Sunday, January 18, 2009

Obama's tough decision . . . and mine!

In an interview, George Stephanopoulos posed several questions to President Elect, Barack Obama, about the many pressing decisions that he has to make in transitioning to the White House. One of Obama's responses . . . . it has been "tougher than finding a commerce secretary.” The question, “What kind of a dog are they getting and when are they getting it?”

Okay, okay . . . so I’m not the next soon to be President of the United States and no I’m not faced with important decisions like selecting our Nation’s next Secretary of Commerce! Or that I’m getting a Kitten rather than a dog! I can still totally agree and relate to Obama’s comments on how difficult it is to find and adopt the right pet for your home.

Yesterday, I made arrangements to meet with the foster parent of the two kittens I saw on the Adoption Site. She brought them to the Adoption show which was convenient. They are a little older than their photos on the website, but are so cute. They already have names (Sally & Susie) so when I told their foster parent that I already have names for my kittens, she said that adoptive parents often rename their kittens.


In addition to Sally and Susie, I also saw two red haired kittens

and two black and white kittens that are only a few weeks old.


So here’s the thing. This decision has turned out to be a lot harder than I thought it would be. All the kittens are so cute even the older kittens. Sally and Susie were sort of shy although I’m told that Sally is a lap kitty and very sociable. The red haired kittens are both so cute and shy (but that is also because I was told that it was their first visit to the adoption show and they were a little frightened and uncomfortable). And then there are the two youngest B&W kittens who remind me of Annie’s Maria. They aren't shy. They are so energetic and playful.


This one kitten when I moved this cloth close to her cage, she reached her little paw out and gently touched my fingers. She was so playful and tender.


They are all so cute . . . While I was enjoying playing with the one kitten, I must have tuned everything out. I turned around and saw that the adoption people were watching me play with the little kitties. I felt a little embarrassed.

The adoption people just smiled and told me to take my time because they want me to be completely happy with my choice. They told me that when I have made my decision they will need to visit my house and make sure that it is kitten proof. I’ll have to show them where I intend to put their liter box, make sure all my cords are safe, etc. I told them that I still need to buy their beds and liter box. They told me not to feel rushed. They encouraged me to return today, which I will. Plus they will have more kittens. Yikes, more choices.

Here's the other thing, I'm sort of feeling really bad for the kittens that I don't pick and I wonder if they will find homes. I'm glad that our next President is looking for their family pet at adoption shelters! It really sets a great example. I hadn't realized how many homeless animals are out there and now I am a huge supporter of pet adoptions!

The George S. interview snippet was actually sent to me by the pet adoption agency's Newsletter. In addition to the pet adoption discussion, I found it also interesting because it gives a small glimpse of the tough decisions that Obama will be facing when he takes office. So on January 20, 2009 when I watch our next President be sworn in, I will look on with great respect for the new responsibilities that he will inherit. I have confidence that he will take great care in each and every decision! Why? Because he knows how important each decision is and he is so committed to making the best possible decision for us.

Don't forget to watch the Presidential Inaugural Opening Celebration, "We Are One", today at 11:30 am PST.

Only two more Days! Whoo Hoo!

SUPPORT PET ADOPTION: PETFINDER.COM

16 comments:

  1. Hi Girasoli, I'm so sorry, but using my i-phone to read your comment, I meant to hit the publish button and accidently hit reject! Oops. Sorry about that.

    Yes, all the kittens are so cute. As for the older ones (Sally & Susie), I do think they might be harder to adopt but then again some people want older cats. I actually like them too. It's a very tough decision to make!

    The twitter feature is really interesting and fun so thanks for the explanation. I thought that maybe your updates would show on my home page too but it doesn't unless I click on your sunflower. I just see my updates. Is that how it is supposed to be? I'm still getting used to it. Sorry again for the mistake. Have a great Sunday! And also Monday and Tuesday! :)

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  2. Hi Girasoli, I found your message still on my e-mail notify so I'll repost it here (whew):

    girasoli has left a new comment on your post "Obama's tough decision . . . and mine!":

    That is a very tough choice. Those little kittens look pretty cute but then again, will it be harder for the older kittens to be adopted? Good luck!

