O’Malley
Back when I was a kid hungry to make a living with my words and a 33-pound Remington SJ Standard Typewriter, my friend and mentor Theodore Sturgeon told me in confidence that every successful writer needs three things – a supportive partner, a dog, and a cat.
I understood the part about a supportive partner – as a rule, writers are an insecure lot, needing periodic doses of reassurance and absolutely terrified at the prospect of freezing in place for hours, days, years.
But dogs, cats?
“A dog reminds you to look up from your work, go outside and revive your senses and rekindle your relationship with nature and your neighbors,” Sturgeon explained. “And a cat is a constant reminder to go somewhere quiet, sit, and still your body and your mind. A writer can’t write with clarity and conviction without these three companions.”
Alfie
Over the decades, dear Ted’s wisdom has been affirmed again and again.
But here’s the thing, it’s not simply applicable to writers. Nearly all of us in this unsettled century could use this trio of allies in our orbit.
Which brings me to the good people at the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society, and the good creatures that they care for.
At this moment, the society is experiencing a cat crunch.
Now this is not a cause for panic – this is not a print version of that heartbreaking Sarah McLachlan animal rescue commercial from 20 years ago. And I can assure you that every cat and dog in the CHHS’s care is well-treated and well-fed and well-loved, but the shelter is home to 90 cats!
Georgia
If you’re feeling that your home could use the splash of excitement that only a rambunctious, slightly crazy kitten could provide; if your life could use blessed moments of tranquility and contemplation fostered freely by a purring cat in your lap; if there’s someone in your life who’s facing this winter with a smidge of sadness in their spirit – well, here you go!
“The adoption fee for our longer-term resident kitty cats is only $50, which includes already being spayed/neutered, microchipped, up to date on vaccinations, tested negative for FeLV, FIV and heartworms, a free starter bag of food, and a free ID tag,” says CHHS Director David Stroud. “We have a ‘BOGO’ cat adoption special, so if you adopt one furry feline, we will waive the adoption fee for a second kitten or adult cat.”
Visit the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society, 200 Gable Drive in Sapphire, and discover a true-blue companion who’ll help you navigate this odd year ahead!
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