Wednesday, August 2, 2017

Second on the 2nd: Bleubeard and THE talk



This was NOT the post I originally planned to show, but on further inspection, I decided it was the one that both Bleubeard and Squiggles needed, especially since Bleubeard got so much blog attention in July.  I created this post on December 28, 2014, and many regular visitors have seen it before.  Here it is in its entirety.  I call it:

Bleubeard and I have THE talk

Recently, Bleubeard and I sat down for a talk.  No, not THAT talk.  He's too old for THAT talk.

Instead, he wanted to tell me how much he has enjoyed and still enjoys being the face of our blog.  But he wasn't sure he could keep this up much longer, because he was getting a bit too old to do all the running and jumping and playing in the sun. He and I agreed that we should get a new "Bleubeard in training."  We would have a spare, just like the King or Queen of England.

As a bit of a back story, I had put out feelers to all my friends to see if they had a kitten they needed to find a good home for.  The criteria included it must be a male, and the person must know the day the kitten was born.

Now I love my friend Sally, but she always wants me to spend money I don't have.  She wanted me to go to the Humane Society and buy a kitten for $99.00 (USD).  I wouldn't spend that much money on a kitten, especially when there are SO many unloved and unwanted ones in the world.  She got her two there, and said in the end, you save money because they are neutered or spayed, and get their first shots.  Still, I wasn't going to pay that much for a kitten.

Those of you who are long time readers of my blog, know I've wanted a TV for over a year.  Mine quit about a year ago and I used my old 14 inch TV in my office for a year.  So one day in October, I stopped into Best Buy and checked on computers.  The guys in the computer department acted like I was gum caught under their shoe.  They were rude, rude, RUDE, and didn't want to even talk to me, since I was more interested in getting prices and other information than I was in pulling out my checkbook.   However, in the TV department, I didn't care if they were rude (which they were), because I found the exact TV I was looking for.  Yep, this is the box it came in.  No whistles, no bells, just a TV.  Just what I was looking for.  Remember, I'm the low maintenance gal.

Since I was so close to the Humane Society, I thought I would drop in and see what they had in the way of kittens, because Sally told me they were running a special on kittens, but she wasn't sure how long the "special" lasted.


After filling out an application, I had a look around and saw three kittens, although I wasn't sure any of them was what I was looking for.  They (Humane Society staff) left me in a room with three males, and the one that was the scraggliest and most timid appealed to me.  He was also the only one they knew the date of his birth. (Ed note: he is 6 weeks and 2 days old in this photo).

For a total of $9.00 (USD), I brought home a kitten that had been neutered, has a chip in his neck so he'll never get lost, has all his shots through the first six months, was sandbox trained (Ed note: a genuine bonus since Bleubeard took nearly a month to sandbox train once I got him home), and has been given pills to make sure he has no worms and fleas.  They also gave me a cardboard cat carrier.  I saved $90.00 and got all the shots and such he needed to start out his life as "Bleubeard in training."  (Ed. note: it's hard to believe that is the same face I fell for at the Humane Society.  He got so much cuter once I got him home.)

Granted, neither Bleubeard nor I wanted to call him "Bleubeard in training," so we had to come up with a name for him.  It took over a month for me to decide on a name for Bleubeard, so I wanted to get this one a name soon.

BTW, that blue collar I gave him, lasted about two weeks before he chewed it off.  Once he got home, learned the lay of the land, and felt safe, all that timidness went away.  Unfortunately, he and Bleubeard have not bonded as I had hoped they would.  In fact, they refuse to be in the same room together, unless it's time to sleep.

So today, I give you Squiggles.  As of November 25th when these photos were shot, he was three months and 10 days old.  

Note that he likes to drop things in the communal water bowl, which infuriates Bleubeard.  (Ed. note: I tried two water bowls, and if one didn't knock one bowl over, the other did, so I gave up and went back to one water bowl only)


Isn't that pink nose adorable? 

That new collar has lasted longer than the first one, at least.


Before I could change the water, he had found something else to drop in it.  I'm not sure Squiggles and Bleubeard will ever bond at this rate.

