Adopting Mr. Cat
Don had no intention of owning a cat or even looking at cats. He had only been assigned to get some pictures of the new county animal control building for a local magazine. The exterior of the building had just been painted in a unique graphic design created by a local artist.
After getting the required exterior views he went inside to get some information and also see if there were any interesting interior features that could be photographed. The lobby and office area was very quiet, sound proofed it seems.
Don had never been to an animal shelter before and did not realize that the lack of sound was unusual.
The facility was not open to the public that day a but he was allowed to tour, photojournalists often get the royal treatment, anything for good press. Entering the actual animal area the noise was deafening. Dogs barking, yelping, howling and all the assorted noises they could make. Dogs of all sizes and descriptions were in cages. Most seemed intent on making as much noise as they could. A few quiet ones could be seen cowering in the corners of their cages.
He quickly passed through an into another room where cats were kept in small cages stacked side by side and four tiers high. The dog noise was only slightly less. The cats looked pathetic. They were frightened by the barking and seemed to know what fate awaited most of them. It was almost as if they had passively accepted their future, perhaps even looking forward to relief from the torment of barking dogs.
Only one cat had a different attitude. Standing alertly at the front of the cage he inspected the newcomer eagerly..then stuck one paw through the bars as if beckoning. The cat (just a large kitten actually) had a bright eyed alert look about him. Don went over to the cage for a better look. As he put his hand cautiously near the cage the cat reached out and grabbed his finger, no claws extended, in confident friendship. Don knew at once that he could not leave this cat behind.
He paid the required fees and bought a cardboard carrier. The as yet unnamed cat went home with him.