Pisa Enters Witness Protection. Don't Tell Anyone

Every adopted animal enters a Witness Protection Program. They're given new homes, new identities -- the above is Liam, formerly Pisa -- and it's all very hush-hush, except for the photographs and emails and blog posts.

Here's a snippet from a letter sent by Pisa's -- I mean, Liam's -- new owner:

Hi Virginia!

Just wanted you to know that Liam (aka Billy, aka Pisa) is doing very well as he adjusts to his new home. Our two other cats (three years old each) in all their cat curiosity are wondering what this little cat is doing in their home. Seamus (orange male tabby) was caught licking his face yesterday and has in a few short days taken to running back and forth with his new brother with reckless abandon. Laci (female tortie) is slowly approaching while she gives out warning hisses for Liam to not get too close. He listens...sometimes.

Slow movement and hissing is nothing to be alarmed about. It's the usual reaction of any sister who has two brothers. Just ask Virginia.

And because every blog should offer the occasional beefcake:

Rube Goldberg Kittens

This video reminds me of a Rube Goldberg device with lots of activity and little result. The journey is everything.

Virginia Moore sent this along to announce that kittens in all denominations are available for adoption; proof that sometimes the destination is everything.

Moxie Moves On

Moxie, who recently inspired visitors, readers, and at least one cartoonist, passed on a few days ago. Virginia tells me they'll be planting a Memorial Garden for Moxie, and donations of perennials and bags of soil are welcome. I wish I knew more about flowers. Something bold and orange would be nice.

I didn't have a chance to meet Moxie. I know she was in a lot of pain toward the end. But there's a calm at the center of all cats, and I'm sure she was able to draw on that peace in her final weeks, and to share it with those who stopped to notice.

Another Cartoon Based on My Life

Actually, few of my cartoons are inspired by my life. This one's the exception. Adrift after a 15 year relationship, I shaved off my beard, hoping to appear younger, more festive to potential dates.

The cat and I came to the same conclusion.

Pisa On the Wild Side

Scroll down a few posts and you'll see the plaintive face of Pisa, a much-beleaguered kitten. Thanks to the good care of CAHS and the kitten's good fortune, he's living large in the way of all kittens; seemingly in several places at once, a quantum experiment in a Newtonian universe. I think he's making up for lost time.

The music is used by permission of the multi-talented Tom Dean.

Because It's There

Pisa isn't the only new cat at CAHS. Soon to arrive, rested and strong from a stay with Lisa the Foster Mom, kittens full of vigor and the desire to climb mountains. The kitten in the photo is staring off into the distance, imagining distant peaks and scalable couches.

Determined to Stand

A new kitten arrived at CAHS this past week. Hungry and sore, he came in the company of other starved kittens. He was penalized even further by an injury that left his head at a tilt. He's doing better now -- feeding, up and about -- but CAHS Executive DirectorVirginia Moore suspects the damage will leave its mark. He'll move through the world at a perpetual slant, as if wary of what he'll find around the bend (a reasonable stance, considering his life so far.) Because of his lean, and a determination to remain standing, he's been named Pisa.