North came from our local animal shelter, run by the Capital City Humane Society.  He is estimated to be about four years old, and is (obviously) long-haired.  Any guesses as to what breed he might be are welcome.  He's a big guy, weighing in at over 12 pounds, and looks even bigger because of his plush coat of fur.
    North was found wandering the streets of Lincoln on North 9th Street (hence his amazingly creative name), and was never claimed.  He had been in the adoption program for about a month when I met him.  I'm really stupefied as to how his former family could have let him go so casually.  He's a wonderful, calm boy, very interested in people and perfectly happy to be stroked and talked to and admired.  He doesn't love to be held, but will put up with manhandling with good grace.  When he talks, it almost sounds like cooing.
    I had actually seen North's picture on the Humane Society website before going in to look at cats.  The expression on his face really intrigued me, and he seemed to be a good age--old enough to have grown out of his rambunctious kitten-ness, but still young enough to have plenty of energy and good years ahead.  So, when I trooped into the shelter with my parents, sister and niece, and sister-in-law and niece, I asked to see him first, and the whole family immediately fell in love with him.  He walked around the room making friends with everyone and seemed so happy to be out of his carrier and interacting with people.  I didn't even bother looking at other cats.  North had found a family.
    The funny thing is, when I called my vet's office later that day to make an appointment for North's rabies shot, the receptionist recognized his name:  "Oh, I just saw him in the paper!"   Sure enough, he had been the Humane Society's "Pet of the Week" that very morning, and I had no idea until he was already home with me.  My new boy was famous! 
    Here are some more pictures of my big furry boy:

    Smudge came to me through an unexpected source.  I simply mentioned at Church choir practice that I'd just lost my cat.  Four days later I got a call from the granddaughter of a choir friend who was desperately trying to rehome her kitty.  I had started looking at rescue websites, but hadn't planned on making any moves until the following weekend (busy week at work first).  Still, I agreed to meet the cat and go from there.
    Smudge is a young cat just out of kittenhood, about seven months old when I met him.  It's almost like having two cats in one--he is incredibly energetic and naughty, wanting to play and climb and tear and hunt, yet he's also a big needy affectionate baby.  He loves to snuggle on my lap, constantly begs to be petted, and loves to roll over on his back for a good aggressive belly rub.  Everything about this cat is comical, starting with his goofy, splotchy facial markings.  He runs around manically exploring everything, tail vibrating madly, then will suddenly collapse into an exhausted kitty rug.  His meow is still kittenish, a high-pitched little peep, and he uses it to talk constantly.
    I was not going to get a kitten.  Still, who can resist a cat who just loooooves you so very much?  I've had endless hours of entertainment with Smudge and a feather teaser, Smudge and a laser pointer, Smudge and his little fuzzy blue ball.  Then, when it's time to relax on the couch, Smudgie is right there sprawled on me, leaning into every touch I give him, purring enthusiatically.
    For awhile, Smudge was kind of skittish around the house.  New people scared him, as did any sort of sudden movement.  He's gotten a lot more used to his surroundings now, and has pretty much taken over the house.  Want to know which cat is the boss of the pack?  Smudge is a huge bully, pushing his much bigger buddy North roughly aside whenever it comes time to compete for food, playtime, or North's hairbrush.  North is pretty laid back, and pretty much lets Smudgie have his way.  I feel sorry for him sometimes, but I guess cats enjoy having a heirarchy, and North is probably perfectly happy with his status.  He has to wait for Smudge to finish eating, but he certainly doesn't go hungry.
    Here are some more pictures of Smudge in action:

This page was updated on July 27, 2006.
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