Houseplants & Pets
A Pet Story
I’ve been a zealous dog mom for seven years, and didn’t think I had room in my heart for another pet, but this all changed when my family took a trip to the local animal shelter.
The pet topic has been an ongoing discussion in my household ever since our cat Jasper passed away. If we were to hypothetically adopt another pet, what kind of pet would mesh with our lifestyle?
My son really wants a lizard. He is thirteen and diligent researching all kinds of lizards from leopard geckos to larger lizards like bearded dragons, as well as learning how to care for a creature with unique habitat needs. My eldest son wants a cat.
I imagined spending my spare time begrudgingly “babysitting” a horned lizard who truly belongs amid a desert terrain, and although a cat is much easier to care for, a cat can live for twenty or more years.
Their pleas for a pet didn’t subside, and they were in luck, timing was on their side. Summer break would be here in no time and a birthday celebration was just around the corner.
My husband and I talked it over, we both agreed, a lizard pales in comparison to a furry kitten. On the day of our son’s 16th birthday, we took a trip to the local animal shelter for an impromptu visit.
During the car ride, my husband set expectations for our sons . . . and maybe for me too, affirming most likely we won’t find a pet today . . . it could take months to find the right one.
As we enter the lobby to our surprise we spot a sleeping litter of kittens, five to be exact. We quickly get acquainted, carefully picking them up and observing them while they pounce across the tile floor.
The kittens only nine weeks old are irresistibly adorable.
Our birthday boy wanted the black kitten. Initially the plan was to adopt only one but that flimsy rule dwindled once we met the tabby kitten who looks like a miniature tiger.
Meet Otto and Augustus—they are brothers
It was love at first sight! I filled out the paperwork in record timing. I couldn’t wait to introduce them to their new home. The kittens are now twelve weeks old, growing stronger by the day, exploring every nook and cranny of the house—getting into so much mischief. My houseplants are defenseless.
Otto and Augustus are curious and rambunctious, bringing endless joy to our lives. What fun we’re having! Now I can’t imagine life without them.
Adorable.
LOOOOOVE!