Louie and I went to my father-in-law's birthday party, and out to
karaoke to celebrate our anniversary. We met at karaoke, sang instead of
danced for our wedding, and went out tonight to do our wedding songs.
And when we returned, we found our newest little girl Odessa still
hiding, this time behind the other desk instead of the closet. If I am
up here long enough, she'll come out, sniff about a bit, and try out
another hiding spot. I do wish she'd come out, but my logic tells me
that this could take a bit. She just came out of an overcrowded foster
home, has been shown several times with little result, and I just found
out that I am the second person who's taken her. Her first owner, also
through the shelter, returned her because her fiance was deathly,
go-to-the-hospital-or-else allergic. this poor kitty has probably had a
heap of stress over the past several months, culminating in today's
transition. Calming purrs for her would be gratefully appreciated!

Odessa did come out while we were gone, judging from the food bowl and
the litter box. Going back almost 20 years, Fritzie was a scaredy cat
when I got him too, only coming out to eat and use the litter when
alone; it took three weeks to get him to trust me enough to come out and
let me hold him. I've been told that despite Odessa's shyness, she is
actually very playful and affectionate, and gets along well with other
animals. She won't be a juvenile delinquent like Stosh and Brandy, and
seems more interested in seeking enlightenment, like Roxie.

We'll do our standard treatment, sequestering our new kitty and sleeping
with her the first few nights, to accustom her to our scent and
presence, and that of the other cats, though they're still bivouacked
beyond the door. They're chafing to meet Odessa, but not yet; she's
still too skittish and stressed. In the meantime I'll just gently let
her know that Mama's here, and that this is home now, for good.

Blessed be,
Baha