MEET CHARLEY this Sunday, January 8th, from 12:30 to 3:00 at the Arundel Mills PetSmart. 7663 Arundel Mills Circle, Hanover, MD 21076

Have you ever noticed how all foster parents sing the praises of their charges? I’m going to do that too, but first, I’m going to go out on a limb and tell you the whole truth.

Gracie and Charley are the poster cats for all the reasons why you should adopt an older cat. That is, way older than they are! These cats are about 9 months old, and they are rambunctious.

Yes, they have pulled down curtains (which landed on top of them, scared them, so now they are happily not performing this activity anymore).

Yes, they get up on counters (yuk, but what civilized person eats directly from the counter anyway?)

Yes, they do dig in the trash, but that’s why they make child-proof latches.

Yes, they race thru the house, and lamps and other treasures have crashed to the floor (but why not simplify your dusting needs, and put the knick-knacks away?)

Oh, and Charley Kneivel did jump off the foyer balcony, about 14 feet, and while I ran to get my jacket and purse to rush him to the emergency room, he recovered and was up and running again. Apparently, it wasn’t as rewarding as he had hoped, because he hasn’t tried it again.

The suicide mission continued a few days later, with a new fascination of houseplant-eating (don’t houseplants “take” more than they “give” anyway? Up they go, away from the kamikazes.)

Okay, now for the touchy-feely part. Gracie and Charley are fun cats who love to follow you EVERYWHERE. They like the dogs here—dogs provide ACTION—and Charley and Gracie tolerate the resident cats, but they are soooo boring. These cats are too energetic for little kids, either now or in the near future. They are very attached to each other, so would like to be adopted as a pair (the thought of which is frightening!) They need a person who appreciates their boldness, happiness, and their all-out spirit. Not lap cats yet—but Charley has taken to napping on my feet. Gracie loves to talk, and talk, and talk. We think she just likes the way she sounds.

Both have perfect litterbox habits, but are very enthusiastic after they go—love to kick up litter all over the place. Need a BIG box. Told you I was going to tell the whole truth!

Also, don’t leave the dryer door or the washer lid open. And don’t close the fridge or freezer door without doing a headcount first! I hope you can read through the tone of this, to tell it was written with love—I think we should all live with this kind of joie de vivre!

Contact Laurie at 410.880.2488 ext #3 or always4tucker@yahoo.com

Good with Dogs, Good with Cats