Baby Chunks

Little Annalise is growing like a weed!  I loved visiting with her this past weekend.  Can't get enough!

Growing Up

Vivi has really grown up!  Each time I see her, she had new ideas, is speaking new words, and is making new discoveries.  It is so fun watching her grow up!

Patiently Waiting

I have a sprinkling of spring blooms that I've captured in photos here, but I'm patiently waiting for my full garden to bloom!

Charles Has a Home!

Last weekend I introduced Charles to his longer-term foster home at my parents' house.  He was a bit nervous initially, but it didn't take him long at all to find his way around the house and then through the broken screen on the front porch, and on to explore his outdoor world as well.  I was feeling sad as I said my good-bye to him because this cat has worked his way into my heart like crazy.

Two days later, I received a note on my desk that one of our Willow Mill clients is interested in meeting Charles.  I set up a "date" the following day for Charles and Butch (the owner's other FIV+ cat) at the office with apprehension about the location, since most cats coming into the hospital are pretty nervous.  I wasn't very hopeful, especially after having several people very interested in Charles and then having them back out.

However, the date ended up going fabulously!  Charles came into the room and curious Butch came out of his carrier.  They touched noses, and continuing exploring the room together.  There was a single hiss from Butch, but I don't honestly know if Charles even noticed; he was completely unphased and unreactive.  It seemed as though these two would get along just fine!

Butch's owner was also happy with the interaction and offered to take Charles home that day!  I was taken slightly off-guard, but I had already said my long good-bye to Charles a few days earlier.  I packed up his things, scheduled a follow-up appointment for his vaccine booster and microchip (Yes, I will see him next week!), and walked him out to the car.

I talked with Charles' new owner the other day and he's doing fine.  That was wonderful news!  Charles and Butch are still working things out, but his owner didn't have any concerns and certainly no intentions of returning Charles to me.  The owner did say that I hadn't been kidding about Charles' obsession with food, and that Charles had managed to eat all the cat food in the house!  Well, I'm glad I warned him, but shame on Charles for the overindulgence!

I am so happy that Charles is now in a stable home.  I felt like the month and a half that I had him was probably stressful for him even though he seemed to take it all in stride- moving inside, staying in a kennel or room by himself, then traveling several times a week to the vet for boarding, then off to a brand new home with new pet parents.  It was quite a whirlwind for him, and for me.  I struggled so much to do the best that I could for him while negotiating a house full of animals and my husband!  I could not have asked for a better outcome, though, and he holds a huge place in my heart, that "little chubs!"  A special thanks to all involved, especially my mom for her support, and coworker, Ali, who ultimately found him his new home.