Day 2182 Seventy-Six Days

​

Seventy-six days. Apparently, that’s how long it takes for a scaredy-cat to come out of hiding.

Yup… it finally happened!!

Not only did she come out, but she came out eager to be petted and loved, as long as she was the one initiating the contact. Tim was the first person she ventured out for. He walked into the basement, as we both do several times a day, and she was at her food bowl. She almost ran, but then she stopped and meowed at him....her first meow since she arrived here. Tim, of course, meowed back. He sat in the doorway, meowing and talking to her, and all of a sudden she walked over to him and leaned in for some love!

He was so excited to tell me when I called home and we both laughed that she trusted him after all my hard work, but hey, as long as she’s happy. 

When I got home, I sat on the floor just outside the basement door, and what do you know… she came out to see me. I put my hand out so she could approach and smell it. When she did, I gently petted her, and she leaned into my touch, clearly eager for affection, although still a bit shy. She yawned, stretched, cleaned herself, and came back several times for more petting.

Honestly, it was as if she’d woken up after a two-month sleep, exhausted from a tough life on the streets and in the shelter. And who can blame her?

I’m beyond thrilled with her bravery and her willingness to trust after such a difficult journey. I’m sure she’ll take a little more time before she joins us comfortably in the main living spaces, but all the signs are there,  it’s coming.

When I rescued her, the shelter asked me to send updates. Up until now, there hasn’t been much to report. She had sequestered herself in the corner of the basement, not exactly an uplifting update. But I’m guessing within a week or so, I’ll be able to give a full report and finally share a truly happy ending.

To all the naysayers who’ve been telling me for months that I’m crazy… you might be right...but not about this one. Sometimes you just have to have patience, faith, more patience, and give creatures the space they need to do things in their own time. I told you so, is a phrase I may be saying a time or two over the next few weeks!

When these tiny creatures are finally ready to trust us, the reward is sweeter than you ever imagined. Here’s to small (and huge) victories, soft meows, and the quiet magic of trust earned one brave step at a time..... I still don't love her name, but that's another hurdle. 

“Patience is not simply the ability to wait — it’s how we behave while we’re waiting.” ~ Joyce Meyer