Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Bugzy - Love at first sight

My beloved, Cicco, a 14 yr old male tuxedo cat, had passed away Nov. 27, 2007, from a severe respiratory infection. I was heartbroken and thought I did not want another pet for quite awhile. After a few weeks had passed I started looking at adoptable cats online but not with intention to adopt, at least, not yet. I suppose out of "comfort" I looked at these sites every day, AFRP in particular. I got to know every face, name, medical issue, etc. I donated regularly. I was happy to see when individuals got adopted and was sad when I'd see some of the same little faces still there...waiting for to be chosen.
It was May, I think, when I decided this 3 legged tabby named, Bubbuh, who was there for a bit, was the one I will adopt. I filled out an application, submitted it and to my surprise...was rejected! I thought, how can an animal loving, CAT LOVING, individual as myself be *rejected* from adopting?! I wait hand-and-foot on my cat(s) and cater to their EVERY need. But, as the foster mom told me, my work was too far away and Bubbuh would be left alone during the day for too long and that wasn't good for his needs. Understood. What is not meant to be, is not meant to be. I had to really shake that one off.
I continued to "troll" ;-) the adoptable pets. Seriously. I was obsessed with 'looking'.
It was Love, and laughter, at first sight when I saw Bugsy's picture on the AFRP adoption site in June 2008. What a funny little face! I saved the pic and sent it to my friends saying, "This may be my next baby". I would look back at the site to see if he was still there and after 2 weeks, I submitted my application. I had a memorial in Yreka, of all places, to go to the day before I had to pick Bugsy up from Pacific Grove. THat morning I drove from Yreka directly to PG, with all my kitty supplies. I set my house up before I left for Yreka with the catbox, water/food bowls, cat beds, tower, toys...you name it, his set up was READY. As soon as I saw that tiny little goatee-faced ball of fuzz I laughed out loud and knew I found the ONE. The staff there were so kind and one of the guys said that Bugsy was his favorite. When I signed the papers, I changed the spelling of his name from Bugsy to Bugzy-with a "z". Z is for Zappa! ;) We've been living happily ever since! :)
THank you for little Bugzy boy, my sweet Love! Thank you AFRP for all that you do!!

Mona, Bugzy & Faith
Soquel, CA