So much for the TALK, Bleubeard.  I'm not sure it was a good idea after all, but we'll both learn to love Squiggles over time, I'm sure.  I hope you, too, will learn to love, or at least like, Squiggles as much as you all seem to love Bleubeard.

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Now it's time to share your Second on the 2nd.  The rules are quite simple and everyone is welcome to join the fun look back.  All you have to do is bring back a post that you are especially proud of, or perhaps one you shared before anyone knew your blog existed.  Any post, any genre, any artistic endeavor is acceptable.  Then link below (direct links only, please) and Bleubeard and I, along with other Second on the 2nd friends, will be by to visit.   Please be aware this link is only open for five days, so linking on the 2nd is preferred.






26 thoughtful remarks:

Valerie-Jael said...

Lovely to read the true story of Squiggles' arrival! He's gorgeous, and I am sure a very good choice. It's always good to choose those who need a home. Happy 2nd on the 2nd, hugs, Valerie

Neet said...

I got a little confused and thought you had bought yourself a third little furry friend. Now I realise it is Squiggles you are talking about.
Thanks for the story, glad you and Bleubeard had that talk but hope that Bleubeard has many more years ahead of him, even if he has slowed down a bit.
Take care, the three of you and still sending special tickles to Bleubeard even though Squiggles looks so darned cute.
Hugs, Neet xx

chrissie said...

Such a lovely post Elizabeth and your furry friends have a beautiful home and a great life with your love and care. I hadn't seen this post before so it was all new to me. Thank you for reposting

Love Chrissie xx

Dortesjs said...

Lovely to read the story of Squiggles ;O)))

CJ Kennedy said...

I'm so glad to get to know Squiggles. His pink nose is indeed very cute. How did you decide on his name? I think it's funny he likes to plunk things in the water bowl. Of course, I don't have to drink from the bowl and would probably feel differently if I did drink from the bowl. And has Squiggles and Bleubeard finally bonded?

froebelsternchen said...

Squiggles is such a lucky boy that his fate led him to you and Bleubeard!
Loved to read his story!
oxo Susi

pearshapedcrafting said...

Oh yes! I do remember our first introduction to Squiggles - he really is adorable! I don't recall you ever telling us whether he has stopped dropping things into the water dish! You are lucky to have such good company with your two handsome boys and hope that Bleubeard is around for a little while longer! Not sure whether I will be able to take part today Hugs, Chrisx

kathyinozarks said...

this is a new post for me and I really enjoyed it. How are they getting along now? sometimes two males just won't get along-that was a perfect price for sure the 9.00 I never understood the high prices at the shelters. that is so typical to irritate each other too lol
I was glad to read about your tv too we are that way as well we wait til we have the money and the price for something we want.
Yes I have sun painted and was so much fun. It has been awhile since I did that-I used pebeco setacolors from dharma-I might have spelt that wrong. about 5 years or so ago I was commissioned to do a long piece for a cancer survivor quilt she was designing-it wasa sky with a sunrise. I ended up purchasing a book and a video for ideas. I told her I was Not an artist I just do stuff--she gave me the confidence to do it and I was quite pleased with my results-not sure I have a photo or not. I should see if she ever finished that quilt she was always changing up the design.

Halle said...

The boys are just so darn cute. I wish Marvin would be a bit more accepting of other cats. He tolerates the one dog we've had visiting but certainly is relieved when she goes home.

Lisca said...

I really loved Reading Squiggles' story. He is a cutie. Have they bonded since? Perhaps having two males creates problems.
Have a great 2nd og August,
Lisca

My name is Erika. said...

So the big question is, did they ever bond? We never see much of Squiggles and it was great to see all these photos and read his story. I take it he is rather shy still since you seem to have a hard time getting his photo. Animals are funny when you bring home a new one. When I brought home my cat Leo, he could care less about the big 90 pound German shepherd mix dog we had. After we lost that dog and I brought home our present dog, he just freaked out around the new dog. And she was only half the size of the other dog. I know animals sense things so maybe that's what its all about. happy second and glad you shared this story. Hugs-Erika

*Vicki* said...

