What I actually saw was a little soul who called to me, that she needed to be with me. So, me and my big sappy heart replied. I was the only one who replied and it went from there. I drove up and took her home the next day.
Now to note here, despite having so many furkids already, I actually have a very calm and well adjusted household, and my furry family all are a single unit. This could be an ideal environment for her to heal in.
Early the next day I set off to make the almost 2 hr trek up to Troutdale and the shelter along the Columbia River Gorge. I arrived at the shelter and she was in the back in an area that was not available to the public. She was pretty much closed off from the world. I had been warned she could be crabby and bite, and I knew she was declawed on the front feet. I didn't want to push things into her perceived space so I sat on the floor with her for the better part of 15 or so minutes, talking quietly and making eye contact without invading her space overly much. I do realize she perceived the cage though as if she were cornered, so I can fully understand her defensiveness. Despite that she gave me a few signs and hope that she was more than ready to be out of there and willing to be with me. However, by this point, there was no way I could even contemplate not adopting her. So I did required paperwork, talked with the adoption counselor to get a bit more history and they chipped her and we started home.
Maybe a mile down the road, she became talkative, and willing to sniff my fingers. About another 10 miles or so, she wanted to rub my fingers and have me rub her face and chin. This talk and rub system went on off and on over the 2hr drive home.
We arrived home and I set the carrier down and everyone came to check her out and say hello. I imagine that might have been a bit overwhelming.
By Tuesday, she was out exploring the house in the night and early morning and I caught this shot of her worriedly watching Miss Jeszabella racing about squeaking her toy like an idiot. she seemed genuinely perplexed by this silly drooler. I had to chuckle watching the play of emotions she displayed.
As she starts to heal from all the trauma in her life and become settled in the house; it really is one step at a time. I don't push her, she talks to me and lets me know she wants a little attention. She only wants small times of attention as she's still very much aware of protecting her space. So, when she says enough by a growl, I stop and just tell her I love her and leave her be.
She is becoming more adventuresome and has two spots she likes to nap from or watch from. One is the kitty condo and the other is the box of lp records on the hearth. I get the feeling she likes to be a part of things from a watchful distance. As she's doing right now, peacefully resting with her front paws tucked under her keeping me company in the living room.
Today was a very good day for her and a big step forward for her. I am very proud of her. She has made a point to get down to go use the main litterbox in the laundry room several times today and bypass the little one here in the living room. Today she also for the first time seemed to pay attention to and enjoy watching the world outside through the living room picture window. She watched the neighbors for a good hour.
You never know when or from where an animal will come who needs you. But you will always know it when it happens. I am grateful that she is part of my life now. And part of the collective furry family. She'll heal, it will take time, and I know these were big steps for her and help bolster her self confidence. She is also the tiniest member of the family, a very petite little old girl. I look forward to the day she feels comfortable enough and part of the family to play with the others, sleep with us at night, and walk through the house confidently.
I am also grateful to Multnomah Co Animal Services for caring enough to try to give her that second chance to have her forever home. And now my home is fuller and even more loving. :)
