Totally Insane Decision

I did want to get another cat.

As I write this it has not even been two weeks since Rita died. After she was gone, Ryan and I sat down and actually talked about getting another cat, because he thought it would be a nice Christmas present, but didn't want to get one if I wasn't on board. I wasn't. After all, Rita's death kind of destroyed me. Not just the death itself, but also everything that led up to it. I won't go into it, but diabetes made Rita lazier and grosser than I ever could have imagined. Let's just put it this way: Lysol and Murphy's oil soap became my best friends. After that, I was thinking that maybe it was time to move away from cats, and maybe think about getting a new puppy when Meg was four or five and Sally needed a pick me up.

I was resolute. And then came Tuesday.

Meg is cared for during the day by two people: my Dad and a wonderful woman named Hazel. Both live next door to very eccentric older couples. However, while my Dad's neighbors collect lawn ornaments, Hazel's neighbors collect people. Crazy people. When I arrived to pick up Meg on Tuesday, one of the craziest was in the driveway -- with kittens.

Before I describe the kitten that, by now, you know is coming home with me, let me describe the woman who delivered her to me. I am not sure of her name, but I know she has no short term memory due to an accident involving a semi. She has told me about it several times, but, of course, does not remember she has told me before. She lives in a large 1970's circa van packed with junk she picks up on the road, most of it purple or orange. She loves Meg, and despite her memory problems, always remembers her name. Oh, and she cannot resist a living thing in need. She says she doesn't live in a home because she needs to care for her "friends" all over the state. She means people, and animals. And this time she brought one to me.

"Do you want a kitten," she called as I got out of my car.
"No, I want to stay married," I replied. I picked up the kitten anyway. It was cute, but a boy, making it easier to put down. I have never known a boy cat that didn't spray.
"Well, I have two if you know anyone who wants one. One boy, and one girl."
And then she stepped out from under the van. I knew her name instantly: Olive.

I called Ryan and asked him if he would kill me if I brought home a kitten. He said he wouldn't kill me, but he would question my sanity. I said that would make two of us. I took her home anyway.

Olive is definitely not a replacement for Rita. First of all, she is not a bitch. She is in charge, but she cuddles in rather than standing off. She follows everywhere, instead of waiting to be sought out. Also, she LOVES everyone. She lays in Meg's lap and lets her grab her fur -- without complaint. She tries to ride Sally, and suck on her ears. She even tries to cuddle up to our other cat Alice. Oh, and NO ONE cuddles up to Alice. Ryan is even smitten, despite the fact Olive won't stop biting his toes.

Yeah, I didn't want to get another cat. But I am so glad she is here.