I’m happy to say I’m the proud pet-parent to two adorable rescue cats: Sir Herschel Rupert and Lord Watson Willis Davenport.
We first rescued Sir Herschel in Kansas City, Kansas, on Jan. 20, 2009.
I remember the date because it was when President Obama was sworn in as the country’s first African-American Commander-in-Chief; it was also the day of a very terrible winter snow storm.
A co-worker had actually found Sir Herschel wedged inside the wheel well of his pick-up truck and brought him inside to shelter from the cold. That’s when I first met the tiny ball of fluff and fell instantly in love.
Since then he’s filled our lives with such great joy and love beyond measure. He’s very affectionate and loves belly rubs and snuggles. My sweet 17-pound Maine Coon Tabby is also a great host when friends, guests and foster animals come to visit. My husband and I like to joke that Sir Herschel is just a proper English gentleman trapped in a cat’s body.
When we moved to Chicago in 2012, I started to volunteer at Paws Chicago. That’s where we found Lord Watson Willis.
Our little Flame-point Siamese is quite the opposite of his big brother. Lord Watson is extremely curious, playful and adventurous. He’s also a happy chatter box and enjoys greeting everyone with a cheerful meow. But just like Sir Herschel, he’s very loving and loyal.
Both are now the best of friends and you can usually find them curled up together napping or chasing one another around the apartment.
I’m so thankful I get to come home to my two adorable fur-kids.
No matter how stressful life may get, they are always there to offer love and comfort. There have been many times where I’ve had a hard day and wanted to cry, but then one of them will jump in my lap and just want to snuggle, melting my worries away.
This simple act of affection makes all the difference in the world and I can’t imagine my life without them. I encourage anyone looking for a pet to please considering adopting. The ones we save may end up saving us as well.
Are you looking to take home a new furry best friend? There's no better time than this weekend. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, dozens of shelters in Chicago and the suburbs will waive or discount fees as part of the one-day adoption event Clear the Shelters.
