A Special Friend

About six weeks after my husband died, the quietness of the house really got to me. I missed having someone waiting for me when I came home and someone to be with during the long evenings.

Since I had owned a number of cats over the years, I considered becoming a pet owner again. Cats have such spirit, independence, intelligence, curiosity, and are so affectionate. So, I began my quest for a new friend.

My first step was to call my favorite veterinarian, who had cared for my last three cats. Frequently, clients bring cats to his clinic for adoption. Unfortunately for me, he had just placed a brother and sister the day before, but he suggested the local humane society and added, “Ask for Flora.”

Now that I had some encouragement and a telephone number, I allowed myself to be a little excited. I placed a call to the humane society only to be greeted by an answering machine. Darn. As I recall, the message indicated, “Closed.” Double darn. But, I left my name and number and went on with the day.

About an hour later, my phone rang and a voice I did not recognize asked if I had called for Flora. Yes, I responded, and the woman’s voice broke into laughter. “Flora is a cat,” she giggled.

“Oh! I thought it was someone on staff.” And, I laughed too.

Once we sorted out the mix-up, the pleasant voiced woman described Flora. My heart fell. Flora had many problems, and I had many of my own; so, we would not be a good match. My new cat contact asked what I did want and I listed my criteria: female, no younger than two years, declawed, spayed, short-haired, and a cuddler. A daunting list, to be sure. They had nothing matching my list. She said she would call if such a cat became available, but I hung up the phone feeling anything but hopeful.

Less than two hours later, my phone rang. My contact was very excited. A cat matching ALL of my criteria was to be surrendered that evening. She asked if she could give the owner my information. I was thrilled.

About 7:30 that evening, my phone rang and again it was the humane society gal. She had tried off and on all day, but could not reach the lady with the cat. I was sure this saga would end in disappointment.

Thirty minutes later, the phone rang once more. A young female voice introduced herself. She wondered if she could bring her precious cat to meet me. We agreed on a day and time, and I hung up convinced I had a guardian angel.

Two days later, I met a delightful young woman and her beautiful cat. Molly peeked out of her carrier, looked around the living room and hopped up onto my lap. Her “mom” was moving into a no-pets apartment and decided on the spot her special friend would have a good home with me.

Molly and I have been together since 2004, and she is all that I asked for and more. Her short coat is soft grey, which is a nice accent for her luminous green eyes. She is an excellent cuddler and she converses nicely, especially at meal time. She never asks for people food nor does she jump on the bed—except when I’m in it!

All in all, she has been a real blessing and just what I needed to see me through good days and bad days.

Molly is definitely a special friend.

Madelin Clements is a resident of Sherwood Oaks Retirement Community.