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PET ADOPTION

On February 9, 2019, My husband and I were introduced to two adorable kittens at Five Acres Animal Shelter. We had visited the shelter two days prior, intending to adopt one kitten. However, Five Acres has a two kitten policy, and after considering the idea (with a little help from some cat-loving friends) we decided to go for it. I wanted young kittens and it wasn't quite "kitten season", but we were told that there was a four-month-old pair of siblings that had just been brought in to Five Acres from animal control. We were ushered downstairs where Boots (formerly known as Licorice) and Truman were being monitored and treated. As soon as we approached the cage they shared, Truman pushed his way forward to greet us. I remember the attendant being surprised, because Truman usually is more wary and hangs back, while Boots is the brave and curious one. I picked Truman right up, and it was love at first sight. We always say, “Truman picked us!” (Of course I knew instantly that I would soon be painting that irresistible face!)

The kittens' adjustment period: One week in the guest bathroom.

Sister and brother sleeping in the sink. How cute is that?

JUST PLAIN FUN

We were hoping for affectionate and friendly lap kitties, and we have not been disappointed! The kittens adore each other and do everything together. They follow us from room to room and jump in our laps often. They plop themselves down and roll over on their backs to let us know they want their tummies rubbed. We've showered them with cat towers and toys and scratch boards which keep them out of trouble (for the most part). Did I mention the two-kitten policy is spot on? When we are away from home, they have each other.

Boots and Truman doing EVERYTHING together!

Including the dishes....

Wrestling... (that girl has a mean left hook!)

Bird watching...

And squirrel watching!

Happy Cats

We had no idea we would become so attached to these little furry creatures. We love them to pieces! Truman is the sensitive one of the two, full of trepidation when anything or anyone new comes into his world. He's the talker; his little voice sounds like the critters in the song "Muskrat Love" by Captain & Tennille. (If you decide to click the link to hear the song, the "muskrat" voice is 3:15 into the video.) Boots, on the other hand, is a little spitfire, afraid of nothing, yet just as loving and snuggly when she wants to be. (And just to be clear, since they both have white boots, Boots is the female tuxedo cat and Truman is the male tabby.) 

PAINTING

Back to my ulterior motive...as soon as I set eyes on him, I just had to have that adorable face of Truman's to paint whenever I wanted! And Boots has been great practice for painting black fur! The reference photo for my painting of Mike holding Truman in his lap was taken the day after we adopted the kittens. (See Chosen, fresh off the easel, top of page.) It's hard to believe how tiny that kitten was when we first met him! Still sweet and sensitive, Truman's weight has tripled and he's only gotten more handsome.

"Sunshine on My Shoulders", Portrait of Truman

"Little Boots, Big Eyes", Portrait of Boots

Boots is the softest little thing; she's still the smaller of the two and probably always will be. And she has the longest white whiskers I've ever seen! I could go on and on about the antics of Boots and Truman, but I'll just leave you with this: If you aren't allergic to cats (which is the most common reason I've heard for people not owning a cat), go to your local animal shelter and see what you're missing! Two kittens really are easier than one (albeit twice as expensive); they are smart, great company, super entertaining, and they require very little training (by the way, we keep all three litter boxes in the basement and the kittens do just fine. You don't have to have a litter box in your living space! Just sayin'.) 

A happy home has happy cats. And our cats are very happy. Their Aunt Candice says, "These two cuties did indeed hit the kitty lotto!" 

Paint. Love. Smile. Repeat.