It was one year ago today that I came home from urgent care with my arm in a sling due to a fractured humerus as a result of a fall in the basement. As all the energy was rushing to my shoulder to heal the rest of me was like a block of ice an so I went outside to warm up. That is the day Shaman (and later to find out the others I now feed) were just released back to my area after they were successfully TNRd. While on the surface I paid little attention because cats came and went through my yard a lot, something told me that this one was different and that my life would change in a profound way. I had no idea a year ago today that this girl would steal my heart and come to depend upon me so much as she has. With her she brought Shadow (who she now avoids) and Treasure who I suspect to be not only her best friend but her litter mate because of how they act. She also brought the elusive Noobs and Wichapi. Shaman hung around in the yard during the days I was healing from my fall but she did disappear (from my sight) for days or weeks after. My Mom saw her wander around but iI'd go a long time without seeing her. Then one day my heart broke in two as a baby bald eagle that I watched on live cam had to be euthanized due to West Nile Virus. Everyone who watched was struck with grief. I sat outside that day crying like a baby. Shaman hung closer that day keeping watch on me and I found her presence to be a comfort. As days turned into weeks into months, Shaman started approaching me more and began to talk to me in the fall. The photo here is taken 5 months after meeting her as that was first time she came that close.
Shaman stuck by through tragedies and grief, through my Mom's tirades, through racoon invasions, and other such things. She survived the bitter cold weather and although I set up a shelter for her, she never stayed, just trotted through the snow in minus 45 degrees to eat her warmed up food I put out. She started bringing Treasure to eat with her and it was 6 weeks ago that Treasure, who I suspect was totally feral and just wandered in and out of the house that she was a part of the hoarding situation, became a loving domesticated cat, snuggling up to me and wanting her hugs and pets while Shaman watched like she too wanted that. Their attitude toward Shadow has changed but I still try to find a way of sneaking food to Shadow.
Anyway, this is the day I celebrate Shaman (rightly names as she truly is a shaman) sent to me a year ago. How fitting is it that on our one year anniversary of our meeting, she came an licked the gravy from her cat food right off my fingers and rubbed her head against my hand although cautiously.
First close up photo of Shaman.
Shaman stuck by through tragedies and grief, through my Mom's tirades, through racoon invasions, and other such things. She survived the bitter cold weather and although I set up a shelter for her, she never stayed, just trotted through the snow in minus 45 degrees to eat her warmed up food I put out. She started bringing Treasure to eat with her and it was 6 weeks ago that Treasure, who I suspect was totally feral and just wandered in and out of the house that she was a part of the hoarding situation, became a loving domesticated cat, snuggling up to me and wanting her hugs and pets while Shaman watched like she too wanted that. Their attitude toward Shadow has changed but I still try to find a way of sneaking food to Shadow.
Anyway, this is the day I celebrate Shaman (rightly names as she truly is a shaman) sent to me a year ago. How fitting is it that on our one year anniversary of our meeting, she came an licked the gravy from her cat food right off my fingers and rubbed her head against my hand although cautiously.
First close up photo of Shaman.
