Unfortunately, Sherman proved Lance right. I was scheduled to care for Sherman for a couple days. During that whole time, Sherman stayed under the couch whenever I was in the house. Sure, he would eat my special treats if I tossed them under the couch, but he would not come out to see me, not even for treats. Sherman obviously liked my treats. He ate whatever treats I left behind for him. Sherman didn’t seem too crazy about me.

Soon after that first weekend, I was scheduled to care for Sherman again. I couldn’t bear to have him hide from me again. I wanted him to enjoy my company. I thought maybe if Sherman could enjoy some one-on-one time with me before Lance’s next trip, he would warm up to me. Lance agreed for me to take Sherman for a walk while he was home. After Lance, opened the door, Sherman went with me easily. Sherman really seemed to enjoy his walk around the block and was very nonchalant about our outing. I thought, “Great. That should do it!”.

I was excited for my next visit with Sherman. I opened the door, and couldn’t see Sherman. I called his name. Nothing. I looked under the couch. There he was. I was deflated. I left him his dinner and some special treats and was on my way, held hung low. I came back the next morning, expecting the more of the same. Much to my surprise, Sherman greeted me at the door like we were long lost buddies. Sherman jumped up on me, ran around me. Sherman just couldn’t get enough of me. I was so thrilled. I soaked it up. When I asked Sherman if he wanted to go for a walk, he got even more excited. It’s been smooth sailing ever since.

I used to call Sherman “Shy Sherman”. Now I call him Squirmy Shermy because he is always so excited to see me and to go for a walk that it is nearly impossible to get his harness on. He runs around me, and squirms out of my grasp whenever I almost get his harness clipped on. It is really comical. In addition to walks, Sherman and I play chase inside and out in the back yard. Sherman loves for me to “sneak” up on him and chase him as he runs around in circles. Sometimes he has a toy in his mouth, thinking he is keeping it from me. Other times Sherman just runs like crazy. Sherman is quite the lovable character! I don’t know who enjoys these visits more: me or Sherman.

all about Mittens’ rehabilitation from his accident. For months, Mittens had to be carried and hand-fed. Cheryl wasn’t sure if the family had enough time for other pets given all that was involved in Mittens’ care, but in the end her family couldn’t resist adding Spencer and Sebastian to the mix. Turns out Spencer, a wonderful Gordon Setter and Sebastian, a handsome Himalayan were just what Mittens needed. Spencer and Sebastian taught Mittens what it meant to be an animal, and more importantly a cat. Mittens grew to be more independent and outgoing, though would always have some telltale signs of his neurological damage. Mittens often walks in circles and still needs help eating. Cheryl showed me how to pop food into Mitten’s mouth until his brain kicked into gear and remembered how to eat on his own. Mittens eyes don’t work like your average cat. They do not blink, and have a thick, milky glaze to them. You can’t tell what Mittens is looking at or if he can see at all. Cheryl encouraged me to hold Mittens during our meeting. His body was stiff, and I couldn’t tell if he enjoyed it. Cheryl assured me that Mittens liked to be held. Mittens also assured me by giving me a hug. My heart melted. I was excited to care for the whole furry family.

Once in my care, I fell in love with the whole bunch. Spencer was friendly, well mannered and would get a little jealous if I gave the cats attention. He and I had such great walks. I got the biggest kick out of Sebastian. He is one cool cat and the ultimate guard. He has a regular perch by the front window and will run from room to room to keep an eye on someone or some animal outside of the house. But, it was Mittens that I soon developed a very soft spot for, and not just because he needed extra attention. In fact, I soon became amazed by his spirit and how he didn’t seem to notice his special needs. Mittens would follow me as I took care of my pet tasks. Sometimes, he would try to lead me to his feeding area so I would help him eat. But, what I enjoyed most was how Mittens loved to cuddle. Mittens is a very affectionate cat and enjoyed my holding him and lovin’ on him. In those moments, Mittens was not a special needs cat, he was just special.