Big Boy’s Story, by Andrew Green

I had 2 cats for a long time ─ Storm and Galahad ─ but when Galahad left us, it wasn’t the same for either Storm or me. It didn’t seem fair for him to be left home alone so much, and he clearly missed his buddy.

After a couple of months, I decided to go to Pets in Need to see who I might bring home to fill that hole. When I met Big Boy (aka BB), it felt like he might pair well with Storm. He too had lost his best friend when his former owner passed away. Although he seemed pretty shy, I feel you just need to listen to your inner voice and give things a chance to play out. We’d only spent a little time together before I decided to bring him home.

Settling In

Of course, no cat likes to be in a strange car and carrier, so he howled the whole way home. Once we arrived, Storm was there to greet us with hair sticking up as soon as he realized that a new cat was coming into his territory. I put BB in his own room and closed the door to keep the two cats separated. Storm camped outside the door, just waiting to meet this new addition to our little family.

BB got to spend the first day sitting in the corner by himself and chilling out. The next day, he found my dresser and hid out behind all the clothes. The day after that, he let me pet him and he also started exploring his new surroundings, which seemed like a good sign.

He and Storm were on opposite sides of the door, reaching their paws toward each other, so I figured it was time to open it up and see what would happen. I was prepared for the worse, but they ran up to each other, touched noses, and have gotten along famously ever since. BB went from being afraid to being very trusting and social in just a few days.

Our New Normal

BB is a very affectionate cat. About 4 years old and still at that playful stage, he also seems to be the initiator of things going on in the apartment, running around and playing chase with Storm multiple times a day.

Storm, on the other hand, doesn’t seem to understand personal space and will jump right on top of BB when he’s sitting on his cat perch (yikes!). Both cats seem to be talking to each other constantly, and to me. Cats have an inner voice, and I’ve always thought it was pretty special when they decide to include you in “their conversations.”

Another Pets in Need Success Story

It’s called Pets in Need but the way I look at it, it’s about people in need. Having a pet and feeling that special connection greatly improves your quality of life. At the same time, local shelters are rough and tumble places: Dogs are barking, cats are yowling, and stress levels are high. But when you visit Pets in Need, you can see right away that it’s much kinder and gentler than that.

They take such good care of their animals, it seems like they have a pretty good life already, even before someone takes them home. They get a lot of attention, they have room to roam, they can play with other animals if they want to do that. And once you decide to adopt, they do everything possible to give you the smoothest transition and best chance of long-term success.

Animals that end up in shelters should have trust issues, but so often, when given a second chance, they offer love to their new owners unconditionally. Yes, there are some responsibilities, but inviting a dog or cat into your life is so worth it! I can’t imagine living my life any other way.

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To learn more about Pets In Need and see their mission in action, visit PetsInNeed.org or follow them on social media: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/petsinneed1965/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petsinneed1965/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/petsinneed1965/

You’re also welcome to visit their shelters in person at 871 5th Avenue in Redwood City or 3281 E. Bayshore Road in Palo Alto. Come meet their adoptable pets and give a loving animal a place to call home.”