Loving in Sunset Valley

🐶 Chapter 11🐱

Rosabeth's assignment was at the local animal shelter. She was covering a story about adopting shelter pets.

While driving there Rosabeth thought about Paisley and one of their conversations concerning pets. "I can't wait to get a cat or a dog." Paisley was saying. "It'll be good to have some pets around. I'm just glad we're able to take them here, I can't wait to spoil them."

Rosabeth had hesitated. It wasn't that she didn't like pets, although she had never really grown up with any. She was afraid that once the pets came, then Paisley was going to want children, them the M word. It would be like an avalanche.

When she got to the shelter she was surprised at the amount of pets there. She had never been to one before and had assumed it would be like a pet store.

"Hello," said the director whose name was Maggie. "Are you here from the paper?"

"Yes, I'm Rosabeth. . ." She was distracted by a cage nearby. Inside was an elderly gray cat. He was sitting and watching them. "Oh, look at him. He seems so sad." She read the paper that was attached to his cage. His name was Freddie and he was waiting for a forever home.

"Mew." Freddie croaked.

"That's Freddie," Maggie said. "He's been in the shelter a long time now."

"Really?" Rosabeth moved for a closer look at him. "He seems so sweet."

"Mew." Freddie said to her, putting a paw out to her through the cage.

"Yes, but nobody wants to adopt an older pet," Maggie said. "Everybody wants kittens and puppies. The older pets usually live out their days in a cage instead of a home."

Rosabeth felt bad for poor Freddie. Instead of having a nice soft sofa or lap to curl up on, he would be forever cooped in a cage for the rest of his life. It tugged at her heart.

"I'll take him." Rosabeth said impulsively. She couldn't bear the thought of leaving Freddie here another day. "Where do I sign?"

"We have some paperwork," Maggie said. "If everything checks out you can take him home today."

"Really? Great." Rosabeth said. "I'll pick him up after work." She couldn't believe it but she was excited about bringing Freddie the cat home. He would love it. Paisley would be so surprised.

Pais. Rosabeth had completely forgotten about her. What would Paisley say when she found a cat in her home? But Pais loved pets, Rosabeth reasoned. Pais shouldn't have a problem with Freddie. She'll love him to pieces, although she might be mad that Rosie didn't consult her.

Rosabeth took out her phone and called Paisley. It went straight to voicemail, meaning that Paisley was probably busy.  Rosabeth left a brief message:  "Hey, it's me, I have a huge surprise for you. You'll love it, I promise. Call me back."  Rosabeth decided to just focus on Freddie and worry about the consequences later.

But cats needed things so Rosabeth stopped at the pet store and bought everything a cat would need. Food, litter, a litterbox and a kitty gym. Okay, the last part wasn't really necessary, but Freddie would like it.

Later, on her lunch break Rosabeth stopped at the house for a quick shower and some food. While she was in the bathroom she heard some whimpering outside the window. It sounded faint and weak. She had heard the same noise yesterday.  What was that?  Since it was persistent Rosabeth went out to have a look.

Right below the window was a tiny kitten. It was very thin. It was rooting around the garbage can looking for some food. It mewed sadly when there was none to be found.