Haimish's Acceptance & Story

Haimish is finally come to accept he is the only cat in the place, and likes all the attention he is getting. Haimish spends more time with me and doesn't spend as much time in the bedroom like he did when Roxy was first put to sleep. It is nice to see Haimish active again and back with the living.

I believe on 26 April, 2006 a part of Haimish died as well as a part of me. The first couple of weeks, Haimish spent all his time in the bedroom except to come out to eat or spend some time in my lap purring when I settled down for the night to watch some television.

In a couple to three weeks, a new little cat will be coming to live. I have been in conversation with my Veterinary and was advised that it doesn't matter if I adopt a male or female cat as long as the temperament of the new cat matches Haimish's and to a part my own temperament. It doesn't matter if I bring home another male cat, where both Haimish and the new comer are fixed. No need to watch each other's territory.

Haimish's Story starts out in 2000. February is when he was born as to the best guess they could give me at the Calgary Humane Society. When I adopted Haimish, it was soon after Barney had to be taken out of his pain. The adoption papers were signed 17 May 2000 and Haimish was picked up 20 May, 2000. Law states the people who drop off the animal have so much time to decide if they want the animal back. After this time, they have no more rights to the animal, and the adoptee's become the new owner.

I remember walking into the Calgary Humane Society to look at the cats. A good friend knew I was lonesome for Barney and advised I should go look at the cats and see if there were any I'd think would like to have. I remember being told by one employee a the society we could not pick up the animals, so I questioned another employee. I was then informed that we could pick up the animals and hold them, we just had to wash up between animals to make sure we didn't transfer a disease or something between each animal.

Walking into the cat area, there were some more mature cats there who looked up but made no effort to be noticed from the rest. I think they knew they were on "Death Row" and their time was close. In other pens were wee kittens who were having fun playing and chasing each other, unknown they may not be adopted and put to death.

Then when I was almost ready to leave, this one white paw came out from between the bars of a cage and touched my arm. The cry was a cry of don't forget I am here. This is when I asked if I could pick up the kitten. When cat 10188A got into my arms, he became very happy and purred his head off. He found his Master, or in my case his Sucker who liked cats. The papers were signed and it was one of the longest 2 days I had waiting to pick up Haimish. I was told the day I picked up Haimish, if I didn't come along when I did, it was doubtful Haimish would have been adopted. Haimish was next on the list to be put to sleep.

As in all adoptions, I could get a visit at anytime from the Society by one of their representatives to make sure the cat I adopted is being taken care of and in good health and wants for nothing. If I move, I must let the Calgary Humane Society I am moving. I believe this includes to other provinces.

Haimish is a Scot's name. It is James when translated. Haimish is the traditional way to spell it, though most spell it Hamish. I have no idea why I picked Haimish, and no I did not name my cat after my Dad. When I adopt my new cat in the next two weeks to a month, this cat will have a Scot's name as well.

Haimish is a good cat, though when he was new and still a kitten he was very forceful and made sure Roxy and I knew he was there. There are more than one sleepless night Roxy and I had when Haimish first came to live. Haimish had a habit of attacking at a moments notice. He would love to pounce from up high. But as the days turned into weeks and then months and into the first year, Haimish became a nice quiet grown up cat.

After Haimish slowed down, I noticed Haimish was shy of strangers and wouldn't come out of the bedroom until he got used to the company. My company would have to make numerous visits before Haimish got used to them. And there are only some who come to visit that Haimish is comfortable around. Other people he will stay in the bedroom all the time they are visiting.

I believe whoever had Haimish before I got him was mean to him. I also believe that cats pick their master and not the other way around. Whatever is the case, Haimish is living the "Life of Riley" and wants for nothing.

Haimish has had a good 6 years so far, and only had one medical ailment that need Veterinary attention. I have this window that both Haimish and Roxy loved to sit in. One day Haimish was leaving the window and when he landed, the chair he jumped into moved and his right leg shifted and he tore the rotary cap on his knee. Haimish needed to have his stitches done twice. He managed to open up the wound after he had the stitches removed for the original surgery. Of course when he opened the stitches, he had to be rushed to the emergency clinic, as his own clinic was closed.

So for another 2 weeks he had more stitches and he really hated having to wear the cone around his head. It looked different and I had to make sure his dishes were set up on something as when they were on the floor, the cone kept Haimish from being able to reach his dish. One other benefit of wearing the cone was Haimish couldn't get at Roxy's dish either.

It has been a good six years, and hopefully there will be a few more good years. And when the new bundle comes within the next month, I hope Haimish will accept the new comer like Roxy accepted Haimish.

God Bless

"The Old Fart"

Remember - We are all God's Creatures - Lets be Nice to Each Other.