So, it's been a year . . .

Therefore I'm not going to attempt to re-cap. Just gonna jump right back in to where we are now.

I've been in my little 1 bedroom apartment for a year now. Living roommate-less has been enjoyable for me. It appeals to my selfish nature, I guess :-) Just me and my 'keets, Jack and Fred. I've been thinking about getting a cat for a while now. I used to be able to drive up to Mom & Dad's for my feline fix, but our 'kittens' hadn't been kittens for over a decade, and they both passed away at a ripe old age. Bailey, our not too bright but unfailingly sweet dog had gone not too long before. I admit I've been totally missing having something warm and furry around.

So after a few months of talking about it and buying supplies here and there, I decided Thursday night I'd go up to the Utah Animal Adoption Center before work on Friday and take a look around. They're a non-profit, no-kill shelter that rescue adoptable cats, dogs, and even horses who had been in other shelters and were scheduled for euthanization. They have listings online and there were a few descriptions that sounded like good candidates. I had certain cat in mind, but found out when I got there he was 12 or 13 years old. He was so eager for affection I seriously considered taking him and giving him a nice home for his few remaining years. Still feel kinda guilty that I didn't. But seeing what Harvie and Beef went through in their old age, just not ready for that. There was also a cute little black cat who loved to be held and cuddled, but the worker said he'd probably need another cat buddy or he'd be too lonely, so had to pass him up, too.

I was starting to think I'd have to wait a couple weeks and try again,when we came to Tala. Biggest, bluest eyes I've ever seen on a cat. She reminded me of a mix between Beef and our old cat, Rainy. She loved to be petted and purred so loud while she was in her small kennel, but didn't want to be taken out. The woman in charge said she's very nervous around other cats because she's been declawed on her front feet, and so almost never left her cage. She'd been adopted out, but recently brought back because the family had dogs and Tala just never adjusted to them, which the lady said is common for declawed cats. (Message of the day: don't declaw cats. It's mean.) I had a good feeling about this one, so I signed the papers and took her home with me.

Trying to show the blue eyes. In true cat style, not cooperating.

Considering what I knew of her history and how she was at the shelter, I was figured it would be a day or two until she adjusted to her new home. I've heard that cats will often hide for a few days when taken somewhere new. Not this cat. As soon as I opened the door to her carrier, she was out and exploring, purring like crazy. After she finished her tour, she followed me around, wanting attention until I had to leave for work. She doesn't really like to be picked up or held in my lap, but she sticks close by and curls up next to me when I hold still long enough. Turns out she's actually incredibly mellow and very sweet and affectionate. She doesn't follow me around like she did the first day or two, but if I'm out of sight too long, she'll come find me. I gotta say, I love having her around. She makes me smile :-)

Gonna need another pillow, this one is hers now.

Tala is a 5 year old Siamese/Manx mix. Because of the Manx genes, she has a '3/4' tail, meaning her tail is about 3/4ths the length of normal. The shelter made sure she was, fixed, and up to date on shots, so I don't have to worry about that right now. She also has a microchip. I don't plan on letting her defenseless self outside at all, so I'm hoping it's never really needed, but it's nice to know it's there just in case.

Let the 'crazy cat lady' jokes commence.