As we continue marching forward in the holiday season so many thoughts and feelings spring to mind. Home, family, giving, and togetherness are just a few. For many the holidays can be a time of loneliness, loss and sadness for both people and cats. The shelters are full of orphaned cats and dogs awaiting their forever homes. Some find their families before Christmas, and many do not. It’s a thought that can weigh heavily on a volunteer’s mind. This I know to be especially true for my friend and fellow volunteer Shannon.
Shannon and I met a couple of years ago while volunteering with the cats at Williamson County Animal Center. Our shared compassion, enthusiasm, and love for cats was a glue that bonded us almost immediately. Shannon is one of the most genuine, affectionate, compassionate, and positive people I know. She is one of those people whom you meet and feel at home with almost immediately. Her presence is one of comfort and warmth to both humans and felines. Time and again, I’ve seen the kitties light up and start meowing when Shannon enters the room. Few kitties can resist the cuddles and kisses she shares freely with her second family of kitties. A good majority of the cats at the shelter were abandoned by previous owners. The confusion, fear, and rejection can be overwhelming for so many cats. Shannon is a safe harbor for all the kitties who are in this transistionary period of their lives while awaiting their forever home.
Amidst juggling the demands of a full-time job, volunteering, and the general rigors of life, Shannon has her own family (both human and fur babies) to nurture. Witnessing Shannon at home with her own fur babies is much like that at the shelter, filled with ample affection and sweet talk. Gilbert and Ricky are both so handsome and irresistible, so loving them is pretty darn easy! Since 1990 cats have played an important roll in her family. Currently, she is a guardian to Gilbert (4.5 years old) and Ricky (8 months old) who were both adopted from WCAC.
Gilbert, a buff baby who grew into a butterscotch adult, had eyes for Shannon immediately upon meeting her. During this time she visited the shelter three times, all of which he starred her down. The third visit was a charm for both Gilbert and Shannon! “He came home with me and was one of the best surprises of Ella Rose’s childhood. He snuggles in bed with her every night and entertains all of us with his rambunctious play, especially his talent at fetching toys.”
Ricky, the newest addition to the family, was adopted a few months ago. He wrapped his paws around her heart the very first time the two met. “When I first met Ricky at the shelter, I picked him up, and he melted into my arms like butter, made the cutest little air biscuits with his front paws, and looked up at me with his one bright eye. It was love at first sight. Having only one eye has not slowed this baby down. His happy energy and endless charm have endeared him to the whole family.”
Shannon is in good company when it comes to being an animal lover. John (Shannon’s husband) and Ella Rose (Shannon’s daughter) are both animal enthusiasts. All three animals get a lot of love and affection from their humans. Freddy (the family dog), Gilbert, and Ricky all love one another. Gilbert and Ricky love snuggling with their canine brother on the sofa. Freddy in return lavishes them with kisses. It’s a sweet display of love that is so incredibly endearing. All are giving, all are happy together, all are home, AND all are family! Happy Holidays to all!
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martha borthen - Beautiful! All of them,and especially the love! Beautiful!
Bkitty - Thank you! They are all beautiful subjects and the love is so ever present!