Gitch (grudgedly) and I (excitedly) announce a new member of our family. Her name is Tabuli (pronounced TabBooLee), shortened to Tabu, as that flows easier.
As many of you know, we lost our beloved Mog about 1 ½ years ago. I wanted to get another feline to keep Gitch company. I went to the local Pet Association on two occasions and looked, but the timing was not right, until now.
Tabuli (originally called “Mama”) had been at animal rescue in Estes Park for over two months. She is 2-3 years old and was surrendered along with her two kittens in August. The kittens were adopted quickly and Mama waited patiently for a new home.
Our new addition is a short haired gray tabby cat. I previously lived with two tabby cats. I am partial to them. People like me love tabby cats because of their distinct wild-looking coats and their warm and friendly personalities. Tabuli has the distinctive “M” marking on her forehead and a marbled looking coat. The coat reminds me of her wild African feline ancestors. Every tabby, however, is different. Folklore says that the M represents a blessing from the Prophet Muhammad and/or from the Virgin Mary.
Tabuli, like many tabby cats, is friendly and affectionate. Although she has not yet sat on my lap, she craves head and tail scratches on her terms. She is acclimatizing well to her new environment and her stepbrother (and cat mom).
Gitch is geriatric at 17 years old (84 in cat years) and healthy at this age. Like me, change is sometimes a little difficult to accept. Gitch seemed lost when Mog left us so suddenly. He adjusted over time but spent lots of time snoozing. The new cat energy in the house may perk him up as I continually assure him that he is still my best boy.
The Pet Association did a thorough investigation of my competency to be a cat owner. My references gave me good recommendations. A friend of mine, however, upon hearing of my news questioned whether there was any hesitation doing adoption at my age. I had indicated on my application that I had a trust fund set up for any animals in my possession upon my passing. I really hope I outlive my two cats, but they will be cared for if I don’t.
I look forward to giving my two four-pawed ones a good life.