POST HOLIDAY

Fisher will have been here two weeks as of this coming Monday. It hasn't been smooth sailing for him or us......

He battled a URI for the first week he was here and although not the worst case we've seen of this dreaded virus, he was totally without an appetite and fought a fever for a couple of days so not fun. We also had an incident in the midst of his sickness (when his fever was at it's worst and we weren't aware), where I was trying to comfort him and he lunged and bit me on the hand pretty severely. It has been extremely painful and has left me abit more nervous about paying him attention, but thankfully my hand did not get infected and Fisher is feeling a 100% better.

This second week has him with full access to the house but he's been very afraid and nervous and has spent a large majority of his time hiding in the livingroom behind the couch. He does come out at mealtimes (smart boy), and his anxiety does appear to be subsiding, but overall he's still battling fears from his time in the outdoors. Something as innocent as rustling a piece of paper can send him scrambling for a place to hide, but he does allow us to pet him even in his secure places, so we're very hopeful.

It saddens us to think of what he went through while outside and it's obvious that he was pretty much terrified. The silver lining now however is that he's safe, warm, and we see alot of glimpses of a very sweet and loving kitty so we realize that time will be a great healer here as it always is.

EARLY CHRISTMAS

We picked up our latest foster (who we have named Fisher), from the shelter last night. Poor boy has already come down with a URI so he's not feeling the greatest at present, but he held true to the description of being "friendly and sweet" by eating a can and a half of wet food by hand, and licked all my fingers clean at the end just so I wouldn't have much mess to contend with!

Approximately 1 1/2, he evidently found his way into a colony of ferals and the caretaker, noticing quickly that he was friendly and front declawed, took him into Animal Services. He's been abit nervous initially but is already starting to relax a little and even gave abit of purring to let us know he's enjoying the attention and fussing.

I think he's just grateful to be indoors where it's warm and he's safe, and we're so thankful to the colony caretaker that helped him on that road. In our eyes, there isn't a nicer Christmas present to be had than offering the Safe Haven guest room to this boy.

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS!!

We're delighted to report that the meet n' greet yesterday went really well and "J" who came out to meet Clemson couldn't leave without our big boy; so he's officially now gone to his forever home and just in time for Christmas!!

Next order of business is to see who needs our guest room next :))

GETTING READY

There's been an adoption call for Clemson - the gentleman interested is coming by tomorrow for the meet n' greet.

Personally, I can't imagine anyone NOT falling in love with our big guy (he's just that wonderful) but then I might just be a tad bias. We'll see what the late morning brings, we've just had our grooming session in preparation, Clemson's charm and beauty will take him the rest of the way. :))

SMOOTH SAILING

Clemson has been with us two weeks today. He's been an absolute dream of a guest; the kind that actual hotels mean it when they say at the end of one's stay, "Please come again". In our case of course, we don't want repeat arrivals but just the same, he's instant friend material.

He likes everybody and everything. He's as easygoing as easygoing gets, and on top of that incredibly lovable. I think the only thing that might be driving hubby abit nuts with him is his chattiness. You even so much as touch Clemson and he begins talking, and the more you pet him the more he talks. When he's hungry and waiting for mealtime, the talking can get quite loud..........I personally think it just add's character (and it's very typical of Maine Coon's), but there are some in the house who would like him to tone it down.

I've submitted his pictures and bio to the rescue's website. His age and his large stature (21 pounds), may play a role in having his adoption take some time but that's totally fine by me because he's absolutely no trouble and so lovely. I took some new shots of him, he's a great model for the camera as well.

Did I mention yet how much I love this boy?

PS: Pica is settling in really well in her new home.

TIGHT SPACES YOU SAY?

Clemson's guest room quarantine was up as of this past Saturday, and if you ask him, it wasn't a moment too soon!

Since being "released" and just as we suspected, he's been a total and utter darling. Not a hiss, not a growl, no hiding, no fear, no anxiety. Just a big stretch, and then onwards to investigate and explore. He's extremely curious and has met both the boys happily and quite matter a factly. He even got the chance to meet Pica before she went home Sunday, and although she couldn't quite believe her eyes; by Saturday night I think she realized how completely harmless Clemson was and wasn't raising nearly as much fuss as we expected with his presence.

His appearance would daunt anyone - animal or human (at least at first glance), but you quickly realize that this big boy is nothing but a total sweetiepie. He himself doesn't realize just how big he is we don't think, since he tries to get into and on top of everything that kitties half his size can easily do...............case in point, below (that's my jewellery box he's laying on top of!!!).

GENTLE GIANT

We've decided to call this boy, Clemson. We have confirmed as well that he is a Silver Maine Coon who like his fellow brothers of the same breed, can and do weigh anywhere between 9-12 kg; our boy is currently @ 9.56kg which is approximately 21 Ibs! He is not fat or appearing "sloppy" in any sense of the word; his breed are noted for being BIG kids, and he has both the body type and gigantic paws that are indicative of that. His coat is a mix of dark and light silver (absolutely gorgeous), and his tail (one that is meant for keeping them warm in winters outside), is raccoon like in appearance - also very Maine Coon.

Also his behaviour is also typical of MC's - he is EXTREMELY chatty! - infact I think he talks more than I do and that's saying something!!! He's been good as gold since arriving. Abit impatient with being confined to his guest room at the present time, he requires us to visit him often in order to let him know that he hasn't been forgotten.

His size is abit daunting at first. When he comes right up to you for head butts of affection, if your laying down he does make you think to yourself that if his disposition were different and he were unpredictable behavior wise; there is alot of power there and he could really do some damage. Luckily this boy is nothing but a total gentle, sweet, loving sucky boy.............let's hope that come next Sunday when he meets the boys - they too recognize that and don't try to challenge him. The latter happening would be like Clay Aitken going up against Reuben Stoddard! *L*

PS: Our little Antoinetta was adopted today so both babies have found their forever homes.