Well, hi everyone! After spending the last couple of days debating as to whether to join this forum or not, I finally took the plunge. So here I am! I've been a frequent lurker of this forum and website for quite some time, but I've always been hesitant to register and become a member myself. I don't know why the sudden change of heart, but I couldn't be happier that I'm here and I can't wait to jump right in and become an active member of this awesome community!
So, I guess you all probably would like to know a little about me, huh? Let's see if I can keep this straight forward and to the point...
My name is Alison Joy though I typically go by the name Ajay (which wasn't an available username, unfortunately
) and I'm 26 years old. I live in the midwestern United States with my roommate (and her furry companions), 2 dogs, 2 cats, and one very understanding bird. I am currently dealing with some illness that has allowed me to only work part time, but I do so as an office manager for a local, small non-profit organization. However, I have always wanted to extend my love for animals and their well-being to the community and am hoping to return to school within the next year or two to fulfill my dream of becoming a vet tech (and then, hopefully, a veterinarian). But, really, I know it's not me you're all interested in!
I am the very proud mommy to two adorable cats named Cassidy and Delaney. Both of my cats were adopted from a local animal shelter this year and have quickly managed to ferret their way into my home and my heart -- it's as if they've been with me all along (and, hopefully, in 20 years I'll be able to say that that's exactly the case)!
I adopted Cassidy first. The moment I saw her photo on the shelter's website, I knew she was to be my girl. She turned a year old on April Fool's Day and is the most amazing cat that I've ever had the privilege of knowing. She is a domestic medium-hair, orange and white female and is spayed and current on all of her vaccinations. She is on the small side weighing in at just under 7 pounds, but the vet pronounced her in excellent health and she is just as playful as she is sweet. She has the most laid back, laissez-faire attitude of any cat that I've ever met, but she also can be quite fiery when riled up. Cass came to me at a time when I was reeling from the loss of my beloved cat, Hank, and she has healed my heart and spirit with her calming, gentle demeanor. She is, what some may call, my heart kitty and I can't imagine life without her...
After reading all that I had to say about Cassidy, it's no wonder that only a short while later I found myself back at the shelter looking to adopt another cat. Enter Delaney. Where Cass is quiet and subdued (yet still impish), Laney is adventurous and flamboyant. In fact, at our first meeting at the shelter, Delaney introduced herself by leaping on to my shoulder and then perching there throughout the entire adoption process! But I knew the moment I saw her that she'd fit in perfectly and she truly has. Delaney is just under a year old (her birthday is June 5th) and is a brown tabby with white. She, too, is spayed and current on all of her vaccinations. She's also very petite at just 5 pounds, but she has some growing left to do and she'll certainly fill out as time goes by. Unfortunately, since bringing her home, things have been difficult, but everything is beginning to work itself out and we're on to better and brighter days as I speak. And if ever things get too dismal, all I need to do is watch Delaney for mere seconds before her antics are driving me to tears...of the hysterically laughing variety
!
It's easy to see that my cats (and other pets) are close to my heart. They mean the world to me and a good day is one where I am present in their lives and them in mine. Cassidy has given me the gift of unconditional love and Delaney has given me humor and the realization that life doesn't always have to be glum and serious. And, maybe that's why I'm here -- to spread the love and joy that I receive from my loved ones to others who share the same ideals as I do.
From one cat lover (and all animal lover) to another, hi. I can't wait to get to know you all better and to share in the joy, sorrow, frustration, and humor that is ever-present when dealing with our feline friends. I'm so happy to be here and I know Laney and Cass are too!
So, I guess you all probably would like to know a little about me, huh? Let's see if I can keep this straight forward and to the point...
My name is Alison Joy though I typically go by the name Ajay (which wasn't an available username, unfortunately
I am the very proud mommy to two adorable cats named Cassidy and Delaney. Both of my cats were adopted from a local animal shelter this year and have quickly managed to ferret their way into my home and my heart -- it's as if they've been with me all along (and, hopefully, in 20 years I'll be able to say that that's exactly the case)!
I adopted Cassidy first. The moment I saw her photo on the shelter's website, I knew she was to be my girl. She turned a year old on April Fool's Day and is the most amazing cat that I've ever had the privilege of knowing. She is a domestic medium-hair, orange and white female and is spayed and current on all of her vaccinations. She is on the small side weighing in at just under 7 pounds, but the vet pronounced her in excellent health and she is just as playful as she is sweet. She has the most laid back, laissez-faire attitude of any cat that I've ever met, but she also can be quite fiery when riled up. Cass came to me at a time when I was reeling from the loss of my beloved cat, Hank, and she has healed my heart and spirit with her calming, gentle demeanor. She is, what some may call, my heart kitty and I can't imagine life without her...
After reading all that I had to say about Cassidy, it's no wonder that only a short while later I found myself back at the shelter looking to adopt another cat. Enter Delaney. Where Cass is quiet and subdued (yet still impish), Laney is adventurous and flamboyant. In fact, at our first meeting at the shelter, Delaney introduced herself by leaping on to my shoulder and then perching there throughout the entire adoption process! But I knew the moment I saw her that she'd fit in perfectly and she truly has. Delaney is just under a year old (her birthday is June 5th) and is a brown tabby with white. She, too, is spayed and current on all of her vaccinations. She's also very petite at just 5 pounds, but she has some growing left to do and she'll certainly fill out as time goes by. Unfortunately, since bringing her home, things have been difficult, but everything is beginning to work itself out and we're on to better and brighter days as I speak. And if ever things get too dismal, all I need to do is watch Delaney for mere seconds before her antics are driving me to tears...of the hysterically laughing variety
It's easy to see that my cats (and other pets) are close to my heart. They mean the world to me and a good day is one where I am present in their lives and them in mine. Cassidy has given me the gift of unconditional love and Delaney has given me humor and the realization that life doesn't always have to be glum and serious. And, maybe that's why I'm here -- to spread the love and joy that I receive from my loved ones to others who share the same ideals as I do.
From one cat lover (and all animal lover) to another, hi. I can't wait to get to know you all better and to share in the joy, sorrow, frustration, and humor that is ever-present when dealing with our feline friends. I'm so happy to be here and I know Laney and Cass are too!
