Introducing Ziggy

Ziggy. Photo by Brandi

We added a new member to our household over the weekend. Since China passed away last November, the house had been feeling a little empty over the past few months, and Brandi and I had started thinking it was time to adopt a new pet. We considered trying to find another dog, but it was just too soon. So we decided we'd probably like another cat, and on Saturday, we visited the Kennebec Valley Humane Society shelter in Augusta, to see what felines they might have available for adoption.

It didn't take us to long to zero in on the handsome devil pictured above; actually, he zeroed in on us. Most of the other cats in the place were sound asleep, but when he saw us coming he let out with a medley of miaows. We visited with him for a while, and then went home to think some more and be certain that we wanted to bring another cat into the house. Our cat Zoe isn't the most sociable of creatures, and we were concerned how she might handle the arrival of another kitty in her territory.

Anyway, we decided to risk it, and returned to the shelter on Sunday morning. We filled out the paperwork, paid the fee, and brought him home. His name was "Wiggy," but I re-christened him "Ziggy." It seemed slightly less wimpy... and actually suits him pretty well. He's remarkably affectionate, mild-mannered and quite comical.

For the first day, Zoe hissed at him every time she saw him (and at us, too, for bringing him home), but she's calmed down some. She still tries to bully him, but he doesn't let her cow him too much. Today they even shared the bed during nap time (at opposite sides, of course), so I'm hopeful that a mutual tolerance pact is in the offing.

I'm already quite attached to Ziggy, and I look forward to having him around for a long time to come.