I’ll tell you how it happened. My daughter’s at fault for the second time.(a.k.a. Mrs. G., identity protected).
After a year or more, my daughter had a free Saturday and time to check out garage sales. We packed up the kiddies early and off we drove. Not much was in the newspaper, but we hoped to find unadvertised sales along the way. The pickings were slim and I was the lone spender. I found two great books: Ellen Foster by Kaye Gibbons and The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch for fifty cents each.
Mrs. G. turned an unexpected corner and I asked where she was taking us. She smiled with a wicked grin on her face. We were in SPCA territory.
“It’s something new for the kids to do and maybe we can check out current pricing,” she said. My grandkids were excited. (I mentioned a while back I might consider getting a kitten later—in the fall—maybe. Or, maybe not. My mistake.)
We watched a three-month-old kitten because the fuzz ball was entertaining. I liked its fur: various shades of pale grey like smoke and fog. The one and two-year-old cats had the forlorn look you see on television commercials advertising abused animals. I wanted to leave but my granddaughters weren’t ready yet.
I came across a handsome two-year-old grey cat, similar to the kitten but it slept on even when I knocked on the window. I didn’t want a cat that old anyway, already set in its habits. What? Hush up brain.
Another cat was sleeping faced away from the window. I saw a long, sausage squashed between the wall and the kitty litter box. Ug-ly, I thought, and joined the grandkids for a while, but wandered back again. The brindled (sausage) cat was awake. She came up to the window when I tapped it, giving the glass a welcoming body rub, looking up at me. In an instant, I fell in love. Something irritated my eyes. My daughter’s face showed surprise and the grandchildren looked worried.
No-one was more taken aback than me. One-year-old Didi was mine. On the way home, we renamed her to Lady Gaga (my daughter’s suggestion). I was gaga over her. Look at her; she’s one of a kind!
Day three: I feel we’re old friends already and I think Lady Gaga likes me. She plays well but misses me and jump onto my lap crying for attention. She initiates cuddling, cheek to cheek. I’ve accomplished next to nothing since Saturday. Last night I was trying to type while she slept, curled on my lap. Heaven.
~ * ~
The last time my daughter drove me to the SPCA was after she’d left home at seventeen. She worried I was lonely living by myself—I wasn’t. I didn’t want a cat; I missed her.
“Let’s just look,” she said. “Nothing wrong with looking, is there?”
I looked and was smitten seventeen years ago too. His name was changed to Crawford.
July 31, 2012 at 7:49 pm
Happy to hear of the new addition. Love the name, too. Happy snuggling.
LikeLike
August 1, 2012 at 5:17 pm
Thanks, Len. Yep, I’ve been experiencing a lotta snuggling. I should have done this sooner but maybe not, because I wouldn’t have found Lady Gaga.
LikeLike
July 31, 2012 at 7:52 pm
I brought I fish when I first moved to university and I must say it wasn’t great company, but my reasons were clear I needed something living and breathing (even underwater) in the presence of my house. To be honest it was one of the best things I did. Now I’ve got my eye set on a parrot, we’ll see what the future holds. Enjoy your new company!!
LikeLike
August 1, 2012 at 5:15 pm
You are correct, company is company. Something to love and nurture. I’d love to hear about your parrot friend when you make that move. Lady Gaga is sleeping on my lap as I try to type this. Her head is on my right arm, making my progress on the keyboard rather s.l.o.w. Thank you for your story.
LikeLike
July 31, 2012 at 7:53 pm
Oh, Tess…if I could tell you the number of times one of us has said,”We’re just going to look” and returned with a new furry or feathered bundle…enjoy your new friend!
LikeLike
July 31, 2012 at 8:37 pm
Congratulations on your new family member!
30 years ago, I drove my mom to the SPCA because she was (is) dog crazy but couldn’t bring herself to adopt one. She found “Heidi,” fell in love, and thanks me for taking her every time I see her.
LikeLike
August 1, 2012 at 5:13 pm
Love your story, Robin. I suppose my daughter has done the same for me. I’ll have to share your Heidi tale with Mrs. G. to make her feel all warm and fuzzy. Thank you for sharing.
LikeLike
July 31, 2012 at 8:38 pm
Furry friends are soooo special. Enjoy the new addition!
LikeLike
August 1, 2012 at 5:10 pm
Thank you. I don’t understand why I kept putting off.
