Last week was one of those weeks—nothing serious, thank goodness, but with some decidedly unpleasant moments. We all have them, I know, and mine involved a trip to the dentist. I expect I could stop right here, and most readers would be able to sympathize. I won’t go into graphic details except to note I had a very difficult extraction that left me with a swollen face and an aching jaw. (Three more teeth to go, and then I’ll have an upper plate.)
To add to the fun, I had a Covid vaccine on Thursday. I was expecting a blah day on Friday, but my jaw was still bothering me so much that it masked whatever effect I might have had from the vaccine. I guess that comes under the category of “it’s an ill wind that blows no good.”
However the week ended on a much happier note: on Saturday, Dee adopted two cats from the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society. They are two years old, brother and sister, and obviously part Maine coon cat. The large one is the male, and Dee has named him Kai. The smaller one is his sister, and Dee has called her Fern.
Two sweeter cats you will never find, and Dee asked, “How could anyone give them up?”
“You don’t know the story,” I said. “So you can’t know the reason.”
But boy did we luck out with these two love bugs, who cuddle and purr on our laps. We were supposed to keep them isolated in a room for two weeks, but on the first day, Kai staged an escape, his sister followed, and that was that. They immediately became part of the household.
Dee, a cat whisperer, is in her element. Although Fern and Kai have bonded with all of us, Dee is the clear favorite. When a scary delivery truck pulled into our driveway, Fern bolted and hid under Dee’s bed until it was safe to come out.
The Humane Shelter can be a sad place with so many animals in cages waiting for a home, but it can also be a joyous place. As I was waiting for Dee to fill out the adoption paperwork, a mother with two adorable daughters came in looking for a small dog to take home.
“Come with me,” said one of the staff, and he led them to a room out back. I couldn’t see what happened next, but I sure could hear.
“Oh,” the little girls cried in piping voices, “you are so cute! You are so cute!”
I heard joyous barking, and I could imagine the scramble of paws as the little dog danced in the glow of their affection.
The man came out, leaving the mother and daughters alone with the dog, and we smiled at each other. I had tears in my eyes as I listened to the continuing happy commotion.
Sometimes, every once in a while, sad stories have a happy ending, and there were at least two that day at the Humane Society.
Notes From the Hinterland 
Sorry about the pain from your extraction and vaccine, but as you said, this, too, shall pass — and now, you’re protected from something that could send you to the hospital. Congrats on the new additions! I’m not a cat-person, but I sure do appreciate the benefits having a loving pet brings!
Yup, three more to go. Then onward to the upper plate.
The new kitties have brought such life and fun into what was a very quiet house. How they make me laugh.
Sorry you had a rough week! But you’re past it now and have two delightful distractions. I find that kitties from the same litter seem to make good companions. I’ve had Solomon and Sheba, Max and Caleb, Maggie and Jake, all sibs. Maggie, the last of all of them, lived to 18 and has been gone for 7+ years. Now I’m going to spend the rest of the afternoon reminiscing about all of them and my life and times with them. Thank you! Enjoy your new additions!
I know. Bittersweet memories of past furry friends. We certainly are enjoying our new additions.
What beautiful cats! Hope your teeth are on the mend.
Teeth are on the mend. Cats are romping through the house. Things are looking up.
Oh! I like that happy ending! Recovering from a medical procedure is never fun but Kai and Fern’s arrival definitely lifted the spirits. They are gorgeous and nothing warms a home like a cat’s purr.
Yes, two happy endings! Poor creatures crammed in those cages.
Fern and Kai have definitely lifted my spirits. How they make me laugh.
You shared just the right amount of info about your dental visit! An unintended, but interesting distraction from that vaccine side effects!
Dee’s Maine Coons are stellar! I hope to continue seeing pictures of these beauties! I had one once (probably a mix) and his disposition was lovely. Enjoy your new household members!
Didn’t want to go into too much gory detail. 😉
I now have a new phone with a working camera. As soon as it’s up and running, there will be more pictures of both kitties. I will try not to overdo. 😉
Oh my, Fern is such a beautiful cat! Does her brother have similar colourings. They do look like they have been well cared for. If only they could talk and tell you their history. So nice to be rehomed together.
Ouch on the dentist front. I am a coward on that front.
Fern is a little beauty, and her brother does have similar markings. As soon as my new phone is up and running, I will include more pictures of both of them. Promise not to overdo. 😉
Yes, if they could talk they would have quite a story. Sigh.
I’m not exactly a hero when it comes to anything medical. But with my teeth breaking here and there, the time had come. Anyway, three more to go!
I’m so sorry about the dental problems, Laurie. Good for you for facing it head on and getting it done.
I’m so happy to hear about The Rescue of Fern and Kai. I know they are loving the way things are turning out for them! Thanks to Dee and all of you for giving them a home full of love.
The dental problems are no fun, but with three more extractions to go, the end is in sight.
And thank you for your kind words. The cats are such a delight and are settling beautifully into our home.