I really LOVE the fact that you stayed in reserve and stuck to a rescue kitten and so glad that squiggles is happy with you and Bluebeard in his forever family home! :) What a lovely post!

I can't find an address to you, but I would like to send you some mail if you don't mind...so please send me an e-mail! :) -You should be able to find it through my comment here! Thank you!

*Vicki* said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Cindy McMath said...

I really enjoyed reading Squiggles' story - I missed it the first time around.

Sami said...

This is a new story for me Elizabeth and I loved getting to know Squiggles story. He's beautiful, well they both are!
I had a look at that bowl full of quibbles and thought that if I filled up a bowl like that my cats would just eat it all up in one go! I have to give them small portions twice a day.

Jeanie said...

Oh, oh, oh, I LOVE Squiggles. We so seldom see him so I love hearing how he came into your life. What a sweet face! And he sounds full of fun and mischief. I'm so happy for you both. I suspect they'll bond in time... they usually do!

Love this post A LOT!

Let's Art Journal said...

I so enjoyed reading the story of Squiggles arrival and he sure is cute with his little pink nose 😁. Thanks for popping by my blog earlier, I've added the cross over word to my list and I'm glad Chrissie clarified the theme for you too (grin!). Have a great day! J 😊

Nancy said...

Squiggles is such a handsome fellow! Cats are so quirky with things like dropping thing in the water bowl. Makes me chuckle!

sheila 77 said...

I just popped in here for a quick look and couldn't believe my luck - a whole post about Squiggles. And lots of photographs too, what a treat for a number one Squiggles fan. That was marvellous getting him for a bargain although I am sure he would be worth every penny at full price too. How amusing that he likes to drop something in the water bowl. Could you give him some extra special Scottish strokes? Thanks.

da tabbies o trout towne said...

squiggles; dood....what a grate gotcha day storee; we N joyed it veree much N we due hope bye now ewe N bleu get a long....a bit....better... if itz a lot....each day ~~ ♥♥♥ !!☺☺

Meggymay said...

Elizabeth I have loved reading your post and how you and Bluebeard had a heart to heart chat about bringing a new addition in to your family.
Squiggles looked a darling young kitten, it would have been so hard if I had seen the three together, the other two looked like my Tiger did when we brought her home all those years ago
Now reading your posts it seems that you all get along fine. Do they still keep apart or can they share the same space as Squiggles has got older.
Yvonne xx.

Rita said...

OMGosh! Has it been two years already?! Wow!
Happy birthday to Squiggles. :)

Birgit said...

When I went looking for my iPad, I went to Best Buy, I looked around and saw that the average person who worked there must have been 24 going on snotty so I walked out and went to a place where I got great service and the person who helped me knew what it meant to be an adult. Love your kitty...so cute and you gave him a forever home. Our first 2 cats sleep together but the later 2 pussy cats we saved, well, they all just tolerate each other. I will say our 3rd kitty, Jade, loves our doggie, Wallace and regularly licks him to his content.

JillGA said...

Love love love Squiggles! Welcome to our community "officially"!!

Sandra Cox said...

Awww, such a sweet story. Love it.

FYI: Kitties, puppies and rescue.

I was in rescue for years and what they exist on is donations and grants if they can get them. The ones that are lucky enough to hook up with a clinic usually break even. Those that have to go to a regular vet usually lose over a hundred dollars an adoption. What money that my groups made on adoptions were from purebreds or animals that came into the program already fixed. Money that was made on these guys was recycled into another animal in need.
The low prices are usually to get the animals moving. And it is such a deal. I love it when rescues run them. The animals end up in good homes that they might not have had otherwise.
Before I went into rescue I felt the same way you did back in the day:) There was no way I would pay money for a street kitty. I can remember a young woman at the pet store telling me what a great deal it was and I was thinking to myself yeah right. Grin.
I'm so glad Sally took you to see the kitties. Squiggles ended up right where he belonged. You're a wonderful cat mom Elizabeth. Thanks for sharing the story.
(This was probably way more info than you wanted or needed.) grin.

Sandra Cox said...

PS On the other side of the coin, like any charity, there are times the money gets frittered away and wasted.