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  3. Oh my - how interesting!

    Both Trixie and Tigger came from the Pound. :)

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  4. Hi Kathy,

    No problem. I did that to one of Leslie's comments once and was not able to recover it.

    Regarding twitter, if you click on my page, you will see comments I have written. Your page will only show comments you have written. When you are signed in and you go to http://twitter.com/home you will see all your comments and the comments or twitters from the people you are following (not sure what the official name is - this part is still confusing to me) so for twitter to be fun, you need to start by following a few more people. You will find some on my page that you probably know. I found others from blogs I read and then some people found me. I checked them out first and decided to follow a few which made things interesting in Hawaii (Hawaii followers).

    The tricky part is if you start following too many people. Then it gets harder to follow all the different conversations. Marta suggested on the slow trav board to try tweetdeck, which I downloaded. With tweetdeck, you can make different groups (in different columns) which makes it much easier to follow.

    I not only like following friends from slow trav and blogs, but I have been surprised to enjoy following others I don't really know from Hawaii to get updates on what is happening here.

    Hope this helps.

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  5. Oh my gosh. These photos tug at my heart strings so much. I want to bring them all home!

    Well first, I think you can feel pretty sure that all of these kitties will end up finding homes because these kinds of adoption programs take care of them until they do. So don't worry too much about that!

    As for the choice, you know, it makes me realize that I was lucky in a way. LuLu just showed up on my back porch as a stray cat, and then of course, crazy Maria was brought to me by my brother and nephews. So I never had to go out and make a decision. I can understand that it's going to be hard for you!

    I have to say that the little kitten looking at you upside-down is too cute and reminds me of Maria.

    I wouldn't worry too much about the shy ones because their personalities will change once they settle in and have a safe home. I've always heard that red/orange cats are the friendliest and most laid back, and LuLu is like that for sure.

    As for the age, Maria was 6 weeks old when I got her, and I really enjoyed watching all the stages she went thru.

    Anyway, don't feel like you have to rush. A few years ago, I helped my boss adopt a dog. She was too wimpy to go to the animal shelter so I went down there a bunch of times and scouted out potential dogs, and then took her when I thought I'd found one.

    Well, the dog I'd picked for her out had been adopted but she saw another one, and when we went into the visiting room, that dog ran across the room and jumped into her lap. She instantly knew it was "her" dog and apopted him.

    So just trust that you will know! Sorry so long but I know what a big life decision this is!

    The Obama "We Are One" concert was so awesome!!!!!!!

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  6. Hi Leslie, thanks for your comments! There are so many pets that really need good homes, it's amazing to me.

    Have a nice evening!

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  7. Oh my, Kathy, those kittens are ALL so adorable, how ever will you decide? I have no idea which ones I'd choose. They all sound wonderful. I might be tempted to go with the older ones myself, something about them is just tugging my heartstrings. Oh but the babies are precious too. And the red haired ones...oh tough choice indeed! Can't wait to find out which ones come home with you!

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  8. Hi Girasoli, thanks for the detailed explanation. When I logged in and clicked home, I did see ST and your posts! I will go check out your page and who you follow as well. Thanks for the tip!

    Twittering feels so different than blogging. But it is interesting and fun. The biggest challenge for me is keeping it short though! :)

    Thanks again and have a great evening!

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  9. Hi Anne, the decision is so much more harder than I thought it was going to be. The adoption people are really nice and patient and they don't want to rush me. They want me to be completely happy. And I definitely want to be sure.

    I agree with you that they are all so cute and adorable!

    Thanks again for your comments and have a great and hopefully warmer Sunday evening.

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  10. Hi Annie, I must have been commeting while you and Anne were commenting . . . .

