The Humane Society of Sedona is many things, but to me, it is a place where creatures will receive care and where others can go and find animals to share a life with. Corky, my late wife, and I adopted our first cat, Nimbus, from the shelter in late 1999. He was a small cat weighing about six-and-a-half pounds. He melded in as a family member and enjoyed walks whilst draped over my shoulder. When indoors, he liked to burrow into blankets.
Nimbus
Nimbus passed in 2007, and there was an emptiness in our lives. When you attach yourself to a creature with a short life span, there will be loss. We filled the void with Q, named after the “Star Trek” character. She had a totally different personality, and the bond was immediate.
One
Q passed about the time that Corky was put on hospice, and we knew that another little one had to come home. I found an abundance of little ones waiting for a new home at the shelter. Three beautiful black cats were calling to me. I called Corky and asked her which ones I should bring home. She said, “All of them.” I said, “Only one is coming home,” and then we had One.
One and Lo III
One stayed and prospered. The portrait of her and the orchids were in her role as caregiver for Corky. She was also my photo editor and “helped me” cook up some new ideas for a composite. In another photo, she’s with her bobcat nemesis. This bobcat kitten didn’t know it was supposed to run so they just checked each other out for a minute before parting ways. Over the years, she chased many bobcats out of the yard. Her life was tragically cut short in August. Once again, the Humane Society was there, and Katie came home two days later.
Katie
This story is repeated daily for hundreds. My story is not unique, except to me. Thank you, Humane Society.
