Chandra, Keep Alliance Beautiful financial associate and office sage extraordinaire, slid a list of potential recycling center cat names across the conference table at the recent board of directors meeting. The “KAB kitty” could now be known by a new name thanks to interested readers.
With more than one suggestion by a few respondents, “Callie” garnered the most votes. Young and not so young people as well as area and former residents shared ideas. Other than a moniker based on markings, we considered the following: Cabby (KABi), Wa ‘Ste (good in Lakota), Calypso or Peaches, Mango, Madge, Calico Jaque, and Scrapper.
Callie’s veterinary visit changed the feline’s destiny as we learned more about her past. Spoiler alert, KAB is again searching for a shop cat.
Chris, one of the newest members of the recycling center crew, had coaxed Callie into a pet carrier. Mary took her to the appointment then filled me in upon returning. The vet who examined Callie said the spayed female has a gum disease that would require regular care in the future. We decided this cat needed a loving human to adopt her, not a well-meaning staff in a dusty industrial building. So, Mary found someone that wanted Callie in Colorado. We transitioned her to an inside kitty until Mary took her on the first leg of the southbound ride.
As far as the “past” part of the equation, Callie did not just show up. Our potential mascot had lived in the country until her person passed away. The woman who had been the gentleman’s caretaker brought Callie to our doorstep knowing we were looking for a cat that could be a good mouser. This well-traveled pussy cat came with a name (“Sneezy” for the past decade) though she never mentioned it.
Sneezy/Callie (now known as Fiona by her foster family) had really warmed up to the crew – accepting a pet and rubbing against pant legs. It is a little sad to see her go. We like to think of KAB as a family and a pet reinforces that notion.
The kitty, had she owned a healthy set of chompers, would have been a good fit. When imagining a successor an array of fictional cats come to mind. Loony Toons’ Sylvester failed to catch Tweety or Speedy Gonzales. Tom had no better luck handling Jerry. The star of “That Darn Cat” never stayed home. Garfield is too lazy and couldn’t scare a mouse if he tried. Heathcliff had swagger. On the other hand we could avoid installing a pet door if KAB had Schrodinger’s Cat, also the title inspiration for the sci fi classic “The Cat Who Walks Through Walls” by Robert A. Heinlein.
Looking at a supply of food and repurposed accommodations, I hope our trial run has been fruitful. Winter is ideal to take in, perhaps, a well-worn neutered tomcat who can prowl among the bales and boxes. Keep posted for recycling information and updates after this updated cat tale.