A new addition to the family

Okay, the idea was this: Diane wanted a new kitten. So, Dorene found one in South Bend and we took it to her this past weekend for her to have on a trial basis and see how it works out. To repeat, this was in no way going to be OUR cat, but would be for Diane. If it didn't work out for her, the kitten would go back to the owner.

So here we are a few days later and the kitten has just returned from the vet with it's shots and is now part of our zoo. How did that happen? I blame Anna and the kitten.

On the way to Chicago, this kitten was so calm. Didn't fuss at all. We had it loose in the van and she just sort of wandered around. But she really latched onto Anna. She would crawl up on her lap and just soak up the attention. She then went to sleep in a little makeshift hammock between Anna and Cam's car seats. All weekend, the kitten was constantly after Anna, wanting her attention.

So, before we even got to Chicago, I had decided that we'd keep the kitten if it didn't work out with Diane. As it turns out, Diane really, really liked the kitten, but there was a problem. She got scratched by it. During this time where she is going through chemotherapy, her immune system will be very low. A cat scratch could actually have a very adverse affect on her. We were going to explain this to Anna but she replied, "yeah, it's because her white blood cells are low." Okay, I guess she is learning things in school. So, right away, we knew the kitten had to go back.

Of course, when given the chance, why not have a little fun and torment my wife? Dorene really wanted this kitten. I mean, really, really wanted it. It looks like a siamese cat and Dorene has always wanted one. So, I kind of toyed with the whole idea, saying I didn't want another cat, etc.
Finally, I let her know we'd keep it. Of course, there was no way we could drive back and pry the kitten away from Anna. Not a chance.

The kitten's name is Gracie. We call her Gracie Girl, or GG for short. Anna's name means "full of grace" so it's a good fit. Yesterday was the one-year anniversary when we had to put Max the Cat to sleep, so it was also good timing.

The one condition I gave to Dorene about keeping Gracie? Diane was on her own in finding a kitten. We wouldn't be taking any to her on a "trial basis." Because, let's face it, I'm the sucker here for cute kittens.