BEAR CUB AND BABY MOUSE: THE BEGINNING

September 2017: I vividly recall the deep breath I took upon reading the text message sent from a friend. The written content made my eyes fill with tears coupled with a lump in my throat. She asked if we wanted to help co-foster five-week old kittens during her brief travels to Florida. It was just five short weeks prior that we had to move along our beautiful twenty-year old cat, Nocella. Kristina knew we were still mourning the loss of our dear friend and family member, so she thought two spunky kittens would help brighten our spirits. I asked my husband his thoughts about this option as Kristina and I discussed further details over the phone. Nocella was his heart cat, and I came into her home by marriage.

Beautiful Nocella | Photo credit: Erica Barraca

“Sure.” he said. “But can we only watch them for a few days? I’m just not ready for another cat right now.”

Skip back to October 2015. As I returned home from work at 9:00 pm I found our other senior cat, Willow, asleep in my closet atop warm boots. My immediate observation of her behavior was that something was wrong based on her labored, open-mouth breathing. The emergency veterinary clinic instructed that we rush her in immediately. Four long hours later, we ended up in the surreal place of holding my heart cat in my arms while a caring veterinarian humanely euthanized her due to heart failure. 

“She’s no longer in pain.” said the veterinarian.

“But I am.” I choked while sobbing over my dear Willow. 

What just happened? How can I go back into our home without her? Willow had been in my life since I adopted her in August of 1999 and held a most special place deep in my heart. Cats make for dear friends and I simply wasn’t ready to be without her. 

Sweet Willow singing

We thoughtfully decided that Nocella should live her senior years as the solo cat in her home. She was our queen, and we didn’t want a younger cat’s presence to cause Nocella undo stress. So here we are. About to welcome two foster kittens into our home with our seven-year old Rhodesian ridgeback, Santino. Let’s get this party started!

“Cupcake” | Photo credit: Kristina Rosinia

“Muffin” | Photo credit: Kristina Rosinia

I enthusiastically prepared the downstairs bathroom as a kitten playground and safe place for their exciting appearance. Kristina arrived with two tortoiseshell kittens in a cat carrier along with tons of valuable necessities to keep us well-stocked until she returned from her travels. I remember bright as day how TINY they were when she let them out to explore their temporary accommodations. 

“They are so little, Kristina!” I exclaimed. I had never had a kitten in my life, for my previous cats were adopted as adults. 

“Here. Hold them.” she beamed while gently placing them in my arms. 

October 1, 2017: Day one in my arms!

To be honest, the next four days were a blur of adoration and affection. I took countless photos and found any excuse to cuddle and play with them. When the time came for Kristina to take them back under foster care, I asked if we could keep Muffin and Cupcake for a few more days. Yep, those were their names from the Anti-Cruelty Society of Chicago.

Segue to my husband’s involvement in our co-foster project. One day, the kittens were playing with Jim in the kitchen while I got busy cleaning their temporary cat condo (aka., the downstairs bathroom). It was then that I heard his soft voice as if he was holding a conversation. Hmmm… I walked quietly through our dining room to peek into the kitchen only to observe him holding Cupcake on his lap.

“You look like a baby mouse. Your new name is Topolina, which means baby mouse in Italian.”

He then placed her tiny body down and proceeded to gently pick up Muffin.

“You look like you’re going to be tough like my Grandma Torelli. Your name is Lucia.”

I cheered with excitement and asked Jim if getting new names meant we can keep them.

“Yeah, yeah.” he said. “They should stay with us.”

Tiny Topolina safe and warm in Jim’s arms. Swoon!

As I looked over the formal adoption paperwork, the noted date of birth burst into my immediate attention: August 21, 2017, which was the date of the solar eclipse. It was also the day Nocella left us. Fate sent us TWO kittens to start to heal the heartache of losing Nocella. She was a small cat with a huge personality. How perfect yet poetic; welcoming these two kittens that were found on the streets of Chicago is meant to be.

Bear cub and baby mouse settling in their new home

Topolina immediately lived up to her name. She sneaks into closets when opened, explores small nooks and crannies, is quiet as a mouse while she fearlessly explores the world around her. It is for this reason that she wears a break-away collar with a bell. We need to hear where baby mouse is at all times so she stays safe. Topolina is also extremely physically affectionate in terms of wanting to sleep as close to us as possible every night. She snuggles her way into our laps with every available opportunity. I’m in heaven!

