How I chose Sulu #blackcat (and Sulu chose me)

Blogpost day again .. it is a very special day for me today: 2 years ago i met Hugodad for the first time in our shelter. My guest today is Sulu #blackcat and his Mum Rayne Hall telling the story, how he was adopted. Sulu is a lucky #blackcat, who found a loving home. Black cats often have a very hard time in shelters waiting to be adopted, they are often overseen and some humans even think black cats are/bring bad luck(example from our animal see below). Hugodad grew up with a black cat named “Blacky” – translated – (very long ago) in Cologne and Blacky is still in his heart. Now to Sulu and his story.

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HOW I CHOSE SULU (AND SULU CHOSE ME)

by Rayne Hall

For many years, I could not have a cat, even though I longed for one. I moved from country to country, lived in bedsits where pets were forbidden, shared a home with a partner who didn’t want a cat.

Then I had the chance to rent a garden flat – and my first thought was ‘hurray, now I can have a cat!’

Together with a friend I visited a cat shelter (the Hastings Sanctuary of the Cats Protection).  The volunteer who had interviewed me in my home showed us around the spacious kennels. She knew what kind of cat I was looking for (I hoped for a young, intelligent, healthy, black female, though I kept an open mind), but she didn’t do any matchmaking.

Sulu first meeting

We saw several nice-looking cats who came close to my ideal, but none stood out. Then the volunteer said, “In the next kennel, there’s a cat I’d like you to meet.”

The sign on the kennel said he was Smokey, male, nine months old, and suitable for any kind of home. As soon as she opened the door, the little black kitty dashed out into the corridor, but she coaxed him back. “He’s a bit skittish,” she explained, and encouraged me to spend some time with him, so I did.

After couple of minutes, he came to sniff at my hands. After five minutes, he allowed me to stroke him, and after ten he didn’t want to let me go again.

Still, I went on to view all the remaining cats before returning for a second look at the little black one. He recognised me and was clearly pleased I had come back! This settled it.

The cat, the volunteer, my friend and I all agreed on the choice. Smokey (as he was called then) matched almost all my criteria, and the gender of a neutered cat didn’t really matter.

I signed the paperwork there and then, and spent the next few days getting everything ready for my new cat. The following week, the volunteer brought Sulu into my home.

Sulu

He dashed out of the carrier and vanished for several hours, but once he came out of hiding he settled in fast, exploring his new home and his human.

From the start, I made it my priority to gain his trust, allowing him to progress at his own pace.

People often ask me if it was love at first sight for Sulu and me. I’d describe it more as liking at first sight – the real love grew gradually as we came to know each other.

Sulu garden

This was the first time in his life that Sulu was being loved. As a kitten he had been a Christmas present to someone who didn’t want a cat. At the shelter,  visitors were rare and not keen on a black cat, so he remained ignored for five months.

Feeling safe and loved, Sulu radiated happiness. He explored, cuddled, purred, played and tried to please me as much as I pleased him. We both felt lucky and grateful. (We still do!)

Sulu

He’s the perfect writer’s cat. When I sit at they keyboard to type, he snuggles between my arms, purring happily.  He even loves to ‘read’ my books!

Before adopting Sulu I had initially arranged with a different cat shelter to adopt a pair of kittens. When that fell through, I was frustrated. But in retrospect, I think a higher power arranged everything to bring Sulu and me together.

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we are very happy to see Sulu found his forever home (and we really like him on Twitter .. every cat should have a twitter account IMHO!). Here is another #blackcat waiting for a #foreverhome atm in our animal shelter:

Storm(y) #blackcat

Anniversary Hugo pic, me exactly 2 years ago, when i met Hugodad for the first time

Hugo in shelter 23.8.2013

See u later your Hugi!

(copyright all pics (except the last 2)  in this blogpost by Rayne Hall

all photos and her text here used with his permission, please respect this! )