LikeLike
July 31, 2012 at 9:03 pm
Congrats on the new addition to your family. I’m sure she will bring you years of joy. My kids are after me to adopt a dog, but I’m not ready (yet). Maybe one day. Great post.
LikeLike
August 1, 2012 at 5:10 pm
Thank you, Sylvia. When I come ‘downstairs’ from babysitting (upstairs), I no longer get that where-do-I-belong-feeling. Lady Gaga is on my lap again as I try to type this. You say you’re not ready (YET). I suppose this means the time WILL come when you will be—do share when it happens.
LikeLike
July 31, 2012 at 9:45 pm
Oh she is lovely, I love her fur. Brindle is beautiful! Fully understand your being smitten.
LikeLike
August 1, 2012 at 4:52 pm
I love ‘smitten’. Thank you, Valentine. I’ve never noticed a brindle cat before. Dogs, yes.
LikeLike
July 31, 2012 at 10:30 pm
Somehow kitties know who is meant to be their people mom. Lady Gaga found you. She is so cute. Such long whiskers. Happy days…
LikeLike
August 1, 2012 at 4:51 pm
Thank you, Patricia. I’m pleased the unexpected happened Saturday. I suppose I was ready.
LikeLike
July 31, 2012 at 10:35 pm
Two years ago, a stranger (friend of a friend) sent me a photo of a kitten. I get these emails all the time because we already have a bunch of previously homeless cats. I am good at saying no now, because four is enough. But that kitten… I couldn’t get her out of my mind. So we ended up with five cats. And that kitten – Lillian – turned out to have a lot of horse in her!
LikeLike
July 31, 2012 at 11:15 pm
I’ve tried to be uninvolved: it doesn’t work. I can close my eyes but my ears are on duty and hear what I wish I could shut out. Sometimes I wonder who are interested parties and who are not. OK, by me.
LikeLike
August 1, 2012 at 4:46 pm
Nice to see you, Nancy. I love pets with lots of personality and I prefer cats. How sweet of you to give number five a good home. They give a place that cozy feeling.
LikeLike
August 1, 2012 at 7:20 pm
There is a saying that the more cats you have the more pathetic you look. I’m afraid that saying might be right.
LikeLike
August 1, 2012 at 12:38 am
He’s a cutie. I’m in the thinking stage since our cat died. Don’t know if I want to add more headache to the house right now though. Enjoy!
LikeLike
August 1, 2012 at 4:43 pm
I’ve been in the thinking stage too; maybe that’s why I was able to make a quick decision this past Saturday. Thanks for coming by, Angie. I waited too long to get another kitty and love having Lady Gaga to keep me company. When you’re ready… Nice to see you here. Thanks for dropping by.
LikeLike
August 1, 2012 at 2:53 am
I had a dark tortoiseshell like lady gaga when my kids were little, she was the sweetest little cat ever!
LikeLike
August 1, 2012 at 4:40 pm
I LOVE Tortoiseshell! I had a Maine Coon about 30 years ago that was Tortoiseshell. She was the best cat too.
LikeLike
August 1, 2012 at 4:14 am
I’ve got it best. The landlords cat Larry comes running down the drive soon as I get home from work. She doesn’t come for food or crave attention but likes to curl at my feet as I sit at the desk or watch the TV. About bedtime she stands by the door and with one soft meow lets me know she is ready to go home. Companionship with no requirement of responsibility. Works for me.
LikeLike
August 1, 2012 at 4:39 pm
What a funny cat. I love it already. Pets sure have interesting personalities. Thank you for sharing.
LikeLike
August 1, 2012 at 5:31 am
My pets fill my empty spaces too 🙂
LikeLike
August 1, 2012 at 4:37 pm
They sure do, Roly. I don’t know why I waited so long to get another kitty.
LikeLike
August 1, 2012 at 7:13 am
Oh Tess what a fabulous share! (sniff..sniff)
I was just getting ready to call it a night (again) when I thought to myself, “I cannot try to sleep while wondering what it is that Tess was born with.” I’m so glad I did not wait until morning.
I’ve been talking baby talk again. Our Truman is now almost 8 yrs old and he so needs a playmate. That’s what I keep yelling Bear. We have decided on getting a baby again, Like you I want one that is not set in it’s ways. I”m too old to change mine so a litten will adapt.
I’m so looking forward to hearing more and more about your new frind and toddler, Lady Gaga. Love her name too by the by.