Topolina goes in for the snuggle

Lucia will not be insulted to wear any form of clothing and earned a separate nickname within the first week post-adoption. We call her bear cub for a few reasons. Reason 1: she looks like a cute little bear with her black and caramel-coated fur coupled with large paws to grow into. Reason 2: Lucia bear hugs everything with her paws. Walking across the room? Boom! In comes Lucia from around the corner to bear hug our ankles. Place a pair of shoes on the floor? Incoming! Lucia pounces on them with all four paws for the tight squeeze. Drop something on the floor? Well, time for a special bear hug.

Bear hug in action: The toilet paper roll had it coming

These endearing sisters have now been in our hearts and home for just over two years. We hope you enjoy reading their upcoming adventures in future blogs, for they are brilliant animal teachers and our little loves that bring us immense joy. 

A special thank you to our friend Kristina Rosinia for bringing these two darlings into our lives. She provides excellent dog and cat foster care here in downtown Chicago. We feel beyond lucky each day to have two new feline friends in our midst.

Please share your stories of how feline friends bring a sparkle into your day. How did you decide on their name?

Laura 

 2020 Copyright: Laura Monaco Torelli

Think of Us on Friday

For our ten-year wedding anniversary celebration, my husband and I decided to vacation in Maui. Jim has traveled to the Hawaiian Islands before, and raved about their abundance of nature. This adventure sounded like the perfect plan, and quickly won my vote. I had never been, and was ready to immerse myself in Mother Nature and all things aquatic and land-based that she would provide.

A few days into our excursions, we decided to snorkel at a beach that came highly recommended by the locals. They shared with great enthusiasm that green sea turtles frequented the coral reef, and it was a sure bet that we would be able to observe them eating and resting nearby.

We could have spent 24 hours in the water. With so much beauty swimming around us, it was hard to make the choice to haul out and rest on land. I decided to deck myself on the sand by our beach gear to hydrate while Jim kept on snorkeling. He knew to wave my way should more sea turtles appear and captivate us with their behavior antics. Observing an herbivore grazing underwater while they easily navigate some serious waves makes for a perfect day.

As I rested for a few moments, my mind wandered in a few different directions. My thoughts bounced around among various topics, such as work, the stunning scenery around us, whether there might tiger sharks nearby (a sea turtle predator in these waters), wishing I could breathe underwater, and how much I missed our dog and cat back home. It was the last thought that became a perfect transition for what occurred next.

I glanced north along the beach, and quickly caught a glimpse of a handsome blonde nearby. Gorgeous wavy hair and the relaxed body language of a local. And he was looking over his shoulder my way. Be still my heart! My initial inclination was to remain at a distance and assess whether he was paired up with anyone. Perhaps he didn’t want to be bothered. Over the next few moments, I played coy. Yeah… I flirted, too. Offered a few smiles and random eye contact for short duration. My hope was he would saunter my way and make the first move.  No such luck.

He continued to sit alone, occasionally looking south in my direction. I couldn’t take it any more, and had enough of these games. I needed to meet this stunning stranger. I approached slowly, and made sure he could see me from the side. I knelt down at a distance to initiate a dialogue. He quickly stood up, jogged a few feet my way, and proceeded to lick my face and neck. It’s a good thing I married a man that is secure in our relationship. Because this furry fella had me at hello!

My new friend was wearing a flat collar. I didn’t feel that we had quite the relationship yet for me to reach toward his neck in order to read what was noted on the tags.

After a few minutes of wiggling on both our parts, my admiration continued, but his adoration quickly turned elsewhere. He bounded up the beach as a human friend appeared with a fresh cup of water. How nice! Apparently we were both resting simultaneously on the sand for hydration purposes.

I followed my canine beach crush, and gushed about how sweet this yellow Labrador was.

“Oh, thank you! He belongs to my friend who is visually impaired. He’s a seeing-eye dog. I pick him up three times a week for our play dates here on this beach.” he replied.

“How nice of you!” I said. “I’ve been keeping him company while you grabbed some fresh water. Such a charmer! I miss our dog and cat right now while we are traveling. I’m Laura. What’s his name?”