❤
Aww Dee has struck gold with this lovely bonded pair! 😍 We wish Fern and Kai the happiest of lives in their forever home and wish you a speedy recovery from your dental procedures and covid vaccination too 💚 xxx
She sure did. What a delightful addition to our household. Oh, they make us laugh.
Thanks so much for your lovely words of support.
Yes, someone says ‘dentist,’ and I immediately have sympathy plus it hits the wallet pretty hard these days too. 🙂 We had our flu shot last week and get the Covid next week. Sounds like Dee found the perfect pair. I hope you all enjoy each other’s company for many years to come.
Not cheap, that’s for sure. Darned soft teeth!
I broke up my shots, too, by spacing them a week apart.
Those kitties are such a delight. They sure make me laugh.
Oh my, that’s an excellent happy ending, Laurie. Your new kitties are real beauties in all regards.
Two new cats! Wow, that’s a major change in your daily life. Glad you’re enjoying them so far. 🐱🐱
Major change, but what a delight. Sure livened up this quiet household.
Handsome kitties! So glad they are love-bugs, and settled in record time. 💕Two bonafide healers are now on duty! 😻
Thanks, Eliza! They are a delight.
You have my total as far as your teeth go. I have had endless trouble over the years with mine. It was good to hear about the cats settling in so well.
I guess we are partners in dental woes. So sorry!
The cats have settled in beautifully. What a delight they are.
It’s always wonderful to hear happy pet adoption stories! I hope your dental saga goes well. As for the Covid shot, I had Covid, RSV and flu shots the same day, with only slight tenderness at the sites, so that’s probably why you weren’t very bothered.
Yes, happy pet adoption stories are so heartening.
Thanks for the good wishes for my dental work. Onward, ho!
My husband was bothered by his. Slept most of the next day after the shot. My daughter was a little tired and took an afternoon nap. I was the least affected, but I do wonder if my throbbing jaw took my mind of my fatigue. 😉
What a beautiful pair!!
They are two beauties, that’s for sure.
I’m sorry you have had problems with your teeth Laurie. I hope the follow up treatment goes well and you can then forget about it all. The cats look so lovely!
Thanks, Clare. The dental work has been no fun at all, but soon it will come to an end. Or soonish.
Yes, such beautiful cats. We really didn’t appreciate just how lovely they were until we got them home where we could really see them and their magnificent tails.
Beautiful cats. Did you have pets as a child?
Many thanks! Yes, I had pets as a child. How about you?
No pets.
Have you had any as an adult? Not a requirement, of course. Just wondering.
I’m one of the few who never has had a pet.
I do know a few people who haven’t had pets, but they are a minority.
We had a wonderful German Shepherd named Kai 🙂 I hope these cats will bring you all a lot of pleasure – there is certainly a lot of love among you to spread around!
Kai is such a great name. We are so enjoying the cats. They really liven up the household.
All’s well that ends well – but still a bleh week. We have had two rescue dogs
Yup, a bleh week made brighter by our two new feline buddies. Adopting a rescue animal is such a good thing to do.
We always wish we could rescue more animals. Good on all of you!
Same here. Poor creatures stuck in cages. And not knowing what will happen next.
Oh I love a happy cat story, and a happy dog story for that matter.
So sorry about your tooth! Tooth pain is truly awful.
Right? Such a happy ending for both two cats and one dog.
The dental has been no fun. Sigh. Three more extractions to go.
Happy endings are good. I know several people that have adopted cat siblings from rescues or humane societies. I was cat sitting a pair of them this week. My facebook was full of orange cats for 6 days. BUT I have to say I’m happy to be home with my one dog. The cats you guys have now are simply beautiful.
I’m sorry about all the jaw and face pain, that sounds horrible. I can’t imagine doing it 3 more times either! I’m hoping you’re feeling muc better by now. I hope so!
I admired those orange cats on Facebook. Our cats are so beautiful. And so loving. They are a joy.
The dental work is no fun at all, especially one of the last extractions, which was particularly difficult. Here’s hoping the next—and last—three are easier.
Hope the future dental procedures are smooth and the recovery phase is just as normal. There are things which we can’t side track. You will be happy when all is done.
I have had my share of visits and unpleasant experiences from time to time. I guess that’s life.
Thanks, Rupali! Three more to go.
Fingers crossed.
How lovely! (Not the extraction.) Makes me miss having cats. We are allowed to have small pets in our apartments, but I don’t thin my husband would be up for it.
Pets, even cats, are a lot of work, so I certainly understand why your husband isn’t up for it.
For the most part, Dee is taking care of them, which leaves us to enjoy their antics.
Oh, those cats look adorable. I’m sure they’ve landed on their paws with Dee!
They sure have! The cat-whisperer is in seventh heaven.
I’ve experienced a couple of extractions, and have mostly expunged those memories. That said, enough remains that you have my full sympathy! Today’s my day for my first skin cancer surgery. I’m not enamoured of running around with a huge bandage on my face for a while, but I’m choosing to view the whole thing as an unexpected vacation from work.
Every time someone gets a new kitty (or two) I always think of Dixie Rose, and miss her all over again. I’m so happy for you — they do add so much to a household, and these are beautiful. It’s especially good for them that they were able to stay together; that’s a bit of extra luck for the kitties!