Hugs to you both~ another catwoman
LikeLike
August 1, 2012 at 4:37 pm
Hi (BB) Catwoman:
I feel I’m gushing I’m so happy and came up with an idea: a cat journal as long as the days keep being interesting. It’s called, Journal – Life With Lady Gaga. I’m so excited. It’s ANOTHER writing project to add to my list but what the heck.
Hope you get another baby. If you’re thinking about it, it will happen. Thanks for telling your story. I love pet tales.
LikeLike
August 1, 2012 at 5:04 pm
Oh That’s fabulous Tess! I think I’ll be a follower for certain. I love pet stories too, especially cats stories. As my Truman lays on his couch back watching me type. Maybe he knows something is up….
LikeLike
August 1, 2012 at 8:35 am
Congratulations on your new addition. Having just adopted a puppy two and half weeks ago from a shelter I understand the uncertainty that exists before one actually chooses a new pet. Once that has been accomplished all doubts fade away as the new baby settles into your home and your heart.
LikeLike
August 1, 2012 at 4:32 pm
Congratulations to YOU too. I’ve been without a kitty for too long. I’m glad this unexpected kitty ‘fell into my lap’.
Thank you for sharing.
LikeLike
August 1, 2012 at 10:21 pm
Tess, you are a great storyteller. I really enjoyed reading this, and I think I would really like your daughter. What a sweetheart. Glad you and Lady Gaga found each other!
LikeLike
August 1, 2012 at 11:49 pm
Beautiful!
LikeLike
August 2, 2012 at 8:32 pm
Unusual but well worth the trouble. Thanks you.
LikeLike
August 2, 2012 at 1:36 am
She’s totally gorgeous, and there’s nothing like kittykat cuddles. Buddy and Clancy send their best to you and your new addition. 🙂
LikeLike
August 2, 2012 at 8:32 pm
Thank you Karen. We send out best back to you three also.
LikeLike
August 2, 2012 at 6:39 am
I saw your link on Bucket List Publications and have added a link to your site on mine, too. Hope you stop by for a visit: http://theopensuitcase.wordpress.com/2012/08/01/this-ones-for-the-wanderers/
LikeLike
August 2, 2012 at 8:29 pm
Hiya. Sounds liek you are quite the traveller. Nice blog you have. Thank you for your invite.
LikeLike
August 3, 2012 at 5:29 am
You’re welcome and I hope you enjoy the ride!
LikeLike
August 2, 2012 at 7:56 am
I’ve always had cats, I find them so entertaining! Both of our current cats came to us because friends who owned them turned out to be allergic to them (two different friends!). Hope you have lots of fun and companionship with your newest addition.
LikeLike
August 2, 2012 at 8:31 pm
We are having lots of fun. I’m finding out she had a good owner. She understands a lot, especially NO.
LikeLike
August 2, 2012 at 10:15 am
Oh!!!! What a beautiful story! I am so happy for you and Lady Gaga – and you all! Lovely Tess! 🙂
LikeLike
August 2, 2012 at 8:31 pm
Lady Gaga is not only cute but sweet and smart. I told her to sit down a couple of times (without thinking because I had cats who knew what that meant) and she DID. She must have had a good owner before she was lost.
LikeLike
August 3, 2012 at 8:32 am
Aw! 🙂
LikeLike
August 3, 2012 at 7:07 am
Sounds like you’re heading for anything but a Bad Romance with Lady Gaga. Pretty soon we will have to call the Paparazzi for some more photos. Congratulations on the new addition!
LikeLike
August 6, 2012 at 5:37 pm
Thank you J. I was waiting for the perfect time to get into a (cat) relationship again but there’s no time like the present. She like to cuddle, by her initiation. PURRR-fect.
LikeLike
August 3, 2012 at 5:29 pm
Oh, it sounds like you’re a real softie Tess 🙂
Nothing better than a pet to come home to…
LikeLike
August 6, 2012 at 5:35 pm
Shucks, you caught me. I surprised myself too.
LikeLike
August 6, 2012 at 3:56 pm
Tess, pleased you have a little friendly bundle of fun! Cats are gorgeous animals who definitely have their own personalities when you get to know them! 😀
LikeLike
August 6, 2012 at 5:34 pm
She sure is a welcome companion. I’ve had cats for over thirty years off and on. This one is all personality and like a little kid off playing, runs in for hugs and attention off and on throughout the day. Gads, I can’t get anything done as she likes to sleep in my lap, flopped over my forearm, as I try to type. Nice seeing you, Tom. Thanks for stopping by.
