Clarisse McClellan's Daughter

Yeah, right. Actual content comes later. :) For the moment, you get the short version.

I'm settling back into Whitewater after break, cursing out the evil cold weather and the snow in equal measure, and feeling awful about it being so nasty outside that my big fluffball lab was shivering by the end of the Heide/Arey run an hour ago (see cursing). I'm also mightily miffed that US television and the African Cup of Nations will very likely never mix. Ahem. but all in all, back at university, everything works, settling in and RPing up a storm, Milliways and SC both.

And now that that's all said, you guys get kitty shelter spam! Yes, I started doing the volunteer thing at the wonderful cat rescue/no-kill shelter downtown this past end of semester. and yes, I love love *love* it! I've happily been designated the cat snuggler/petter person as opposed to one of the folks who scoops litter/swaps out food and water dishes and the like, so I've got a whole shelter full of furry friends. :D! On a related note...

Dear Lil girl,

You are an absolutely beautiful grey velvet thing. You amaze the heck out of me now that I know your story; that fox was mean and nasty, even if it was only acting out of instinct when it attacked. That'd give anyone issues, feline or otherwise, and I've seen the way you claw at people when something sets you off, so I feel honored like you wouldn't believe that you let me snuggle you. I honestly had no idea it was you I was petting; I thought it was Sydney I had my arms around. All I knew was that somebody was flipping me with their tail and purring and being cool, and when I asked who it was and someone said 'That's Lil Girl!' I just about fell over. I don't know what I did to win your favor, but I'm thrilled. I just hope your good impression of me lasts.

Dear Ginger,

You are soft like a plush toy! and you look *exactly* like my sister's cat Lily, so that's two very definite points in your favor. and that thing you do where you meow before you jump somewhere is quite cute, you know. I'm thrilled that I got to hear you purr, as apparently that's not terribly common. If somebody's ever looking for a shy orange girl, I hope they discover you.

Dear Endora,

I miss you!!! and I still can't half believe that you turned out not to be an Endora after all. Oops! You had everybody fooled, you silly boy. You single-handedly (pawedly?) made me love tuxedo cats, and the way you'd sit in my lap forever and purr up a storm absolutely stole my heart. I'm still jealous of the lady who adopted you, because she snatched you up before I could! she's so lucky! I swear, you're Bosco in catshape, including the velvety ears, all the kisses and the 'talker' factor. and those crazy long whiskers of yours? Priceless. Kelly laughed when she saw your picture. *snuggles* Come back with Jessica just to visit some time? I know Leeann misses you too.

Dear Daisy,

You're just plain cool. Tortie kitties rock anyway, and I've got a special place in my heart for three-legged critters because of Peaches and Romeo. I know you probably miss Endora too because she--er, he was pretty much your sister, even though he turned out not to be a sister after all, but you're still doing great. and you've already figured out that settling in my lap and purring is a darn good way to win me over. *scritches*

Dear Tala,

I always thought you were really shy! Guess not; Endora just stole all the attention before and never gave you and the other girls a chance. I'm glad I've finally got to know you, you pretty grey fluffball you.

Dear Bethany,

Ditto on the shy thing. Whoops, I was wrong. Glad to finally know you too, tortie girl.

Dear Nickolai,

You're an Yraelkitty! Only not, because you haven't got the green eyes. You're definitely a lover, not a fighter, which is exactly what I said when I heard your story. Of course, you were curled up and purring in my lap at the time, so that kinda helped the overall impression too. *snuggles*

Dear Cricket,

I know you're not the friendliest of cats, but I still feel really bad for stepping on you while going down the stairs the other day! I'm sorry, quirky kinda mean grey girl. Don't be too terribly ticked at me?

Dear Tilly and Tessa,

I call you the snuggle sisters, now. A picture of you two black and white beauties belongs on a christmas card. Maybe even my christmas card.

Dear Stormy,

You poor, lucky angel thing. Hopefully whoever you belonged to before the tornado comes and claims you. And just for info, that other white kitty over there? that's not a reflection, that's Nickolai. He's as sweet as you, you miracle fluffball, I swear.

Dear Suzu,

Just so you know: You are not light, especially when you stand on the climber thingie, plant both your front paws on my chest and lean. Oomph! but you purr and flop in my lap, so it's all good. :)

Dear Lucy,

I know you're a shy little tabbything, and I know you were treated terribly before we got you, but really, everything's cool now. I promise we're none of us going to do anything horrible to you. Don't be scared, sweetie. You're really cute, you know, and Kathy would probably keep you if she could.

Dear... random kitty,

I have no idea which of the kitties stuck their claws in my hair the other day, but just to let you know, I don't mind. My hair's a built-in cat toy because it's so long it's basically string, and you guys are all welcome to play with it and/or nibble on the ends if you're so inclined. I do draw the line at pulling it out, though. And FYI, there's normally a dangling set of keys on my left belt loop that double decently as toys, too. So long as nobody tries to eat those, we're good.

Dear Chex and Cheddar,

Yay, you guys got adopted! I didn't really know you two little kittens, but congrats on the forever family! :D

Dear... whichever of the tortie girls that was,

I know playtime's ten kinds of fun at the very least, but hiding in the bathroom when it's over in an attempt to avoid getting put back in your cage? That'd be a good way to make Chanter worry that you somehow snuck out the door when Chex and Cheddar's family left, even though everybody made sure no kitties were nearby at that point. Silly sneaky kitty. At least you were fine, and found, and Kathy and I both got to pet you.

P.S>: Which of the torties were you, anyway?

Er. That was... proof that I'm thoroughly owned by a whole shelterful of cats. Many more notes to follow, I'm sure.