Jasper’s story

I thought I’d share a little off topic fun.  Jasper’s story is very interesting.  You might have read about my first kitty Basil from the Baslow Ranch posts.

Basil wasn’t the first cat in my life, but the first that lived in my home. After he passed, the house was so quiet. I read on one of those pet bereavement sites that the best way to honor your departed loved one was to open your house to another animal in need of a lifetime home. I started browsing petfinder and ran across “George.”

from petfinder

I instantly loved that interesting face! Looks like he has a secret…or is just confused…or both. Now that I know him better, it’s definitely both.  Haaaaaa!

The other photo showed him belly up, eyes closed and rolling on the floor. I took that to mean a trusting personality who likes belly rubs.  :D

from petfinder 

I called the shelter number listed, but they said he was at county animal control, which uses the shelter number to field calls.  I called animal control, but George was already gone.  They said it takes some time for the website to update.  I was sad but also happy that he had found a home.

His profile was still on the website a week later, so I called again to make sure we were talking about the same cat. She assured me he had been adopted but took my number and said she would check, just in case.

I lost interest in finding a new pet then, because it just felt right with George.  :\

About two weeks later, I started looking at black cats on petfinder since I know they are not adopted as readily, not only due to the superstition but they don’t often photograph well. I took my carrier and went to a place in the city after work one night. I figured I would meet the four cats there that interested me and see if anything happened.

I was just getting ready to walk in the door at the shelter when my phone rang. It was raining, so I stepped onto the porch with my carrier to answer the phone. It was animal control. The woman on the line asked if I was still interested in George because he had been returned for fighting with the existing cat at his new home. I told her I was just about to go into another shelter to pick out another cat so she caught me just in time. She agreed to hold him until Saturday afternoon; it was Thursday evening and their limited hours made it impossible for me to get out there sooner.

By this time, the shelter staff had noticed me with my empty carrier and invited me in to fill it. I told them the story, but they really wanted me to take a cat with me right then. I met the four cats as intended but nothing seemed to spark. I gave the shelter a donation and headed home.

The animal control facility was overrun on Saturday. They were having a special that if you brought in food and/or litter, it would decrease the adoption fee. When I arrived, they took my donations then put George in my carrier (I spent zero time with him) and we were shooed out the door.  :O

He cried the entire hour and a half ride home, and I thought, “What the hell did I just get myself into?!!!” 

Once at home, I sat with him in the back bedroom, and he was calm and curious.

Then he did a bear pose in response to a noise outside the window, and I was in love! :D I had never seen a cat do a bear pose before. Apparently, this is fairly common.

Not too long after we arrived home, he was drowsily resting. It was indeed meant to be.

I discovered his weirdness with water right away. He likes to try to knock over anything with water in it. I eventually got him a heavy bowl he can’t tip. Considering his friendly nature toward other people and his interest in a friend’s cat when we tried to introduce them (his cat was a cranky ol’ thing that refused to let Jasper near her), I think he was brought back either due to buyer’s remorse or the water problem. He’s also susceptible to fear aggression, but he’s 12 pounds. I can take him. He gets a timeout in the bathroom when he gets his crazy on, and all is well again about five minutes later.

George wasn’t a bad name for him, but I chose to change it to Jasper. It seems to fit him well. Overall, he’s a wonderful companion. He’s a snuggler, too.

Kitty kitty kitty

Categories: Animals and birds
March 16, 2013 | 0 comments

Happy Groundhog Day 2013

Woodrow is ready for the day!

I have a few new things to share, the first of which is my new Proxxon scroll saw. Sexy, no? :D

My friend, who is also a plumber, came to my rescue last weekend to fix my clogged drain, and while he was here we set up the saw. I didn’t have much time to work with it since I was finishing the trims on the Heritage, but I did make a couple of test cuts.

The cut balsa is smooth and not crushed.

The cut walnut was easy peasy compared to cutting by hand with a blade.

Categories: Animals and birds, Tools
February 2, 2013 | 0 comments

Cora, the Bengal kitty, and other fine minis

This is Cora, a beautiful Bengal *Reve*. She will live at the next build, with Woodrow as her outdoor friend.

I have a few other miniature acquisitions to share besides Cora. First, a lovely peony in a pitcher and a fabulously detailed china plate, both from Peiwen of Oiseau deNim.

This windmill plate is also from Peiwen. I just love the detailing.

Next is an adorable stuffed bunny from Sisters Dreams. He is so well made and so cute! :D

I had my eye on this cross-stitch runner for some time, and it was still at The Dollhouse Needle when I went back for it. I borrowed a pumpkin from the Heritage.

This lovely wall hanging is also from Mary Lynne at The Dollhouse Needle, though I bought quite awhile ago. She makes wonderful things! The flowers were borrowed from The Aero Squadron Lounge.

Categories: Animals and birds, Miniatures
November 12, 2012 | 0 comments

Miss Charlotte

This pretty little mouse doll comes from PamelaJunksMinis, the same artist who made Miss Kitty for the Heritage. I’ve named her Miss Charlotte.

I know my limitations when it comes to making tiny clothing and painting tiny pretty faces. I didn’t even consider making them myself from her kits. I gladly paid for completed animals.

Categories: Animals and birds
September 13, 2012 | 0 comments

Woodrow

In a manner of speaking, it’s Groundhog Day. I’m officially addicted to the beautifully made animals by *Reve*, and my newest tiny friend is a handsome groundhog. Since groundhogs are also known as woodchucks, the name I’ve chosen for my new friend is Woodrow. :D

His home is a future build.

Update: now that The Aero Squadron Lounge is public, I can show you my favorite picture of Woodrow so far.

Categories: Animals and birds
August 7, 2012 | 0 comments