Okay, so I'm not really a pet lover. I'm sure you already know that about me. Brad is exactly 95% less enthused about pets as I am (severe allergic reactions may have something to do with that). But we were adopted by this funny little kitten that showed up in our back yard in June and refused to leave. After a couple of weeks of wishin' and hopin' that the cat would go back where it came from, and a couple of weeks of listening to the kids fall hopelessly in LOVE with this funny little creature, I finally broke down in a moment and weakness and let them feed it a can of tuna. Well, obviously, if there ever was a chance of the cat leaving before that moment, we had just put that notion to bed. Okay, whatever, we can have an outside cat. Fine. I can handle that.
Well, Kate named her Mittens. She's been a sweet cat, very mellow, and only tried and succeeded in sneaking into the house a few times. The kids have enjoyed her immensely.
Brad and I thought we had better get her to the vet for the basic shots and "the operation" so we didn't end up with lots of little Mittens' running around. So last week I loaded her up in the car, picked Kate up from school, and headed to the vets. During the exam the nurse became completely perplexed as she looked at the cat. First she confirmed what we thought, that Mittens is a girl. Then she took a second, third, and fourth look. Then she started probing around (something I'm just not willing to do). Pretty soon she found a boy part, but not the accompanying boy parts (please don't make me say it). She was very perplexed so she called in the vet, who came to investigate. Long story short, after some intense yowling on Mittens' part it was determined that SHE is a HE, and if you want to get really technical, an IT.
He came to us as a kitten, but apparently was just old enough to be neutered before he showed up on our doorstep. So, a big THANKS to whoever fixed Mittens, (who is now known as Mitt around these parts!). We are relieved to know that we won't have anymore little furballs running around here!
Just as a sidenote: Kate was so distressed while they were examining Mitt. She tried so hard not to cry, but couldn't quite hold in her emotions. She is such a sweet, sensitive, caring little thing. She really ADORES animals. She'll probably have a houseful when she's an adult. Poor little kid, she's got a couple of meanies for parents! Just to prove what a gem Brad is, though, he's agreed to build a cat house for Mitt so he can survive the winter. Kate is elated!
April 16-30 2015
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4/16
You need a Clara Barton costume tomorrow!!? No problem.
#pinteresttotherescue
4/17
Emmy did a great job on her Clara Barton report!!
camping in ...
11 years ago
9 comments:
Okay, that title totally made me giggle, first thing that came to mind was Steven Tyler w/ his yucky tight pants and tongue hanging out. (hmmm.....now I'm wondering if that really is his name) Anyway, you are hilarious, can't believe that wierd story, how did you possibly explain that to the kids. HE HE HE HE! How cute that Brad is willing to make a kitty house. Regan is absolutely gaga over animals, I HATE cats but watching how much she adores them makes me want to give in. You are such a good mom!
I think I could do an outside dog, but cats give me the oogs. As you've both said, however, my kids are gaga over all kinds of animals, so we're going to have to give in at some point.
That's really hilarious, by the way. So, did they charge you? Was he/she fixed correctly? What was the discussion like at your house after that experience?!
Loved it.
Kate kept calling him a her and then correcting herself. She's still adjusting. Todd laughed his head off. And Jack insists that we are wrong. "Mittens is a she, Dad. Cats are 'Hers' and dogs are 'Hims'." There is no dissuading him.
They just charged us for the exam and vaccinations. It was a pretty cheap visit. About a 1/4 of what I thought it was going to cost. I'm thinking more kind thoughts about Mitt all the time. :)
Perhaps the best way to explain this is to bring your kids to a branding at the ranch next spring! Should clear up any lingering misconceptions. We just roared reading this little post. Grandpa really likes Mitt and thinks every young child should have an OUTDOOR pet, if possible. Cindy has a short memory...she was the animal lover who brought not one but TWO cats INTO our home (as a replacement for you, as you will remember). One wonderful side benefit of our short stint with cats was ridding our home of mice. Cindy's gray cat (we forget the name) was an amazing mouser! She was able to somehow scale the garage wall up into the attic where she proceeded to eliminate any remaining rodents! We think they came in while the house was empty for a year before we bought it. At any rate, when Cindy and Julie left, so did the cats. We have never had a mouse problem since, but we've never missed the cats either! By the way, love the name MITT!
Love,
Mom and Dad
Herman and Mattie, Mom. Mattie was the grey one.
How was I not allergic to cats back then?
Thanks for the reminder, Julie. Herman came to mind but Mattie had left us completely! Interesting that you weren't allergic back then. Perhaps you willed it so!?
Wow, is it a Rose thing to dislike cats?!!! I have strangers that love my deck, I chase them with the broom, while my children roar with laughter. No TUNA on my deck. You really are a good mom, but just so you know this is how is starts and pretty soon, you mellow and you have a puppy that loves you more than the kids. HAHA Oh well 2 dogs later, I really must admit, I have loved having my little shitzu's they are a part of the family and have comforted many a tender moment, they know when to cuddle up. Tell the kids HI!!!
NO NO NO it's not a ROSE thing to hate cats! Because I think they are adorable! haha! I loved reading your post. My heart melted because my first kitten was named Mittens. I agree with Christie though- before you know it you're going to have a dog- which is OKAY! I think no childhood is complete without a dog. We love our dog Sasha. I almost had Rob talked into getting a kitten- then we found out we were pregnant and that idea went straight out the door. Anyways, fun post! Love you guys!
Oh my gosh. We just inherited a stray kitten for my mom. Her name is Pumpkin Polly. We took her to the Vet last friday for shots, etc. and the Vet informed us Pumpkin is a he not a she. His name is now Pumpkin Peter. (Actually he is an "it" now too). I could totally relate to your story. He is an orange tabby. He is a really really great cat (and I'm not much of a cat lover). We all love him. I hope you enjoy Mitt as we enjoy Pumpkin Peter.
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