Spencer

Two weeks ago I made a stop at the PetSmart store in Glenmont. My intention was simply to pick up supplies for Rogie, my cat. While in the store I passed the section having cats needing a home. I've passed that area before and have always felt bad for them. Everyone, even a cat, needs a good home. I hadn't planned on adopting a homeless cat that day, but circumstances and the forlorn look on the face of a homeless cat can change your plans.

You see, my wife Carol passed away from breast cancer 18 months ago. It has been a difficult transition for Rogie and me to adapt to the change in our lives. Rogie was originally a barn cat whom we adopted a number of years ago, and he and Carol were very attached to each other. When she passed away, Rogie's temperament and behavior changed radically. Although I understood that the changes probably had a lot to do with her absence, it became very difficult for us to coexist with each other. Rogie became a daily frustration. I have to admit that there were a number of times when I thought about finding him a new home or taking him to a shelter. Of course, I never did. He was still part of the family and I couldn't bring myself to do either.

As I looked at the cats in PetSmart, I wondered if Rogie might snap out of it if he had the companionship of another cat. I wondered if it might be a good thing for me as well. As those thoughts were going through my mind, I came across Spencer. Spencer grabbed my attention immediately. He looked so calm and had an endearing look to his face. Needless to say, he came home with me that day.

Spencer has been a wonderful addition to the family. He is playful, warm, friendly and a calming influence. Rogie, of course, was not happy to have Spencer come into his home and spent the better part of two days stalking him. Rogie has now come to accept Spencer, although that most often comes in the form of ignoring him. Spencer has also settled in. For the first week or so he was always under foot. He followed me everywhere and would lay down at my feet whenever I stayed put in one spot long enough for him to believe I would be there for a while. Now he wanders off to explore, take a nap or chase one of the toys through the house (as he is doing now). Like Rogie, he especially likes to go out to the attached greenhouse when I open it for them on sunny days. It's fun to watch the two of them race each other to get there first!

As for Rogie's temperament and behavior? Spencer's presence has made a big difference. Rogie may ignore his roommate, but his disposition has dramatically changed for the better. And to be honest, Spencer brightens my days as well.

I want to thank you for giving Spencer and me an opportunity to meet. Rogie and I have benefited greatly by his addition to our family.

Bill

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