Can’t wait to see more pictures to come of Miss Ivy ❤️
Great news Brenda ….. kitty looks adorable.
Thanks Mumzy!
I don’t like to carry heavy things, so Chewy’s was my answer. Comes right to my door. And hopefully no mice. Haven’t had any in several years since I got those things you plug into the electrical outlets that emit some sound in the walls that mice hate.
Great news, I hope it all goes well. Love the name Ivy.
The name just popped into my head and stuck.
I am happy for you both .Good luck with your MRI.
Will be thinking of you tomorrow .
Just a few more hours now and we pick her up. I wonder how Charlie’s going to react to us bringing her home?
I’m so excited for you and Charlie!
Thanks, Arli!
Awww I can see why you fell in love! She is so pretty, and her name Ivy is pretty too. So happy for you and her!
Thank you! Not a tiny kitten. Not an adult cat. Just in between.
I think that is awesome and am happy for you! She looks adorable and I’m looking forward to seeing more photos of her!
I’m planning on taking lots of photos!
I’m just getting to this late. I’m so excited for you and Charlie. His little life is about to be turned upside down. Give them a couple of weeks and he will be over the moon w her. I love the name Ivy and it’s just perfect for her. We rescued a kitten on Mother’s Day wknd. She was only 4 wks old. Her owner had a stroke and we took her in. She here’s to stay now. She rules the roost and plays w Eddie. He’s 47 lbs and just loves her. FYI Megan just adopted a horse from a kill lot in Oklahoma. She went thru quarantine for 30 days and has been here two weeks and is gaining weight. She’s a love. Just getting used to Megan. Her name is being change to Tiffany. The rescue gave her that name and M is keeping it. Not sure how long it will take her to learn her new name. Can’t wait to hear how things go tomorrow. I doubt you will sleep good tonight with all the excitement.
Good for you taking in the kitten. So many animals need good homes. And congratulations for Megan getting a horse. She did a very good deed!
Congratulations on your new fur baby. She is adorable. Love the name Ivy. I have thought about a kitten to keep my Hayley company when I am gone, as I can not always take her with me.
I have been wanting to order from Chewy.com and I think you have sold me. I don’t like to order anything on line but I think I will give them a try.
Thank you for a very nice post
Marilynn and Hayley
Marilynn and Hayley, I think you will love Chewys. I give them 5 stars. My order is here either the very next day or the day after.
I am so happy for you and Charlie. I think she is adorable and Ivy is a sweet name. My Annie doesn’t play with toys either and I think it’s because she didn’t learn as a kitten. So maybe Ivy will and cats do love to bat things around! Yay!!
I have mouse catnip toys, balls and a toy with bells in it that rolls. Picked up a pink collar and cat bed too. And a brush and kitty treats. The rest came from Chewys. But I dropped by Petsmart yesterday for the other things. The only thing not here yet is the litter. If it doesn’t get here soon, I’ll need to run out and get some, as we’re going to pick her up at 11:00.
Awesome Brenda! I think both of you will love this little girl and kittens are so entertaining to watch; she will keep Charlie occupied. I too order from Chewy and love the box being delivered right to my front door. I love the name Ivy, it sounds perfect! I look forward to hearing of their antics and what a wonderful addition.
Carol and Molly
xoxoxo
I hope she will keep Charlie entertained when I am online working, Carol and Molly!
Oh Brenda i’m so happy for you and can not wait to hear more about Ivy! I think the photo of Ivy curled up sleeping is precious. Perhaps having a furry friend will be just what Charlie needs to cure his restlessness. Best wishes to all of you!
I sure hope so. He crawls over me back and forth all day when I’m working online. He just seems bored in my opinion.
So very happy for you and Charlie! I think Ivy will bring you much love and joy. We have 2 dogs and 3 cats. All get along just fine. Our one cat, Missie, always hides for a few days when a new change takes place, but then she settles down again nicely. I do not allow the cats on our counters, tables, etc. Years ago my girlfriend told me that using a spray bottle filled with water would be the thing to use in deterring the cats from jumping up where I didn’t want them. I set it to a mist spray and would squirt them. They hopped down and quickly learned where they weren’t allowed to be. One thing I would highly recommend is a scratching post, or your mattress corners, drapes or couch might get damaged. Our cat, Checkers, loves wood, and tried using our table legs before we gave him his own short piece of 2×4 to use. Our other cat, Ziva, likes a carpeted type of scratching post. Wishing you all the best and loads of fun as you experience life with a curious, playful kitty once again!
