Though attempts to acquaint Nicky with his new male siblings have failed miserably, two of my little girls continue to make a concerted effort to “welcome” this new boy and make him feel at home. Ironically, the most persistent visitor of all is named, of all things, Shy. Another of Mama Cat’s fortunate kittens, Shy is the smallest of two calico siblings and the smallest of all my cats. Though, as her name implies we had a difficult time gaining her trust, Shy has proven to be very much like her Mama and has overcome the obstacles in her way. And to our amazement, Nicky has made at least one ally in Shy!
This little “tail” would not be complete without mention of Shy’s calico sister, Monk (short for Monkey). Though originally named Sox by the children who befriended her, she was hardly ever still long enough to see HER, let alone her SOCKS, and her face so obviously resembled a little monkey that the name just fit. Monk is the most “well-nourished” of Mama’s four kittens and when the food seems to run dry in her neck of the woods, she manages to work her way into the rooms of Callie and Chester for a little visit and a quick snack! With the most beautiful coat of all the cats, this pretty baby is most affectionately known by my oldest daughter as “Mink.”
Baby Fonzie came to us in the fall of 2006 at 10 weeks of age when his owner down the street, a sweet teenage girl, was forced to give him up. Bless her heart, she had seen our outdoor enclosure from her back yard and thought she had figured out just what it was. When told she had to get rid of her cat, she insisted that she be allowed to give him to "that nice lady down the street with the cat playground!" Ironically, only weeks before, my husband and I made the comment on one of our regular visits to the pet shop that the only cat we hadn't rescued was a solid black one! Be careful what you wish for, eh?
Covered with literally hundreds of fleas, thick with ear mites, and fairly malnourished, the little fellow was not in good shape and would likely have died but for God's mercy in seeing that he received help and a new home. When he first arrived, though sick and with his jet black fur greasy from too much ineffective flea killer, he was still a tough little guy and my daughter decided that the name Fonzie was quite appropriate.
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