Lorin & Bernie
Here’s the first follow up to the Bernie story. As I mentioned in my last post, “About Bernie,” Lorin met Bernie while harness shopping at PetSmart for our cat Sylvester. Bernie was not surrendered by his owners as we previously thought: his owner died and he was brought to a pound in Paterson, NJ before going to PetSmart. The hair on his back was severely matted, so they shaved him–he doesn’t like being touched there.
Lorin and I went to see Bernie together Saturday afternoon. He is a very gentle boy, timid in fact. He was housed with 10 other cats and kittens–he had his own large cage with a jumbo-sized bed. The lady from S.T.A.R.T. (Save the Animals Rescue Team) said that he loves catnip, the feather stick and his catnip fish. She said we could take him home for a week and see how it goes with the other cats, and bring him back if it doesn’t work out. She gave us his bed and catnip fish, and we purchased some of the Science Diet “Perfect Weight” cat food he has been eating–he is on a diet. He is heavy at 24 pounds, but she said his bloodwork tested negative for diabetes, and he’s had his other vaccinations.
Bernie came home with us Saturday afternoon.
We set up a food and water dish, his bed and a litter box in the guest room to get him acclimated. He spent the first 36 hours or so under the bed. Samson was the first to check him out: he went under the bed and gave him a sniff and walked back out.
Quincy, the head of the household, was most curious about Bernie. He went under the bed, hissed (but no ears back) and gave a low growl, letting him know who was boss.
Quincy (laying down) and Samson
Karl is also very interested in Bernie, and even nibbled at his food.
Karl
By Sunday night, Bernie was sitting on top of the bed: progress!
This morning Quincy jumped on the bed with Bernie on it to take a better look at him, then ran away.
Judging by his gentle demeanor, Bernie might make the perfect therapy cat. We shall see.
So that’s where we are at so far.
I will continue to post updates throughout the week.
Happy Tuesday, everyone!
Suburban Hobo 
following with interest! I didn’t think you would get him.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Greg, we didn’t think so either, but we took him on a fostering basis and will see how things continue to progress. He’s a very mellow cat, like a feline Buddha.
LikeLiked by 1 person
YAY! Bernie, awww sweet boy. He does seem very chill and so beautiful! Hopefully this cat will being some good vibes for the election! Go Bernie!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bernie Cat was disappointed by the primary turnout yesterday, but his movement continues! Feel the Bern (and the Purr)!
LikeLike
Good omen, your Bernie, methinks…mehopes.
LikeLike
Oh he’s so handsome! He looks just like Tubster – who the humans lost about a year ago. The whole neighborhood mourned him and he was my furiend too. We all still miss him. He was very gentle and affectionate – please hang on to him – he will be eternally grateful.(Tubster was 15 pounds)- 😿
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aw, sorry you lost Tubster. 😦
LikeLiked by 1 person
So are we. Thank you! He was so loving and sweet. All ginger kats are very intelligent and affectionate. How are you doing?
LikeLiked by 1 person
u b berning 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
For realz.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m thinking Bernie likes it!!!!! Good for you!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Kirt!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yay for Bernie! Bless you and Lorin for adopting him! The kitties’ reactions sound promising! 🙂 welcome home, Bernie!! You’ve got my vote!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Joanne.
LikeLike
You have made me so happy! Isn’t that a song… Anyway thanks for taking the Bern😻
LikeLiked by 1 person