Oh, I’m so glad you mentioned what you do when they jump on counter tops! I was worrying about what to do regarding that problem.
I’m so excited for you, Charlie and the kitty. Animals are such wonderful people!!!
The best people!
I’m so happy for you – and for the kitty (I love the name Ivy!) and Charlie, too!
I’m with you on Chewy being a fantastic company. That’s where I order my cat’s food and treats and they have been nothing but super accommodating whenever there’s been a problem. Can’t say enough good things about that company – wish a lot more were like them!
I can’t think of any company that has better customer service.
Congratulations on your new family member. How fun and exciting! I love the name Ivy. I hope Charlie and Ivy become best pals. Have a wonderful evening and can’t wait to see the homecoming pictures!
I’m a bit anxious. I hope she isn’t too afraid.
Hi Brenda! I am so excited for you and Charlie!!! I love the name Ivy and it fits that precious little kitty!! I think you are amazing for the love that you give your fur babies!! They are so blessed to have you as their momma!!
I try to be a good mama to them.
I am SOOOO happy for you!! And the name Ivy is adorable. My son’s adopted cat is named Lily – other botanical names I love are Clover , Violet and Iris. Do not be discouraged if it takes a little while for the two to become friends. Sometimes it happens right away, and sometimes it takes a few weeks or so. I think Charlie will love the company – and you, too 🙂
I know it might be a difficult transition. That is why I have her all set up in that closet. I cleaned both walk-in closets out, gave away much of what I had in there to the maintenance man who has the church, and now both closets are clean and neat. And Ivy has a spot for everything in one of them.
Congrats ! Hopefully they will become best friends . That’s the way it is with Hootie , my white dog and Fluff the cat . They are heartbroken when they are separated . Even small amounts of time , like when Hoots at the groomer . I think ivy is a great name . I hope you have many snuggly days with your new little friend .
I hope so too. Charlie won’t let me snuggle him.
I should have mentioned we are a odd bunch here Hootie is a pure bread Cotton de tule are , Fluff was a barn cat that my old neighbor brought home and then tossed out . Ollie is a mini poodle that l adopted last year in July , so we celebrate adoption day instead of a birthday. And chub in a grey kitty that lives outside and won’t come in the house .
Everything you wrote sounds great to me. I’m happy that you and Charlie are going to have a new family member. I think Ivy is a great name, but if you aren’t sure, you could consider Lily. It is kind of like Allie, and is a plant name too. Whatever you name her, I think she’ll come running. She is adorable. My husband and I used to not be attracted as much to black and white cats as to other colors. But then we got our guy named Calvin, and we just love his black and white look. Your gal looks very smart and also very frisky. She is going to keep you and Charlie on your toes! Good for you, Brenda, for taking a shot at it, and giving that little sweetie a good home. She has no idea how fortunate she is going to be, moving in with an animal lover like you!
One of the dogs I had before Abi and Charlie was named Lily.
Well, that might seem a bit repetitive! I had a dog named Daisy. Flower names are great for pets. But so are lots of other names. Right now, we have a cat named Calvin. He came with that name, so we just kept it because it seemed to fit. It’s an old-fashioned name, and he looks old fashioned in his little tuxedo coat.
I’m so happy you’re adopting a new pet for, especially with you losing Abi. The cat is adorable and I hope Charlie will eventually love her too. I love the name Ivy. No one knew what Sadie’s real name was because she was a stray. The animal shelter named her Marie, but we didn’t like that name for her so we renamed her Sadie Sue. It only took a short time before she recognized her new name.
I like Sadie Sue. I thought of Sadie, but recently a blogger I know named her dog that.
Hi. Just read this comment. I want to say that whatever name you like the most, pick it, no matter if you are aware of 20 other people with pets that have that name. It will be you saying the name every day, so, it needs to be one you love!
That is such good news, Brenda. It’s a win/win situation. Ivy finds her forever home and you and Charlie find unconditional love. These beautiful little animals bring their love with them. Ivy Rain would be pretty. You will be a wonderful Mama to her. Hugs, Elaine
That’s kind of pretty. Unusual.
When I saw the pictures of your new kitty, I thought it was our 1960’s cat, Honey! Twin, for sure. My dtr. who was five when we got Honey, named her and she was such a wonderful cat. Good luck getting Charlie used to your kitty.
I may need it!
Congratulations Brenda and Charlie. Looking forward to reading and seeing pictures of your kitty Ivy.
As soon as I can get a photo of her, I’ll post it.