    I did speak with the Adoption people and they said the same thing. They said that they always find good homes for their cats/kitties. So that is so good to know. They are very patient and are more concerned that people adopt the kittens/cats they want, so I am being patient rather than impulsive.

    I totally agree with you. I think you were very lucky that Lulu and Maria came to you. It was so meant for them to be with you.

    The little kitty that is upside down is the one that stuck her paw out and totally reminds me of your Maria. She is so cute. They told me that because they were so young closer supervision would be needed. But when I told them I worked 20 miles away, they thought I would not be able to check on them. I agreed. But the good thing is someone else is very interested in adopting the two sisters, which makes me happy because they are so adorable and they need a good home.

    That was a very interesting story about your boss visiting the shelter and just knowing that her dog was the right choice. Hopefully that will happen to me.

    The We Are One Obama concert was totally awesome! I feel like watching it again it was that good! I can't wait for Tuesday now....

    I read your blog entry about your Nephew's Birthday Party. Sounds like everyone had a blast! Glad you had a great time.

    Thanks again for your continuing encouragements Annie and have a great Sunday Evening!

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  11. Wow, Kathy, that's a touch decision. But it's a relief to hear that the cats are kept until they find homes. There are a lot of shelters in Canada where overcrowding means that stray cats and dogs are put down after only a week or two, because of overcrowding and underfunding.

    I have to admit, I have a soft spot for kittens. But I have seen, with the feral cats that my brother takes in, that even badly abused, half-wild adult kitties, can learn to be affectionate and playful with enough love!

    Best of luck with your decision!

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  12. Hi Sandra, the adoption people actually disuaded me from adopting the kitties because they were so young, although I really wanted them. May a little older kitty would be better for me. I think my lifestyle(where I am out of the house so long and often) is a big factor. They did say that somewhere out there is the right kitty for me and to take my time.

    I think that's cool that your brother takes in feral cats. It's sad about the shelter overcrowding in Canada though.

    Thanks so much for your comments and stay warm (from Anne's comments it seems like it is very cold where you live). Have a great day Sandra!

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  13. The kitties are all so adorable! I’m sure it is really hard to make a decision; I know it would for me. The little ones are precious and so are the grown kitties. The red haired ones look so calm and mellow. What a tough decision you have! I’m glad that you’re taking your time and that the adoption people are encouraging you to find the right kitten. Keep us posted as we can’t wait to hear the news and become aunties to Ronda and Lola.

    I missed the concert yesterday (was at church and then shopping for wedding shower stuff) but I’m hoping that one of my friends or relatives recorded it. I will however be glued to the TV tomorrow. I can’t believe THE day is almost here. Adios Bush!

    Have a great Monday, Kathy!

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  14. Keep forgetting to say that your blog header photo is absolutely stunning!! Catches my eye every time I come to your site. Love the photo of the month too...such a neat idea, I should think about stealing it ;)

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  15. Hi Maria, the red haired kittens are so mellow and cute and they really remind me of Annie's Lulu even her personality. I had a long talk with the adoption people. They asked me a bunch of questions about my personal lifestyle and I think that's how they try to match people up too. She told me that she would send me an e-mail on when I should go in. So that's pretty nice of them to help me like that.

    The We Are One concert was awesome. It's being repeated over and over by HBO, so they can still record it if they can catch it airing again. I recorded it too, so let me know if you can't find a copy.

    Yay! Adios to Bush is right! You know, I probably won't even have to set my alarm tomorrow.

    Enjoy the ceremony Maria and have fun at your party tomorrow night!

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  16. Hi Anne, thanks for your comments! I enjoyed visiting that part of Italy and would love to return there someday. My friend and I decided to go after watching "Under the Tuscan Sun". :)

    I started photo of the month after my 2005 trip because I had so many photos and I thought it would be a good way to remember my trips. I have to say that it is fun so feel free to steal it. :) The photohunt that everyone does also seems like fun too.

    Thanks for your comments Anne and have a nice evening!

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It's me Trekcapri (aka Kathy). Thanks so much for visiting and leaving a comment.