31 August 2020.
When the pandemic began, we immediately thought – as many people did – of adding a new pet to our family. It had been nearly two years since Janie passed and perhaps now was the time. However, we held out hope that our annual fall trip to Europe would go forth as planned. After all, in March, April, and even in May, we thought we could put COVID-19 behind us as a country.
In fact, today is the day we should be winging our way to Germany to start our two-month trip. <Sigh.>
In July, we pulled the plug on everything we could cancel and decided the next adventure would be bonding with new kitties. Having only adopted kittens in the past, we set our sights on a pair of adult cats, bonded to one another, and started the online search of local humane societies.
Frankie and Esther cuddled up in their bed-under-the-bed,
The Oregon Coast Humane Society in Florence had a match for us: Esther and Frankie. A middle-aged pair at 7 years, they came into our lives on August 21. They are not sure about us nor are we sure about exactly what our relationship will be with them. What is clear: they are deeply bonded. Esther is particularly skittish, and only last night did she present herself for a drive-by petting. Mostly she runs to shelter when she sees us coming. Frankie has been allowing some petting and does vocalize a bit. They play with toys but not interactively with us. They love their cozy beds and wet cat food is relished. No one is losing any weight. They are sizable.
Living outside of the cat condo at the shelter seems to agree with them.
When we came to fetch them, in Florence, OR, at the Humane Society, Esther headed to a high shelf and had to be coaxed down.
Perhaps our perspective on cat size is skewed by Janie who weighed a hair over five pounds at her death (age 23!) and never topped more than 11 pounds. These two are solid.
This is a duo that has never had a forever home. Esther was once feral and both have been strays that only had one known permanent home – together – for two years. Surrendered yet again to the shelter last May, they need stability and patient humans.
Frankie’s shelter photo. Handsome boy!
It is going to take time for them to adapt to us and time is something we have plenty of. They are ours.
Frankie thinks he is hiding in the hooded cat bed.
Girovaga 
Now why did this show up again today? I will never understand electronics.
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Very odd, indeed. I didn’t get it in email, nor did Ric, so it didn’t go out to the list, it seems.
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They are lovely, and with affection and lots of good food they will surely bond to you. What a lovely thing for all of you! Look forward to seeing and hearing more of them in future posts.
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Thank you! I have no doubt their antics will make For blog-fodder!
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I love your new kitties. It won’t take them long to find out that they are in kitty paradise with the two of you. 🙂
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Thank you, Diana! They are quite attractive and funny, trying to figure out how to relate to us. Frankie is vocal about dinner time! Food may be the way to win them over.
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Lucky, lucky kitties. I hope that they soon accept you as a safe haven. Sorry about the trip. Next year for sure.
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Next year indeed! You must be missing out too, Chloe.
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They have the perfect human parents. Good match
Sent from my iPhone
>
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Awww, we can only hope they find us useful. So far they are accepting us as servants. 🙄
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They are so adorable and lucky to have Ric and you. I’m sure over time they will be in your laps.
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Laps may be a stretch for awhile, but they are showing signs of enjoying attention on THEIR terms. Esther is quite taken with Ric!
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Such a heart warming story, Laurel!! They are so fortunate to have found a home with you. They will keep you engaged while we are all stuck at home for a while. I know you miss your travel adventures, as we do.
I try to stay busy with virtual volunteer work, travel videos, phone calls with old friends that I haven’t talked to for while. I really like Zoom meetings instead of driving across for in-person meetings – no travel time! I try to see the positive side of the situation.
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Me, too, Kathy! Trying to be positive, embracing hobbies, enjoying less errand-running. I cannot bear to watch travel videos, though. Lots of British series are on our list.
Stay well and look forward to your next trip to Ortisei!
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They certainly are adorable kitties and I think, over time, they will start to trust you. I’m glad they are so connected to each other too.
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The bond between them is so strong and important. Having a good friend can certainly ease the stress of change, can’t it?
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They will quickly realize they have landed in a pot of jam, or rather Kitty Paradise, and become used to being waited on, adored, and honored for the royalty they are. I am excited to watch this happen. SUCH lucky kitties!
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Yes, as cats deserve, they now have servants. We are really looking forward to when we can give them the run of the house. For now, two rooms but well-appointed! And excellent food!
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What a perfect time to add to your household. Enjoy your new cats and please report back as to how they (and you) are doing. Is there any significance to their names?
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Thank you, Grier! I am sure they will be featured prominently in the blog.
They were called Fred and Ethyl, at least at the shelter. No one was certain of the provenance of the names. We were not “feeling” those names, but thought alliteration between old and new names might be helpful. “Esther” just popped into my mouth one day and Ric leaned into “Frankie” right away, so there you have it. No doubt nicknames to follow as they reveal their traits and quirks to us!
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