The Power of a Feather: How Waffles Found His Forever Home

Waffles right with his brother, Herbie 

Today's post is a departure from our usual Katie v. Waffles conversation fare. Glogirly is going to take you all the way back to November 25, 2012, the day Waffles became Waffles and the day our family and our blog found a whole new love. All through the power of a feather.

When Something Small Becomes Something Big and So Very Beautiful

It wasn’t until I clicked the ‘publish’ button on a blog post announcing some winners in a giveaway event I’d held that something struck me. And struck me hard.

The sponsors I’d worked with had generously agreed to double their prizes so that winning readers would have an opportunity to select a shelter organization to also receive a prize.

In the big announcement, I’d included all the shelter names and logos. These weren’t huge prizes – a kitty lounger for one shelter, a pet portrait to help with a fundraiser for another. And few shelters would receive a wand toy with dangly feathers. A wash of emotion overcame me as I thought about what a single toy could do.

It was Sunday afternoon in November, almost six years ago. I jumped into the car with an empty pet carrier and headed to the Animal Humane Society in Buffalo, Minnesota. It wasn't the closest shelter. In fact, it was almost a 90-minute drive from downtown Minneapolis. But there was someone very special I wanted to meet – a tiny orange kitten I’d found on Petfinder.com just hours before while lying in bed with my laptop perched on a pillow.

The shelter volunteers introduced to me to “Jackson” and his brother, “Herbie.” They showed us into a quiet room and handed me a wand toy with a feather on it.

Herbie (left) with Waffles whispering sweet nothings into his ear.

I sat on the floor, toy in hand, and invited them to come play. They jumped and flipped and twirled, everything was new and exciting to them. It was like they were giggling with delight. Or maybe that was me.

Herbie, Waffles oh-so-adorable brother

And YES, the thought of bringing them BOTH home was a serious consideration. Just look at Herbie's white boots and that face!!! There was another family visiting though and I could tell they really wanted to adopt one of the kittens.

After an hour or so, “Jackson” decided he’d had enough feather chasing. As I sat cross-legged on the floor, he hopped into my lap, curled into a little ball and stretched his neck straight up high. Gazing right into my eyes, he purred with the sweetest of smiles. That was it. I was his and he was mine.

That play session at the shelter with the wand toy – it was a bonding experience I’ll never forget. And something that’s taught me no gift is too small. That wand toy brought Waffles into my life and sealed our forever bond. That little feather changed each of our worlds.

I’ve got a sneaking suspicion a feather can change a lot of worlds.

Waffles Today

Waffles eyes still light up with wonder. Just like they did that day at the shelter. He still loves his feathers. And he loves with his whole heart. 

My little orange boy makes me smile and laugh every single day. Sharing his love with you, our friends and readers, is also one of my great joys. I hope he continues touches your heart and give you big kitty belly laughs.

Coming Up Next

Please join us this Friday for Katie - A Retrospective, a glimpse into our beautiful tuxedo girl through the years and how our blog began.