LikeLike
August 6, 2012 at 6:32 pm
Aww, what a precious little kitty. And very fitting to name here Lady Gaga as you are ga-ga over her! Now Crawford has a friend… 🙂
LikeLike
August 7, 2012 at 9:43 am
Thank you, pamela. Lady Gaga and I both gaga about each other. She’s like a little kid. She plays, sprawls on the floor to catch her breath and run to me looking for hugs.
LikeLike
August 7, 2012 at 4:39 am
Your brindled cat is a very unusual pattern. No wonder you fell in love!
LikeLike
August 7, 2012 at 9:41 am
She has a lovey disposition too, which worked in her favour.
LikeLike
August 7, 2012 at 7:14 pm
She liked me too so how could I turn her down?
LikeLike
August 7, 2012 at 7:06 am
I SO know what that is like, the cat my kids talked me into going to see at the pet store was with us for 21 years! Y ou don’t want to know about our gerbil story!
LikeLike
August 7, 2012 at 9:41 am
Your house sounds like the centre of the universe. I love cats and have had them for pets for over 30 years. Hmm, I’m a sucker for a story, any story, even your gerbil story…
LikeLike
August 7, 2012 at 10:14 am
Ok, here goes..when our kids were little we didn’t get the memo about how to say no when it came to pets. They came home from the pet store one day and asked if they could breed gerbils…for the pet store! We gave them the okay along with ALL responsibilities in the care of these critters. They used their own money, bought materials to build a couple cages. Etc
Soon we were in full baby making business..gerbils coming out of our ying yang. And of course the pet store didn’t need them anymore. We were up to SEVENTY FOUR! Sigh, how much space do I have for this? then it was time to separate the girls from the boys..this story is hysterical in person!
LikeLike
August 7, 2012 at 5:19 pm
I don’t know the difference between gerbils and hampsters. My daughter had the latter and we had a population after population explosion till it’s wasn’t funny anymore. Your story sounds more hysterical. Nice talking to you Kathy. Tess
LikeLike
August 7, 2012 at 6:40 pm
Gerbils are smaller…more mouse like. It was especially fun when some escaped and got into the duct work. My hubby really liked that! 🙂
LikeLike
August 7, 2012 at 7:13 pm
Ahhh. I’m sure that was fun! Ha ha.
LikeLike
August 8, 2012 at 11:44 am
We must think a bit alike…I just realized that you cut the crap and I just blogged about bear poop.
It’s all good. 🙂
LikeLike
August 8, 2012 at 3:31 pm
In my book too. You’ve made my day.
LikeLike
August 8, 2012 at 6:55 pm
This blogging thing is so much fun! I am learning as I go. It has only been a few weeks. I can’t get over the audience, they are popping up all over the world! What a great opportunity to express ourselves through the written word. Still figuring it out.
K
LikeLike
August 7, 2012 at 10:27 am
I just wrote to share this funny story with you but it might have been too long, so I am not sure that you received it. But yes, the center of the universe is a good description of our home!
LikeLike
August 7, 2012 at 5:17 pm
I love to hear a home is the centre of the universe: warm, cozy, loving, full of laughter, people and pet. Heartwarming.
LikeLike
August 10, 2012 at 11:01 am
She is beautiful. Wow. I miss Outlaw. We had 16 years together. I still do not have the heart to get another one.
xxx
LikeLike
June 5, 2014 at 6:09 pm
I never had much fondness for cats until one adopted me…. Now I adore them…. they are very affectionate creatures and opinionated too…. Yours is growing to reduce you to catloving puddles…
LikeLike
June 5, 2014 at 8:31 pm
She’s the best cat I’ve had although all of mine (in 33 years) have been the best. This one is the best of the best. ❤
LikeLike
June 6, 2014 at 7:43 am
😀
I’ve had a succession of cats for 33 years, each one more social than the last. They’ve all wormed their way into my heart but this one, this one…I hate to leave the house sometimes. 😮
LikeLike
June 6, 2014 at 10:27 am
As someone said to me once ‘ we meet our soul-mates multiple times in our lives….only in different forms…..’
LikeLike
June 6, 2014 at 10:44 am
I like that. Thank you. 🙂
LikeLike
June 6, 2014 at 10:45 am
You are welcome 😛
LikeLike
June 6, 2014 at 11:01 am
~(*_~)~~
LikeLike