Finding Time For Joy and a Miracle For Max the cat.

Note: Update. Sadly, since we posted this wish to find a home for Max, we learned the dear old boy took a turn for the worse and has left us for his forever home in heaven. Rest in Peace, Max.

Hello, that’s an ambitious to-do list for a Monday. And it’s Mondays with Merlin except he’s stepped out for duties of an angelic nature. Talk about sink or swim. He’s left me all alone in my debut blog post. I’m Clyde, a older mancat named after a river in Scotland. In humanspeak, I’d sound like Sean Connery, a good Scotsman and best Bond ever. Imagine that deep rumbly purr voice and there I am, at your service.

Contrary to photo ops with fluff balls, I must say, there is nothing fluffy about me. I’m all business, devoted to dear Layla, my new mum and doing my best to thrive in my new home. And by golly, I am. The good news is I’m eating well (ravenous like Merlin used to be) guzzling less water (damned kidney disease is a pisser), walking less gimpy and my only bone of contention is Odin, who scavenges around my food. We’re getting along, as long as he pays respect. He’d better since I’m now at the head of the feline household which is defined by age.

I even got my first piece of mail sent with my name clearly marked first!

See? Clyde, then Domino, Odin, Nou Nou and Layla last because she is not a cat. The parcel is from our not so secret Santa. Apparently we always do a gift exchange called Santa Paws with fellow cat bloggers. This year, it’s Carol Lowbeer of Peaches and Paprika. She cleverly put together just the right items. For Layla, a Moleskin fan, the new Cat Journal, handy for keeping track of the gazillion cat care list like a vet visit tomorrow. Sigh, I’m feeling so much better but I’m due for blood work at the shelter. I’m wondering how my old shelter-mate Max is doing. Scroll down to the end for my Christmas wish.

To be frank, I’m not keen on glitter, sparkle and toys but Odin is and he magically appeared. Of course he had to stick his face in the humongous crinkly Santa Hat Sack and dig out healthy dental treats, catnip and floofy jingly balls. Did he offer me anything? No, not that I’m interested in playing. Good heavens. I’m going to be 87 or 97 soon. I forget. The Santa Sack and contents were a huge hit and we give our kind thanks for their thoughtfulness. I’ll let Odin demonstrate his pleasure and delight in making a mess. He’s in good spirits lately and Nou Nou is like her old playful self. For a long time they didn’t sleep together but now they are. She keeps her distance from me and that’s fine. I’m not a cat’s cat but a human’s cat. The takeaway for this gift is about the importance of finding time to enjoy the season and each other in our own way.

Will you find time for joy no matter what’s happening? I hope so. Odin savors every moment and ever sense.

My only wish is for Max to be home for the holidays, out of a cage for the rest of his life. It’s a long shot but if you know anyone in New York or Connecticut who loves senior cats, pass this on. He’s quite the character with a lot of zest for life. There are many cats desperate to be out a cage and into a real home. I would know since I was in a shelter cage last month. Check out the fab cats at PAWSCT.org

Whew, I think I just wrote my first blog post. How did I do? Any advice?

Love,

Clyde