Bubbles & Poe

When we had decided that taking on the responsibility of adding a new member to our humble household of 3 was sincerely feasible, we set off to adopt. Unlike the other cats in their cages, bright eyed and bushy tailed, there was one who was hiding underneath her blanket. Relating to that expression of introversion, we took an interest and tapped lightly on the cage, directing our voices to what lied beneath. What resulted was a small ginger kitty, approximately 3 months old, with a lovely golden coat and shining eyes. Popping her tiny head out from under the cover, she looked at us hopefully and it then took very little time to realize that she was the one to bring home.

The more time we had spent helping her acclimate to her new family, the less shy she remained and a surprisingly expressive being came into fruition; frequently sounding off her wants and needs. The mouth would widen and its pitch would raise in approval while tightening and in a bit of a rasp for when it was time to eat. Over time, she had learned more expressions to her various emotions; annoyance, which clearly resembled a scolding in tone with facial expression of eyes wide open; contentment, having them instead squinted, while making the slightest yet sweetest of sounds. For a while, she preferred to be alone but over time, became more likely to lay at our feet. One thing that has always been consistent is the degree of Oklahoman sassiness detected. We've traveled extensively since, giving all of us the ability to experience the spirit of many places. As a result, she continued to develop her character and phonetic form, while we had adapted along as well. But regardless of the consistent, human presence, the inevitable loneliness and longing for another of her kind had to be addressed. It was some years later in Iowa that we found her a brother.

Like Bubbles, he was hidden, but this was because he had found favor among the volunteers, so they kept him in the back. They promised that he would only go to someone they deemed worthy, who had the clear intention of properly caring for the boy; a 6 month old tuxedo, with aesthetic design patterns and a playful nature. Initially, we decided on "Polarity" in lieu of his coat of black and white. It then abbreviated to the last name of one of my favorite authors. His needs were also greater, as we received him with ear mites and roundworms. But they were soon remedied through much persistence. Holding true to our word that we would give Poe a good life wasn't challenging in the slightest. Over time, we came to know that he too was vocal. One could liken his voice to the coo of a pigeon. He introduced wrestling as a playtime activity, one he and Bubbles would engage in frequently. His signature move with us humans is the head butt.

Having to learn the sharing of spaces and litter boxes resulted in a much more appreciative, albeit demanding Bubbles; one capable of closeness but also jealousy. It may go with the territory, but refining time with both, through an emphasis of attending individual needs, while providing them with equal love and attention, has resulted in a sustainable balance. They still have their episodes of sibling rivalry, before feeding in particular, but being settled in one place has brought out the best and most routine nature in both of them. As much as there may be the periodic urge to dominate one another, at the end of the day, Bubbles and Poe know that they are family.