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I've become one of them.
By them I mean thoseparents who brag about their kids and then show off pictures.
In this case, my "kid" has three legs. Tripod, my 17-year-old three-legged cat has become a fundraiser for his fellow shelter animals.
Tripod and I came together in 1992 at the Arizona Humane Society in Phoenix. I was there doing a story on dogs or something. The PR rep said, "Oh, you have to see this stray cat that came into the shelter this week. He only has three legs."
She took me in the back, took this handsome gray and white cat out of his cage and put him in my arms. It was love at first hug. This cat might be missing his right front leg, but he sure does know how to give a big squeeze with his other one.
At the time I didn't even have a plant that I watered, but I just knew this was the cat for me.
I know there are folks out there who pay breeders a zillion dollars for some pure bred, but for my money and love, a better cat there has never been.
15-years later, he still gives those great hugs and is the most social cat I have ever met. Forget that snobby thing some cats do, ignoring you and not wanting to socialize. 'Pod wants to be where the action is and always assumes whoever comes through our front door, surely came to see him!
Most people want to know how Tripod lost his leg. That's the one remaining mystery. All these years together and he's never told me.
When I took Tripod to the vet for his first checkup, the vet tech there told me, "The ones you save, they know." I had no idea what she was talking about at the time. I sure do now. Two rescue animals later (I-lean, another 3-legged cat…a story for another time and Darla Louise, the 4-legged dog,) I can't imagine getting a pet from anywhere else.
That's why when St. Louis Cardinals manager, Tony LaRussa, asked Tripod and me to pose for the celebrity pet calendar that supports his ARF animal shelter, we jumped at the chance. Well, for Tripod, it's more like "hopping" at the opportunity.
You can see the story about ARF here. And check out the calendar at ARF.net.
Tripod and I are on the page for November. Perfect, marking the anniversary of DarynKagan.com.
Thanks, Coach for the invitation. And for all of you considering adding a new pet to your family, please visit your local animal shelter. There's a wonderful bundle of love waiting for you.
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