February “Mews” from the Goathouse, by Jacquie Marx
Winter has finally come to the Goathouse — and left it just as suddenly. Before I tell you who our special guest will be on Ron’s show this month, let me introduce you to a couple of “regulars.” Cheetah and Omero are two special-needs cats who have adopted the Goathouse as their forever home, and who kind of help run things, if you will.
Cheetah is a lithe, winsome tabby who sadly experienced an unfortunate episode early in life: he was thrown from a fast-moving vehicle. This horrific act broke Cheetah’s pelvis; unfortunately the breaks were not set right, and Cheetah was left unable to use his back legs. That’s when he came to the Goathouse and Siglinda began to take extra special care of him. But at every juncture of his healing journey, Cheetah got himself around! He slid or bumped along on his bottom with the speed of a jackrabbit, and let you know in no uncertain terms when he wanted your attention. Cheetah’s quite a cuddlebug – and quite the wrestler, as you soon will find out. With massages and acupuncture, Cheetah regained partial use of his legs and now stands – and even walks!
Cheetah appears bonded for life to Omero (Italian for “Homer,” the Greek poet). Sweet, silky Omero reminds us of a Hostess cupcake with his long black fur and random white “icing” trimmings, including one-half of a curvy moustache on his upper lip. Born blind, Omero came to us from a shelter in Durham. His eyes became chronically infected at an early age, so they were removed. I brought Omera to the Goathouse myself: The moment I he met me, he put up his big, fluffy paws in order to “see” my face – he wanted to get to know his driver! Since he wore a bonnet following his surgery, I let him stick his head out of the carrier. Omero immediately put his paws on my upper arm as I drove; he practically steered!
Once home, Omero immediately bonded with Cheetah. They started to cultivate and challenge each other with vigorous wrestling workouts, which you can see in the photos. The activity has made them fast friends, and they will be together for life.
Our radio rock star this month is Nieve (Spanish for “snow”), a handsome solid white kitty who came in with sibling Hulla, both of whom were very shy. They have learned to trust by being socialized in two excellent foster homes. Nieve is the more outgoing and curious of the two, and likes to explore his surroundings. Nieve would love to be adopted into a home with another playful kitty near his age. He gets along well with the dog in his foster home. Approx. DOB: 08/04/2019
Until next month, this is Voice of the Goathouse, saying, “Baaaaaa for now!”
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