TBT HERE: A slight delay, which is OK because Laz has been getting so much better socially lately and I was a bit concerned about how he would respond to a new kitten. So about him, first.
He got up on my lap 3 seperate times Thursday! Unfortunately, he is still learning how to get off calmly (he simply LEAPS) and I have some wounds to prove it. It's OK, I heal fast.
Yesterday, we were both outside. He has learned to enjoy "outside time" more when I am out there too. He comes running up and then flops down for some belly rubs. He even follows me around these days and I haven't had THAT pleasure since Iza left us. Before, he would just be outside on his own doing his cat-thing alone. The outside companionship is nice.
Peace generally reigns in the house. In fact, the last time I heard Ayla hiss was when MARLEY got a bit too playful. Ayla is still cautious around Laz, but I've noticed that they come in together and sniff each other. Things are GOOD these days and I think Laz has "settled".
So... I talked to the Tonkie breeder yesterday about the adoption schedule. You may recall I mentioned "early August" previously. Sadly, there was some sort of miscarriage. But the breeder (there are 2 in combination actually) says that both hers and her friend's Queens have recently had healthy litters of the colors I associate with Tonkies..
Apparently, both litters are of the general type as Iza was. I am thrilled! Not that I'm looking for a clone of Iza (she will always be unique in my heart) but I do want the general platinum/mink coloration and the gorgeous blue eyes. Sometimes I feel guilty about being so specific, but this next one will probably be my last kitten (I've had so many at "just adult" stage) so I am indulging myself.
Anyway, the schedule is 11 weeks from now. That makes it about the middle of September. Just about a whole year since I originally inquired about adopting one. It has been a long wait...
Not to say it hasn't been an interesting year. Ayla has always been a wonderful kitty even with the hard start of being spayed twice before the 3rd time worked. Marley came from a happy but allergic home and has been a peaceful mancat all his life. Laz sure took a lot of attention, but it has paid off.
I've usually had mostly womancats before, so having 2 mancats around has been "educational". I used to think "two" was enough (and I could be happy with 2), but Laz needed (and deserved) a calm home so then there was 3. The new female Tonkie will be named Lorelie Lee to go with Lapis Lazuli (from Heinlein). I like book character names (though Marley came with his own and I liked it).
I can hardly wait.
There is some karma involved here. If the Tonkie breeder had had a kitten available right after Iza went over The Bridge, I never would have experienced Laz. OK, sure, MAYBE he would have gotten adopted into a home LIKE mine and been "purrfectly" happy somewhere else. But it would have meant that *I* would not have experienced his socialization and adjustment.
I will always treasure that experience. Yeah, some of you do that routinely. And I admire that. But Laz is unique for me. I've had a long line of "happy-from-the-start" cats and my time with Laz has been an education I needed.
I don't mean that I want everyone to have a "difficult" cat (both for the human and the cat), but it sure teaches you a LOT!
The Tonkie breeder says she will send pictures when available. When I get any, I'll post them.