Well, at least once the tooth is pulled, I’ll never have to worry about it again. 😉
Best of luck with the cancer surgery. Darn cancer! Yes, use the whole thing as an unexpected vacation. I hope the healing is speedy and complete.
Yes, cats add so much to a household. Ours had become very quiet, and now there is so much life here.
Teeth are a pain, aren’t they! Hope you’re feeling better now.
The cats are wonderful, they will be your friends for life. And the story of the little girls’ reaction to the dog is very moving. Animals – cats, dogs, and other critters too numerous to mention – can bring so much joy to our lives, and hopefully we repay the compliment by bringing stability, safety and happiness to theirs.
Yup. Darned soft teeth. I expect the partial plate will be a big improvement.
Yes, cats are wonderful. Liven up the house very much and also bring joy. Lovely what you wrote and so true.
So sorry to read of your dentist pains Laurie…
Dentist in Australia are very expensive, however the older I get, the more I need dentists! Oh well!
The cats look lovely, I’m sure they will melt the hearts of the whole family!
Best wishes.. Gerrie
The older we get, the more dental work we seem to need. Sigh.
The cats are settling in very nicely. How they make us laugh.
Vaccines and dential work oh my, we are blessed to get old though, right? Lol, enjoying each day more now I’ve turned 50 this year. Stroking the kitty now and thinking of theday I can have a country house with a couple of Main Coons lounging about. #Goals
Yes, getting old is a privilege.Just wish my teeth weren’t so soft.
The cats are a delight. Because of their long hair, they get brushed every night. Right before their salmon supper. How spoiled they are! 😉
What beautiful kitties!! I hope you’re thoroughly recovered now, Laurie.
My much better now. Love those kitties!
Oh my goodness! I’m so sorry to hear about your pain but I can only imagine how distracting those beautiful siblings are!
My daughter and I volunteer at an adoption center once a week to take care of the kitties’ physical needs (feed, water, litter box, etc), offer some socialization, and track their charts. Their bios are often so heartbreaking but we hold out hope for the perfect forever homes for each and every kitty we get to meet and care for. Each time we leave our shift we tell the kitties we hope to never see them again 😉
Thank you for giving your two kitties a lovely new home. I hope you all share many happy years together!
Such good work you and your daughter are doing!
That does sound a tough week Laurie! I have had my annual flu vaccination (which includes covid protection) but luckily I don’t seem to have a reaction to them. I would have it even if I did because I really don’t want the full blown version. I hope you have now recovered fully from both assaults.
The cats look gorgeous! I know that technically they are Dee’s cats but I am sure you will get as much joy out of them as she does.
The gums are healing nicely, and all effects from the Covid vaccine are in the rear-view mirror.
Yes, the cats bring me as much joy as they do Dee. Kind of a nice arrangement. She takes care of them and buys what they need. I get to have the fun. I guess they might qualify as grand-cats. 😉
I like the idea of grandcats!
Fern and Kai are beautiful cats! They are lucky to have been adopted into such a good home!
Sorry to hear about the extractions and pain, Laurie. I remember having all 4 wisdom teeth carved out at the same time before I was 20 years old. Yes, it hurts!
We feel so lucky to have Fern and Kai. Not only are they beautiful but they are also loving.
The gums are feeling much better. Three more extractions at the end of the month, and then that’s it until the new year.
How wonderful you have cats back in the house and such beautiful cats!!🙂 All of you must be excited and what two lucky cats to find such a great family and home. It’s wonderful to see cats and dogs find new homes. I hope you are recovering from the tooth extraction and certainly hope everything goes better with the others. Thankfully your painful week ended with happy cats purring on your lap.🙂
Yes, wonderful for cats and dogs to find new homes. Our cats are so friendly and loving. Feel as though we lucked out.
The gums are healing nicely. Round three will be at the end of the month and then that’s it until after the holidays.
I just love it when animals find loving homes. The Humane Society does wonderful work, even though I get teary there too. It was hard for us to walk away with just a dog. 🙂 Those are beautiful cats, Laurie. And sorry to hear about the dentist; not my favorite place either! I hope your jaw is feeling a lot better.
Thanks so much! The jaw is feeling better. Just in time for three more teeth to be pulled. Then, over for a while I certainly hope.
That’s what I keep saying. Laurie. I wonder if there will ever be a year where all I need is a cleaning. 😀
Those days seem long gone for me, too.
I hope you’re feeling better from that painful surgery. Ouch! Dental work is miserable.
But ohmygoodness, two gorgeous cats in the house! I’m so happy for all of you.
I enjoyed your perspective on the overheard joy of the girls and the small dog. You’re right about animal shelters. I’m grateful for their good work.
Feeling much better! Just in time to have three more teeth pulled next week. The cats are a delight. Sure have enlivened this quiet house.
Gosh, Laurie. I’m so sorry about those teeth. I hope the worst of it is soon over. I know kitties can have a healing presence. I trust they’ll be good company, along with an ice pack.
Those kitties are a wonderful presence. And they sure make us laugh.
Nice!