I remember when Sylvester enrolled in Miss Sherry's Finishing School, he was hissing and striking when anyone came near. He was one of the most afraid cats that had come through the door. As he got used to the people and the routine he settled down, yet he still was always good for a hiss hello to anyone who came into the yurt.
But, that was then and this is now.
Sylvester and I formed a bond during my time volunteering up at Rescue Village and I knew I couldn't leave him there. Thankfully, Bob was both supportive and understanding.
So on Tuesday, September 30th, we brought Sylvester home with us. He and his buddy Hugo did great on the long trip. And no, we didn’t take Hugo too! Gail and Roy jumped right in to help and volunteered to foster Hugo and continue his socialization. We delivered Hugo to their vary capable and loving hands.
Bob and I discussed how we could limit Sylvester’s space upon arrival to his new foster home and our solution was to build him his own room in the corner of our living room. (Bob was a little put out at first about giving up the dining room table, but now says it was for a better cause). He ordered some wire panels, bought some chicken wire and Sylvester has his own room right out in the open so he can see us, Sal, Kermit and the world outside the sliding glass door onto the 2nd floor balcony.
During his first night, Sal cautiously approached him, sniffed long and hard and…growled. So far, that is his standard response whenever he walks by Sylvester.
Kermit sniffed and seemed open to Sylvester until he looked at Sal. One look and Kermit decided he had to pledge his allegiance to Sal, so he walked away from Sylvester. And that was when I heard Sylvester speak for the first time as he called to Kermit to come back. I was so excited to hear his sweet voice and so sad looking at the expression on his face as he watched Kermit walk away.
Sylvester meows once a day now. Every morning we hear his “good morning” greeting. I’m not sure if he hears the four of us in the bedroom waking or if he wakes and wants to know where everyone is. Either way, it is a nice sound to hear first thing upon greeting a new day. Especially because it is Sylvester’s voice we hear, a voice that has been silent for too long.