When I moved to the Long Beach Peninsula in August of 1992, I had 6 cats. I didn't add to the herd, but through normal attrition, when we moved to our home in Ilwaco, two slightly elderly cats made the move. Charlie looked at the size of the house and said that it was too big for Milo and Zack and that we needed a kitten, a black kitten. I insisted that we needed TWO kittens, whatever the color. So, after a few trips to the South Pacific County Humane Society there were finally two 8 week old litter mates in the preferred color. I fell in love at first sight, of course. Charlie was instructed to go check them out for himself before signing the adoption papers. Imagine my surprise when he called and said we'd take the two kittens as long as he could have the big, grey one in the other cage. So, in one fell swoop, Jake & Elwood (the kittens) and Smokie (8 months old then) arrived in their forever home. Needless to say, things were lively!
Milo and Zack lived long and happy lives (17 and 18) but crossed the Rainbow Bridge within a year of each other. Frank joined our happy family after I visited the shelter to pick a cat to sponsor for adoption. He grabbed me from his cage and when I opened the door to see him better, he wrapped both front legs around my neck and just held on for dear life. After a very short discussion with Charlie, the handsome white cat with Sinatra blue eyes came home. And then there were 4.
Next came Gabby (her real name is Andeer Gabriella of Seahorse) and yes, she's a purebred. She's a silver tabby but has a bit of a defect (that no one would notice except a breeder). What an incredible personality she has. She immediately became the queen of the household and when her cousin, Julie, came available, we didn't hesitate. In fact, we didn't even ask to see her first, just told the breeder to bring her over. Her defect is more noticeable. She has one eye that doesn't open all the way and I think her depth perception is off. She's now a full-figured gal, happy to be part of the family.
So, that's how we ended up with six cats. They're like potato chips - you can't have just one! I hope you enjoy the slideshow!
