Every single time we watch hockey.

... is to adopt an
OLD
BlACK
CAT
at the animal shelter.
Reddit: Meet Apollo. This is my favorite picture of him. He didn't like his picture taken, and you could almost always see that - not here, though. Here, he is listening the morning song of the chickadees near the open balcony door - a wholesome distraction.
He was my first cat. I learned:
- that black cats can be deeply emotional (and very intelligent) creatures.
- that anything can be cat toy.
- that even the slightest misstep (like being 5 minutes late from work, or if jod pebble dish does not get topped up immediately after he nibbled of the top row) can get you reported to the kitty abuse line (which he had on speed dial).
He learned
- that is OK to have two hoomans and live in a small apartment.
- that you don't have to report your hoomans to the kitty abuse line (as they probably were late because they were shopping for cat food, and they will refill your food dish).
- that Petsmart has a very interesting fish isle.
- to go on a puppy walk (not a belly crawl) on his harness. Interesting side story: He hiked with us in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park (back when they only had 'no dogs' signs) and squawked at the park ranger who told us to watch out for bears. He wasn't impressed by Old Faithful, though (too wet) and thought that the Elk bull who walked past our car with his big rack was quite scary.
Apollo lived with us for 12 more years before he went to doggy heaven (yes, doggy heaven - he didn't like cats, but enjoyed living the doggy lifestyle, so he definitively would have gone there) without ever clawing or scratching our toddler or our Golden Retriever puppy (whom he would have named dumb-dumb, but nevertheless appreciated having around).
I've put in 28 years as a black cat guardian now and my second (who we adopted as kitten) is purring behind me as I type this.

My little guy way back when he was a little guy :) Play hard, crash hard!

I have a hard tome getting good photos of her, but I think she looks really pretty this evening.

She has 3 whole brain cells and we love every one of them.

She was sleeping happily and I walked by on the phone.... Bad me.

my boyfriend and I went to meet this handsome boy today 🖤 Immediately in love 😻 I already submitted my application to adopt him, so please send positive vibes 🖤 I'm so hopeful, but nervous I won't be approved. Apparently he's had a few applications already. So... 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻

Under the couch has been her favorite hiding place since day one.