Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Welcome Home, Herman

Herman came home a little after 11:00 Monday night. The plan was to close him up in his safe room for the night to let him adjust. He was supposed to be nervous and a bit shy. Ha! I let him out of his carrier once the foster lady and I had gotten him into his room and the door shut and he came right out and rubbed up against my legs. I got him some water and he lapped some up. I got him some food and the foster lady brought out the tuna that she had lured him into the carrier with and he dug right in. Then he used his litter box and came right over to where I was sitting and rubbed up against my legs again. I started to pet him and he let me for a little while, then he gave me a little nip to let me know that he had enough for now. He is just a tiny bit nervous about letting me touch him for any length of time, but then he comes right back for more. Best of all, he has already lost the sad, droopy look that I saw in his foster home. His ears and tail both came up after only a few minutes. The cat who never plays found one of the catnip mice I scattered around on the floor for him just after I let him out of the box and mouthed it and rubbed up against it and even rolled over on his back holding it. It only lasted a minute or two, but it is behavior he has not exhibited since he was brought into the shelter last May. Herman is very talkative. After the foster lady left, I went to the door to go get a plastic bag to scoop up his litter box deposit. He came to the door with me. I asked him if he wanted to come along and he meowed at me. So I opened the door and he walked down the hall with me to get the plastic bag, with him meowing all the time. Herman is having none of this safe room business. He wanted to see the whole house right away, so I walked around with him following at first, then leading. I think Herman knows a forever home when he sees and smells one. So much for having another couple of days to finish the cleaning while Herman stayed in his room adjusting. He is adjusted already and I think he loves it. He has been rubbing his cheeks on every corner in the house. I didn't realize just how much nervous tension I have been carrying around, worried that something would go wrong until everything went right and it left. I am exhausted and going to bed very soon. I am leaving my door open, bedroom cat-ready or not, although I don't think there is anything in the room that would hurt him, just things that might break if he knocked them down and a lot of dust. I won't be at all surprised if Herman joins me in bed tonight. Both the foster lady and I are overjoyed. She gave me a big hug as she left and told me that she had almost given up hope of finding a home for Herman and that she felt sure that he had found his special home at last. I think so, too. I believe that even Herman thinks so. He sure is making himself at home.

57 comments:

Zoe and Indy said...

Alright! That sounds like it couldn't have gone any better! Congratulations on your new family member and welcome home to Herman.

Anonymous said...

We are just so so SO happy for you and Herman.. oh my goodness I have never heard in all my life of a little man taking to a new place and a new someone so quickly!!!
It was sure as anything meant to be.
huge big hugs to both of you!!! :)))
V-V

Kaz's Cats said...

That's a great way for Herman to spend his first day in his forever home. He obviously knows where he's going to be living - we love how he's training you to pet him when he's ready.

{{{hugs}} to both of you,

Gypsy & Tasha

Parker said...

You know what Miss Karen Jo? I knew that this would happen.
Herman is home!
Yay!!!!!

(angel) Grrreta and Fam said...

Yay! We knew he would love you and his new forever home. We're glad he's adjusting so quickly.

Goldie, Shade and Banshee said...

Yay!!!! Herman knows that's where he belongs! We are so very happy for the both of you!!!!

Daisy said...

All right! It sounds like it is going great, and Herman obviously is thrilled to be there. My Mommeh loves talkative kitties.

The Monkeys said...

It sounds like Herman knows he is finally home! We're so excited for both of you!

Brian's Home Blog said...

I can't begin to tell you how happy we are for you and Herman, our whiskers are sure grinning just thinking about Herman having such a wonderful home with you. Loving purrs to you and Herman from all of us!!!

Dma said...

i think herman has definitely found his home.

SASS....Sammy Andy Shelly Sierra said...

Bless you and Herman.....we loved the sound of "Herman came home" and he seems to really know that he has.

YAY!!!!! YAY!!!!!!! YAY!!!!!!!! we are so happy he's settling in so well.

xxxxxxx

Team Tabby said...

We're so glad the introductions went so well. Looks like there is no settling in adjustment for Herman. He doesn't need that - because he's "home". We are happy for the both of you.

hugs,

Mindy, Moe, Bon Bon, Cookie & Mike

Angel, Kirby and Max said...

They always seem to know where they are safe and loved. We are so happy that the introduction went well!

Mr. Hendrix said...

Welcome Home Herman!! You are such a lucky boy. We are so happy you're comfy and making yourself at home at your forever home with your mommy.

I have FIV! My beans found out when they rescued me. I am also my mommy's very first cat. She always had woofies before. She bought the book "Complete Guide to Cat Care" from the hsus.org website. It has come in handy.

Also, I get a special diet of high vitamen food from the VET. It is Prescription Hill. I get ID and WD both with crunchies and moist food because they are high in vitamens and high in fat (helps my IBD). You may also want to ask your VET about an "immune stimulator" called "Vetri-Liquid"

I get .5ml squirted in my stinky goodness every morning. It keeps me healthy.

Also, talk to the vet about his weight. my vet told my beans i should stay 1-2lbs overweight so if I get sick, I have extra weight to lose.

congratulations Karen Jo! we are soooooooo happy for you

The Meezers or Billy said...

HOORAY!!!! Welcome home Herman!!! We is so furry happy for you Miss KarenJo!!!!

ZOOLATRY said...

WOWIE WOW... you now got your own kitty, Herman, the cool cat, the awesome one... the Big H.
We cannot wait to see photos of him... maybe you can email some to us sometime, so we can do a "zoolatry picture" to welcome
him! Concatulations to you both on finding each other!

Anonymous said...

Sounds like you and Herman are a match made in heaven! Welcome little guy to your forever home!

KC and the Giggleman Kitties said...

How furry wonnerful.
Love & Purrs,
KC
Missy Blue Eyes
Faith Boomerang
Sol
Smokey
BJ
Mommy ML

The Island Cats said...

Whoohoo! This is so great! We knew things would work out well for you and Herman!! Congratulations!

Milo and Alfie said...

A big rumbly purr welcome to sweet Herman. We couldn't be more pleased for him.

Angel Junior, Orion and Sammy said...

Karen-We are so very happy for you and for Herman. What better purrson to adopt a special needs kitty than our very own kitty limerick writer?

It sounds like Herman is settling in well already and you two are getting along! WOO HOO!!! Now we await pictures!

dArtagnan Rumblepurr/Diego Hamlet Moonfur said...

AWWW!!! Lucky Herman!!

Catline Crew said...

This is the first time I've read your blog, but it doesn't take long to know that you have such a big heart to open your home to Herman. It sounds like you two were made for each other. Congratulations.

Zippy, Sadie, Speedy and M'Gee said...

Mom started leaking while reading dis, we thawt she was sad but she sed dey are tears of joy because Herman haf a furever home and someone to love him da way he needs to be loved.

Peggy's Place said...

Oh YEA!
That's the way to do it!! PPhhhhttt on the safe room :-)

Welcome home, welcome home.

Stop by and get a welcome home graphic from our sidebar.

Spike William and Angels China Cat and Willow said...

Willow and I are so happy that Herman found his forever home with you! He sounds like a wonderful cat who just needed a loving home!

Purrrrrrrs, China Cat

The Creek Cats said...

We are overjoyed by this wonderful news. Sounds like Herman fits right in at his new forever home. We are so happy the two of you have found one another! Herman is going to be very happy with you!
Herman is a furry lucky mancat!

One Cats Nip said...

Yay! We all just knew it would happen well! Can't wait to hear more about herman!

Lisa Kolosey said...

Yay! I'm so glad it's all going so well. Now you need to introduce him to the flashy box thing! :)
I wish you continued good luck and we'll be back for more updates and pictures!
~Lisa Co9T

Jana said...

such good news to hear! it was meant to be!

Ariel said...

I'm so happy for you and Herman...Hugs

L. Alida said...

Oh Karen Jo! I am so happy for you and Herman! My eyes are brimming with tears. You are going to be a great kittymom! Herman sounds like the coolest kittyboy! He knows in his heart that you belong together and that your home is now his home too. This is just the best news!
Blessings and Hugs for you and your sweet kitty,
Lorianna

Victor Tabbycat said...

This is so excitin! ::spin:: Lucky, lucky Herman gets to lif wif our KarenJo! ::spin:: You is good at readin him an not settin expectorations, an dat makes you a good match.
Welcome, Herman!

PS Nina was "not furry playful" - an went NUTS fur da laser pointer. An Scruffy adjusted just like Herman; she took da 10 cent tour an moofed rite in.

CCL Wendy said...

What a wonderful story! And all the better because it's true. Yes, I think animals instinctively know certain things and Herman knows he's home at last! Just lovely.

I wish you both many happy years together.

Ikaika said...

We are so happy for you and Herman! He will have a wonderful home with you, Karen Jo! We wish you many happy years enjoying each others' company.

Gemini and Ichiro said...

Wow! We missed out on getting to hear all about this! But we think that Herman is one lucky kitty to have a home with you Karen Jo!

Anonymous said...

We are overjoyed for Herman AND you, Karen Jo! We know you are both going to be very happy! Congratulations to you both!

Memories of Eric and Flynn said...

We didn't know about Herman and just read all your back posts. It is such good news and we know you will make each other very happy.Mum doesn't think we noticed, but we saw her eyes get leaky when she was reading about Herman coming home to you.

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

KhonKhats!

Woo made a fine choice Herman!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra

Anonymous said...

We're so very happy for you and Herman!!! What a wonderful Happily Ever After story!

Jans Funny Farm said...

You've bonded right off. What great news. Lots of happiness to you both.

Thomma Lyn said...

YIPPEE, Karen Jo! I'm so happy for you and Herman. (((((((((hugs))))))))) to you both, and purrs and headbonkies from all the Ballicai.

Love and best wishes from MaoMao, Marilyn MonREOW, Brainball, Dorydoo, and TL (the Ballicus Mom).

Sweet Purrfections said...

What wonderful news! I can't wait to see pictures of Herman.

Tommy and Teaghan said...

Yeeeee haaaaaahhhh! Twirlin, spinnin, jumping, laffin, crying, we are so happy for you and Herman! We can feel the love already. Your right, he knows he's home. He's putting his stinky on efurryfing to make sure of it. He's walking around saying, thank you, thank you, thank you!

Mickey's Musings said...

WE have been reading about your adventures in getting a cat when Herman 'found' you ;)
What a lucky cat he is too!!! He could not have a better Mom :)
We are so happy everything has gone so well !!!
Welcome Herman!!!!!!!!
Purrs Mickey, Georgia & Tillie

Max said...

Awesome! Herman is freaking lucky and he knows it! Just remember, the first hairball is a gift ;) Heh.

Tuck said...

Jen's eyes are leaking as she is reading this. We are so happy for you and Herman!!

Monica said...

Oh,YAY, Karen Jo. How wonderful!

GLOGIRLY said...

Karen Jo, that is so wonderful!!! I've been smiling from ear to ear reading your post today. The world is a better place tonight as both you and Herman fall asleep.

Bless you both.
xxoo
Katie & Glogirly

Mark's Mews (Marley, Lori, Loki, and Binq) said...

We are SO HAPPY reading about how well Herman is adapting to you an his new house! It is great!

We all knew any kitty you shared a space with would just love you...

Sounds like Herman is gonna just take over. ;)

Mark's Mews (Marley, Lori, Loki, and Binq) said...

So Herman came home in the night,
An decided that life there was right.
He wandered all round
Sniffing ceiling to ground,
And he thought Karen Jo was alright!

The Big Thing

Motor Home Cats said...

Karen Jo, we are so excited for you and Herman. We are glad he settled in so quickly. He obviously knows what a forever home feels like, even though he hasn't had it before. We know you two are going to enjoy and love each other very much.

Tavi, Cody, Camie and Gracie

Ozark Mountain Cats said...

Check with your vet and see if he/she thinks that a product called Viralys would be good for Herman. I have several Felv kitties and it's worked wonders with them. It's a powder that you sprinkle on their food.

The Devil Dog said...

Yup, that sounds like Herman knows this is his home forever. Awesome!
Now we want photos!

Roxy & Lucky & Mom

Unknown said...

WELCOME HOME HERMAN!! Ooo sworry we isnt too loud fer yoo is we? We can't wait to see what yoo look like! The mom has happy tears fer yoo, she knows dat when a kitty finds the right home, it goes against what all over beans has seen of dat kitty.

Karen Jo we is sure dat Herman knows yoo is his furever mom and will lub him lots!

Molly
Shadow
Trooder

Everycat said...

Herman is definately home! You wont' ever see that sad droopy look on him again Karen Jo!

I hope you had a good night's sleep together hehe!

Whicky Wuudler

Cat with a Garden said...

Wonderful!!!
What a success right from the very start.