Pets of the Month

had a special bond. He was the son who arrived after four girls and a devastating miscarriage (late enough that she knew she’d lost a boy). So it didn’t surprise me when he whispered in my ear during one of those awkward days between her passing and the service: “I kinda want the cat.” I couldn’t refuse. After all, Smoky had chosen us the night we met and again throughout those rough days. The bond she shares with my husband is incredibly special.

Fast forward a few years: While we certainly believed in their work, we couldn’t really tell you why we knew we were meant to volunteer at King Street Cats, but we’d been there for about a year when I met her. It was a brief meeting, but I knew. When I sent in a report on our mobile adoption shift, I added a note at the end: “If the people interested in Bailey don’t follow through, let us know.” After a few grueling weeks, we got a message. Yes, there were good tears. KSC is a free-roaming shelter. There are often around two dozen cats wandering about — some greeting visitors, some playing with friends, and shy ones tucked in sunny nooks. I saw several orange cats, but I couldn’t spot “ours.” Then I felt a tap. There, on top of a shelf, sat our girl, bopping me on the head as if to say: “Silly Momma, I’m right here!” She followed us and sat on top of the paperwork. Sweet Potato Bailey Burns chose us as much as we chose her.

Our cats bring us more joy than words can capture. They’re social, preferring to be near people even if they aren’t in the mood for a lap. Smoky is our prim-andproper princess. She’s lean. She has favorite spots where she sits tucked in a perfect loaf. Her purr is frequent but quiet. Her love is soft, pure, and restrained. SPBB is all emotion. She loves fiercely; her purr can be heard over the phone. She’s chubby despite zooming about, playing like a kitten. Then she plops, limbs splayed, in utterly random spots. They carry our heats in their perfect paws. Adopting them — and them adopting us in turn — made us a true family.

According to the ASPCA, 3.2 million cats enter U.S. shelters every year. Sadly, 860,000 are euthanized. Thankfully, 1.6 million find homes but that leaves so many behind. King Street Cats (forgive me for the plug) is small but mighty. An all-volunteer, no-kill shelter in Alexandria, KSC took in 460 cats and kittens in 2020 and helped 440 find forever families.

Pets come with financial and emotional obligations (and sometimes with itchy eyes and a shelf full of allergy medications). But they give back so much more. During a difficult time, I’d collapse on the couch every evening. Despite not being a fan of hugs, SPBB would worm her way into my arms and purr, telling me that I always had her love. And I swear Smoky once danced on her hind legs to make me laugh! Science backs up my experience. NBC’s Christina Heiser reports that cats boost our emotional and physical health, alleviate stress, and decrease the risk of dying from a heart attack or stroke. Just the sound of your cat purring can calm your nerves and lower your blood pressure.

I think our family is complete, at least for now, so we’ll celebrate Adopt-a-Cat Month by giving “the girls” a few extra chin scratches and thanking them for adopting us. Your next family member may be sitting in a shelter right now, wondering when you’ll find them. Saying “yes” may be one of the best choices you ever make.

Cheryl Burns is a Legal Editor. Smoky Tiggs and Sweet Potato Bailey Burns kindly allow Cheryl and her husband to live with them.

PETS

OF THE MONTH

4101 Eisenhower Avenue Alexandria, VA 703-746-4774 alexandriaanimals.org Mon-Fri, 1-8 pm Closed Wed Sat & Sun, 12-5 pm

BEETHOVEN AND MOZART

Female, 15 Year Old, Red-Eared Sliders

Why “Slider?” Beethoven and her best gal pal Mozart would be happy to show you! Describing the way they slide off of rocks and into the water, Red-Eared Sliders are beautiful pool-dwelling pets, and two are now available for adoption at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. Mozart and Beethoven have lived together their entire lives and would like to continue doing so with their future family. They bask together, explore together and enjoy every minute of the day side by side. Are they the turtle best friends for you?

BONITA

11 Year Old, Female, Tortoiseshell Domestic Shorthair

Hello! My name is Bonita and I am an 11-year-old Tortie looking for a quiet home with a nice family or person. I am a little shy when meeting new people, but warm up quickly. I am a very calm cat who simply enjoys the company of people once I get to know them. I would make a great work from home buddy — I am very quiet and don’t ask for much, except for occasional pets and scratches. I would make a great companion for someone with a quiet lifestyle. So if you are looking for a calm cat who will always be by your side, give me a try. I will be waiting! Bonita’s photo courtesy of Alison Lane Photography

Adopt by appointment at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. Virtual and in-person appointments are available at AlexandriaAnimals.org/Adopt-By-Appointment.

CHISPIN AND COOKIE

10 and 12 Years Old, Female, Tan and White and Tricolor Hounds

Hello there! My name is Chispin and I am an adorable ten year old hound mix who is searching for a new best friend. But I am not in this search alone — my best friend Cookie is with me every step of the way. You see we have been together a really long time and are pretty much inseparable. So if you adopt me, you also get my good buddy Cookie. But this is good news as we are both great dogs and anyone would be lucky to have us! We both have really sweet dispositions and would make excellent companions for just about anyone. And we don’t take up that much space as we always sleep on the same bed -- like I said, we’re inseparable! And we are really cute and walk well together on our leashes. And I am quite the beauty, sporting a mostly white coat with brown spots. And even though we are both considered seniors, we still have a lot of pep in our steps! So if you are interested in meeting this dynamic duo, make an appointment to see us today. You won’t be sorry! Chispin & Cookie photos courtesy of DeSilva Studios, LLC