Adopted Cat Chooses the Family of his Dreams

Eight-month-old Pierre stepped carefully around the other cats, some dozing on blankets, some jockeying for positions near the visitors. He surveyed the situation, sizing up the best place to take a nap. A lap is always best, if he can find one during these adoption hours at Cozy Cat Cottage. Without hesitation he strolled toward a gray-haired lady who sat on the floor petting several different cats. Safe bet, he thought. With a satisfied purr, he stepped into her lap and settled right in. She seemed hesitant as he made himself at home on her lap. She and her husband worked a lot, often leaving before the sun was up and returning after dark. Home had become a place to just fall into bed at the end of the day. She was missing her beloved quiet, elderly cat Lucky Dog, and Pierre was pretty young.

Pierre was undaunted. He has never been a cat to see the food dish as half empty. He was not an older cat, but his black and white tuxedo coat was glossy and well-groomed, and his face radiated pleasure at her cooperation with his snuggling in. As she stroked his favorite spot on his neck, she realized that he might be exactly what they needed. Pierre sensed this, so he curled up tighter, staking claim. He agreed to go home with her that very day.

Since then, Pierre has done his best for his human parents in his home. Every single day, he jumps up to inspect the counters, even though they have told him this really isn’t necessary. As self-appointed household inspector, he checks out the shower when in use, and he always checks out the running water in the bathroom sink. He’s on hand to supervise all bed-making. And every time his mom goes down the basement stairs, he is there, making sure to stay right in front of her so she can go down very, very slowly.

Pierre’s a giving cat, too. He loves giving his mom early morning snuggles or jumping from his window perch onto her stomach to wake her up, especially on weekends when there’s no alarm. He makes his mom and dad laugh as he leaps and fetches his wool ball to be thrown again. His joyous demeanor is contagious.

I am the gray-haired woman that Pierre selected to be his mom, and I can attest to all of this. Pierre is the bright light in our house, a black and white streak ricocheting around when he is most active, love bug when he needs a cuddle and a total ham when we take his picture. Pierre is my cat and my friend, but he’s also my mentor because he embraces each moment with such enthusiasm. He taught me that there is more to life than working, that spending time with those you love is more important. I arrange my schedule to be with him and he reminds both of us of this daily.

Each year, Petco Love invites adopters to share the story of how their adopted pet changed their lives during the annual Holiday Wishes campaign, giving the organization that they adopted from a chance to receive a grant award. This story by Deborah won Cozy Cat Cottage Adoption Center in Powell, Ohio a 2019 Holiday Wishes award.