That's Linus, my cat, a.k.a. my Sweet Baboo. The photo on the left was taken on the day I brought him home from the Humane Society. He was eight months old. The other two show him at his two favourite activities: surveying the neighbourhood through my living room window, and, of course, sleeping.
I did not name him Linus, but whoever did chose very well. Just like his namesake in the Charlie Brown cartoons, he is shy, quiet, loving and very wise. And he's a sucker for a soft blanket.
I've had him for nine years now, but before that, I had never had a pet of any kind. So you have to know that Linus is special. I first learned of his existence through an acquaintance who volunteered at our city's Humane Society. She had immediately fallen in love with Linus when she met him, but she was unable to take him in herself, so she sent out an email to everyone she knew encouraging us all to consider adopting him.
Something in her message triggered a response in me, so I went to the Humane Society to meet Linus. It was love at first sight, and the next day, he was mine. Ever since that day I've been telling people that I love him so much I can hardly stand it, and it's true. He is the softest, cuddliest, sweetest soul and I am thankful every day that I have him.
He is my best bud, and the world's best confidante. (Never once has he shared any of my secrets.) And to be honest, he keeps me sane, even on my darkest days. He is just so unbearably loveable, I can't help but feel better about life when he's sitting in my lap. He calms me when I'm frustrated, comforts me when I'm sick, and every day he makes me laugh.
Even though I live alone, I rarely feel lonely with Linus around. I guess that's what it all comes down to - it's nice to have a pet because it's comforting to have another living thing around the house. And if all of this makes me sound like a crazy cat lady, then so be it. I will wear the badge with honour. Linus is worth it.
Sarah xoxo