“His name is Calvin, and he is eight years old. I’m Toby, and I used to help take care of my friend’s previous Labrador. Calvin is a wonderful dog. Did you say you have a cat?”

We both went on about our cats while taking turns tossing Calvin’s tennis ball into the water. I shared that we have a 20-year old Russian Blue cat named Nocella, who is receiving weekly subcutaneous fluids for supportive health care.

“Wait, you have a 20-year old cat?” he asked.

“Yes!” I replied. “We lost our other cat, Willow, last year at 18 years of age. Broke my heart. Nocella has raised three Rhodesian Ridgebacks. She is tough as nails, and runs our home.”

It was then that Toby fell silent. He glanced out toward Calvin, who was playing in the ocean, and quietly commented that he just found out the day before that he and his wife are euthanizing one of his dear cats this Friday.

“Bailey is around 16 years of age and is very sick. She is under veterinary care, and our vet has been amazing.” he said.

Toby’s eyes welled up while he cleared his throat. He apologized for the sudden show of emotion, and said he had no idea where it was coming from.

“Cats make for excellent friends, Toby. You are coming to a hard decision that involves a family member you love. I’m so sorry.”

My husband then surfaced from the water, and I quickly introduced him to my new friends on the beach.

“There’s my wife, always near the animals!” Jim exclaimed.

Toby went on to say that he missed a few play dates to be with Bailey at the veterinary clinic the past week, and brought Calvin out today to help recharge his batteries.  That seeing his wagging tail while running toward the car made his day a little less difficult. We learned that he and his wife rescued Bailey on the island many years ago, after he saw her tossed out of a car that quickly sped away.

“She was meant to be ours. We love all of our cats.” he said.

Jim and Toby went on to chat about their love of animals, the Cubs’ World Series win (we are from Chicago), and much more that I didn’t hear because I was off playing with Calvin on the beach. He had us laughing with his tennis ball antics: I would toss the ball in the water and then we’d swim in to retrieve it together. Calvin had us wrapped around his paws.

It was after about 15 minutes that the significance of the day’s events dawned on me. This was serendipitous. We were meant to meet that day on the beach. Perhaps we were there to help mend a new friend’s broken heart? Perhaps they were there to provide us comfort while being away from our aging cat.

We frequently hear the saying that we never know details of the daily struggles others endure. But what we can rely on is the understanding, support, and compassionate ear animal lovers provide when we know it’s time to say goodbye.

It was time for us to leave Toby and Calvin due to dinner plans with a friend. As we hugged and said our goodbyes, Toby called out to us:

“Think of us on Friday.”

Toby and Bailey will be in our thoughts and hearts this Friday, November 11. Our beloved dogs and cats will be there to show her the way over the Rainbow Bridge.

Handsome Calvin 

2016 Copyright: Laura Monaco Torelli

Explore the Joy of Learning Together: My First Blog! →

New Year, New Goals

I've been lurking in the blog world for quite some time. Writing for other outlets, like Karen Pryor Clicker Training, International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, and the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, over the years has been well within my comfort zone. Quite fun, actually. The invitation is extended, we confirm the topic, I submit my content, and the editor does their magic. Voilà! The blog goes live. That wasn't so hard, was it?

Offering unsolicited content is harder. Countless colleagues and friends are already creating excellent blog content. When reading through their thoughts and ideas, I often find myself thinking, "Wow! So-and-so really nailed it. No need to add anything to what they wrote." 

But the new year is a good time to set new goals, and one of mine is to step outside my comfort zone. So here I am, dipping my toe into the vast blog ocean. Perhaps watching the movie "Julie and Julia" over this recent holiday season sent the wave I needed to finally pull me in.

The tagline for my business sums up what being a part of our profession means to me. That learning is most enjoyable when it’s a safe dialogue between the learner and the teacher. The blog community at its best is another opportunity for joyful learning.

Speaking of joyful learning, ClickerExpo in Reno, Nevada, launched yesterday. I’m thrilled to be invited back to teach about three exciting topics: loose leash walking, media tips for trainers, and a hands-on lab focused on canine husbandry behaviors.  The three-day conference is packed with diverse topics that will no doubt fulfill my varied interests.

Thanks for joining me.

Let’s explore the joy of learning together!

Laura Monaco Torelli