- April 25, 2024
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Like all bad decisions, it started with a spontaneous trip to the pet store.
I was meeting my mom, my brother's girlfriend, Cassie, and my cousin, Kayla, for lunch, when they decided we'd swing into Petco because they had the cutest new kittens I just HAD to see. I made the mistake of telling Cassie I might want to get a kitten, and ever since she's been on a mission to find me one.
As soon as we walked over to the cat cages, I made eyes with the tiniest orange tabby cat I've ever seen in my life. She was sitting on a shelf — where she lived with two other kittens that were around her age but somehow twice her size — looking very unsure of how she would jump down.
At first I thought she was just a little fearful, but her dancing back and forth from the ledge (and the fact that I happened to read her info sign) led me to a different conclusion. Her name was Cheeks, and she was partially blind. Somehow that made her even cuter.
Cassie saw I had fallen in love as planned and immediately called the rep for PawsAbilities, the rescue organization that had her up for adoption. Within 15 minutes, I had Cheeks loudly purring in my lap.
It turns out, Cheeks wasn't born with her disability. According to the PawsAbilities rep, she developed it after being spayed too young. At a little over 3 months old and 3 pounds heavy, she technically was ready for the surgery, but started going blind after she had it.
While it doesn't seem like her condition will worsen, there's no way to know for sure. But even with her physical setback, Cheeks is kind of the perfect kitten. And I'm not just saying that because I'm bias. Pretty much everyone who's had the pleasure of meeting her agrees.
She still jumps of high ledges, go crazy with cat toys and attacks my feet while hiding under the couch just like every other kitten would. But unlike some of other kittens I've met, Cheeks is incredibly friendly and only has to know you for about five seconds before feeling comfortable enough to fall asleep in your arms.
Though she's partially blind, she's full of love, and I'm so glad we met.
Continuing the conversation
In our May 19 edition, I wrote a column speculating about all the different things that could go in the most prominent vacant buildings in our town. While my ideas mostly revolved around coffee, I'm happy to report that you guys had some awesome non-caffeine related ideas of your own! Here are some of my favorites from The Ormond Beach Observer's Facebook page:
