The Story of Millie and Pumpkin

by Contributing Writer, Laura Tarquinio

As always, I did not choose my shelter pets, they chose me.

It had been a year since my big, funny, boy, George had passed, and I needed to be rescued.

Caring Fields Felines has a good reputation as a no-kill facility.

It was a good choice to start my search.

Older, calmer, cats are a good fit for me and I feel they should live their golden years on a comfy couch with lots of love.

One of the first residents I met was an 11-year-old long haired, ginger, female, named Citrus.

We sat on the floor together getting to know each other and when I got up to meet some of the other residents, she followed me.

I wandered the grounds meeting other residents.

One of which was Eva.

Eva was a 6-year-old tuxedo with a beautiful thick coat.

She was very vocal and pressed her head into my hand for hard pets and chin scratches.

As I was talking to the volunteer who was giving me the tour, I told her I was considering adopting two cats, but hadn’t decided yet.

She told me about their Senior Foster Program.

It is a way to give a cat a home, but not have to worry about medical bills.

It is beneficial to everyone.

CFF takes care of the medical needs, you get a loving companion, the cat gets a loving home, and it makes room for CFF to take in another needy cat.

That day I left CFF without a pet.

I wanted to make sure I was ready and the next week I went back to get my new friends.

We have been a family for just over a year now.

Unfortunately, the two of them don’t get along so well, but they are happy in their own areas of the house.

Hopefully, I will be able to get them to tolerate each other in the future.

Citrus aka Pumpkin – Her favorite napping place is in the sun, snuggled between the potted plants.

Pumpkin

Her favorite activity is joining mom on work video meetings.

Her favorite food is anything from a can.

Eva aka Millie – Her favorite napping place changes from day to day.

Millie

Variety is the spice of life!

Her favorite activity is zoomies at 3 AM.

Her favorite toy is the curly toy while in the tunnel.

Every day they shower me with love and make me laugh.

I’m thrilled they rescued me!

~ Laura

About Laura Tarquinio
Laura is an artist on the Treasure Coast of Florida. She teaches watercolor painting and commissions watercolor pet portraits. Cats are her best friends, but she loves all animals. Her love of animals comes from her father’s side of the family. Her grandfather’s dog was well known throughout the town and was frequently sent “Shopping” to bring home groceries. When Laura is not painting, she is working her desk job with Pumpkin right by her side.