Today's post is a departure from our usual Waffles v. Ellie conversation fare. Would you believe it's been nearly TEN YEARS since the funny, furry, orange mancat came on the scene here??? Glogirly, in her own words, 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.
Waffles right with his brother, Herbie |
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.
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.
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.
And Then Came Ellie
Just a little over two years ago, Miss Ellie Belly joined the family. And for the first time in Waffles' life, he found himself smitten with another CAT. To say Ellie and Waffles adore each other is truly an understatement. To see them together melts our hearts every day.
Awww we loved hearing about how Waffles won you over.
ReplyDeleteWell I'm sure that when Jackson/Waffles looked up into your eyes you could see that he was going to be the most handsome mancat ever.🥰
ReplyDeleteI have read every post you have written through the years. And this one touches my heart as do all the others.
ReplyDeleteObviously, Waffles choose you!
ReplyDeleteHe is a wonderful kitty, if I do say so myself.
I've met him in the fur: *smug mode*
Happy Gotcha Day to Waffles. Thanks for sharing his story!
ReplyDeleteWaffles sure has made your life more interesting...and found his way into your heart. :)
ReplyDeleteWe can't believe it's been ten years! And Waffles was a lucky boy that you liked those orange kits!
ReplyDeleteWaffles reminds me of my Tubby. Always love to see what he is up too. It's wonderful they have bonded.
ReplyDeleteHappy Gotcha Day Waffles ! We enjoyed hearing your story ! Purrs
ReplyDeleteDear God I can't believe it's been nearly 10 years already!!! I remember VIVIDLY when you got him!! OMG!! Happy Happy Gotcha Day you adorable mancat!!! xoxo
ReplyDeleteWow, that was so wonderful the way that feather toy got Waffles into your heart!
ReplyDeleteHappy (Almost) Gotcha Day, Waffles!
My eyes are all wet, in a happy way! I just love Waffles and have enjoyed watching him over the years, he's family!
ReplyDeleteHappy Gotcha Day Waffles Jackson! I miss Katie but I'm glad Waffles got himself an Ellie.
ReplyDeleteWow, it is so hard to believe it's been that long! Happy Gotcha Day to Waffles (and you!). Much love to you all, and wishing you many many more happy gotcha days to come!
ReplyDeleteFevver! I woke mum up last night and early this AM to me wanting to play with my fevver butt mousies.
ReplyDelete