Stafford and Moose

We headed to Petsmart yesterday afternoon for a new fish to replace Geoffrey. But, we got sidetracked, as we always do when we go to Petsmart, by the kitties that are for adoption there by the Arlington, WA humane society. And, while we were looking at the kitties, I fell in love with a big cat by the name of Moose. Mind you, I am really not a cat person. Maybe it is because my first cat, Barber Shop, ran away after we moved when I was 5 (that will need to be talked about in therapy!).

Most cats had their weight listed (i.e., "Sting," 9 lbs., 14 oz.). Moose's size was simply listed as "Large." But, we weren't able to pet him until the volunteer came to the store to exercise the cats. So, while we waited, Sam picked out his new fish––"Stafford." Stafford is named after Matthew Stafford, the quarterback of the Detroit Lions. Stafford is a stunningly beautiful blue fish. And, fortunately, seems a bit livelier than Geoffrey did when we bought him.

And then, finally, the volunteer arrived. We got to spend time with Moose. Well, mostly I did. He was a big guy, and a lap cat––which is perhaps why he is such a big guy. We decided that we would adopt him. The kids and Jean would take a kitty anytime, but Moose stole my heart. We had to come back to Petsmart between 6 and 8pm to fill out the adoption paperwork. We did, and brought the Big Fella home.

He was a bit restless in the night. He'd sleep on my tiny wife for a while, then go visit Sam's room, then Alina's. Then, Repeat. A little after 4am he didn't return. When we got up this morning Jean and I searched all over for him. We didn't see him in either of the kids' room. We searched and searched the house. Then, we went back in Alina's room. Silhoetted in the night light was Moose's head on Alina's bed. The rest of his big body was under Alina's kitty blanket. She had covered him up in the night when he got on her bed.

He loves being in our home. He loves being loved on by Jean and the kids. And by me. Today, during nap time he slept on my stomach for over two hours. He'd probably still be there if I was still napping. He loves Jean's lap, and has become her new "laptop."