Meet Tuukka

I'd like to introduce the newest member of my family: Magic Tuukka-Bob Simba Catdog! Everyone who's met him seems to add a new name to the big guy.

Last week I called Dr. Randall to say good-bye and wish her well as she moves on to Minneapolis. It was a bit traumatic - no a Lot traumatic since I've been taking the babies to her for over 10 years! Plus, she gave me Bridgette, Molly and Hamilton - starting me on the road to caring for special needs cats.

As we were talking, I said, "You wouldn't happen to have one last special needs cat that I could take for old times sake?"

"Welllll," she paused, "As a matter of fact I do."

I stopped after work to meet the big guy who has AIDS. His family moved off and left him, and he was on the streets before a neighbor took him in. But her cats were fighting with him, so he ended up at the Cat Clinic. His last stop before he landed at my house.

My cats are not aggressive, so there's little chance that he'll spread the virus to any of them. Plus, all of mine have been tested. Turns out - my house was the perfect destination for him.

Anna helped me bring him home and he really is just a gigantic teddy bear. I'd set him up in the computer room for a "safe place" for him while he adjusted. Turns out - he didn't need to adjust and as soon as I slipped out the door he was right behind me. He cruised around the house, looking it over and walking by several very surprised kitties who just backed up and let him pass. I think they all were a bit in awe over how big he is!

Except Molly. She was outside and saw him through the patio door. She took one look at the interloper and she ran in and attacked him! All 7 pounds and 3 legs were a flying. He backed up looking a little stunned. You could see him go, "Hey, dudette - what's the problem?"

She spent the rest of the evening under the couch growling at him while he discovered the bag of catnip toys and proceeded to play with them.

When it was time to feed everyone, I was going to fix a bowl and feed him in a different room, but he lined up with the whole crew and they all ate together.

Yup - he's adjusted really fast!