It's Lexy's 9th Gotcha Day! And We're Raising Money for HVHS!

Nine years ago today, I adopted Lexy. She has always been the one to write about her gotcha day (you can read about it here and here), Her posts landed her a spot in the finals in the BlogPaws Nose to Nose Awards in the Best Written Pet Blog Post category, and she recently won a Certificate of Excellence in the Cat Writers’ Association Annual Communication Contest. (That’s my girl!) This year (with Lexy’s permission, of course) I decided to write about how special this day is to me. 

Many years ago my soul kitty was Marvin. He was my one true love, my heart cat, who came into my life as a rambunctious black and white kitten when I was 19 years old. When I was 31 my life took an unexpected turn; I had to move and I could not take Marvin with me. (You can read that story here.) Over the years I’ve heard my share of negative comments about it, but my motto is “you shouldn’t judge someone until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes.” The guilt of having to leave behind the one living being who loved me unconditionally ran deep and the loneliness was unbearable. There was a hole in my heart and soul, and it felt like someone slowly and methodically carved it there with a dull dagger and then periodically prodded it with a red-hot poker. I was fairly convinced that not only would there would never be another Marvin, but there also would never be another cat in my life. That was 1994. 

Lexy made herself at home right away!

Fast forward to April 10, 2010. I was spending the day shopping and running errands with my family, and my niece asked if we could stop at Petco so she could buy some things for her new puppy. The Hudson Valley Humane Society was there holding an adoption event and I was immediately drawn to that area of the store. I said hello to the volunteers and when they asked if I was interested in adopting I quickly answered that I was not. I went from cage to cage looking at each cat, and then… there she was. The most adorable black and white cat with beautiful expressive eyes and a perfect pink nose. I was smitten, to say the least. I called my sister over and exclaimed: “who does she remind you of?!” All my sister could do was smile and nod; this cat also reminded her of Marvin. As I inquired about her I learned her name was Lexy and she was abandoned by her family who moved away and left her behind to fend for herself outside. She had been there almost a year, and when I asked if there was something “wrong” with her, the volunteer (I still remember his name was George) said people just wanted a younger cat (she was only 1 and ½ !) or a more exotic looking cat. I thought other people were nuts! 

Pin Us!

George asked me if I wanted to pet her. When I put my hand in her cage I gave her a little pet, and she proceeded to stand up and turn around so her back was to me – and totally ignored me. But that didn't stop me from falling in love with her. I had to have her, and I wanted to bring her home immediately. Just then an older woman walked by and asked about her. She said she lived with her son had to ask him if she could have a cat, and as soon as she did she’d be back. George couldn’t believe that two people inquired about Lexy in one day! I was resigned to the fact that there was no way Lexy was going home with anybody but me.

"You're late for breakfast, Mother." 

I rushed home to dig my lease out of the closet and right there, stamped in in big black letters, were the words “NO PETS.” My heart sank. Then I really took a step out of my comfort zone and called my landlord, asking him if I could have a cat. He agreed, as long as I promised not to flush any litter down the toilet. Done deal! I immediately emailed HVHS and they put a hold on her for me.

I made a list of all the necessities Lexy would need and dragged my boyfriend to Petco. I stocked up on anything and everything she could want, all before my application was approved. I just knew in my heart we were going to be together. One week after our serendipitous meeting, accompanied by a car full of family members, I went to pick her up. When we arrived home she hopped up into the kitchen window to look outside and seemed so happy! Immediately I knew this was the best decision I had made in a long time.

"I love the view!"

"Thank you for adopting me. I'm happy you're my Mother now." 

Lexy has brought me endless joy! She is willful and determined, funny and resourceful.

"I can reach those treats."

"Got 'em!"

She demands my attention only when she wants it and will tap me with her paw to let me know she wants me to pet her. In many ways, we’re a lot alike. We’re often misunderstood, and people incorrectly believe we love being loners. We’re introspective and contemplative, and our intelligence is often underestimated. We’re frequently standing on the sidelines while others tote their own accolades wishing we could speak up for ourselves, or wishing we could get a word in edgewise (so people would know how great we are, too) when others assume control in conversations. (And yes, Lola does those things!) That’s okay, Lexy. As long as we understand each other that’s all that matters. 

She loved exploring and finding new places to nap.

Lexy healed an old wound that I thought would hurt forever. My memories of Marvin and our life together are still safely stored inside a paw print shaped cocoon deep inside my heart. But Lexy’s love quickly mended the hole that was there, and the red-hot poker has stopped prodding me. I can now think of Marvin with more love than I’ve been able to in many years and his photo is proudly displayed on the shelf above my television. Yes, there is still some guilt there, but it's no longer a black cloud lingering over our shared memories of love and happiness. 

Marvin is on the right. Samantha, his best friend, is on the left.

As is our tradition for her Gotcha Day, we’re having a comment-thon to raise money for Hudson Valley Humane Society. For every comment we get on this post and the post pinned to our Facebook page, we’re donating $1 to HSVS. They are a wonderful organization, and I hope to visit them in the spring to write about them on the blog. (Lola’s acupuncturist used to work on the grounds of HSVS. What a small world!) 

In The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, upon Frodo's departure from Lothlorien Galadrial gifts him with "the Light of Earendil, our most beloved star" and tells him "May it be a light to you in dark places, when all other lights go out." Nine years ago I found my own Light of Earendil sitting in a cage, waiting for her forever family. Lexy, you have brought so much light to my darkest places. Happy Gotcha day, beautiful girl! I hope you know how much happiness you bring me every minute of every day, my beloved star.

Thank you for celebrating this special day with us and helping us raise money for a wonderful organization that does so much for the community in Rockland County! 

Tell us about your soul kitty. We'd love to hear about them.

Dawn