Introducing Gris-Gris!

We adopted Gris-Gris (pronounced gree gree) in March, 2000. We admit to having a soft spot for black cats ever since Jezebel, so when we saw Gris-Gris up for adoption at a nearby pet supply store, we were drawn to him. We don't normally shop at that store but only went there because our usual one was closed and we were out of cat food. Aaron held Gris-Gris (then named Pancho) and Gris-Gris just stayed in his arms and squeaked and told us he wanted to go home. We decided then and there to adopt him. His new name, which means "gray-gray" in French comes from the French film "When the Cat's Away." In the movie, a young woman goes on vacation and leaves her black cat, named Gris-Gris, with an old woman. When she returns, she finds that the cat has disappeared.

Sam and Ella haven't quite accepted him yet. There has been a lot of hissing and growling and swiping of paws. Sam still feels the need to reach out and smack him from time to time and Ella, despite being half his size, chases him around. Through it all Gris-Gris just eats and squeaks and eats. BOY DOES HE EAT! He has gotten fat and now has to go to the garage when Sam gets fed. Sam has a mouth problem right now and needs soft canned food which Gris-Gris would devour if he weren't in the garage.

Gris-Gris is a good boy though. His only problems are eating houseplants and not covering his mess in the box. His foster mom said he was about 2-3 but we suspect he's much older. He has gray flecks on his paws (so Gris-Gris isn't such a funny name for him afterall!). Hopefully the battles for top cat will subside and our triangle of cats will learn to live with each other in kitty harmony!

Pictures Of Our Kitties!
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Stretchy Cat
April 1999

Ella, Queen of the Kitty Condo
April 1999

Ella-biter-monster
April 1999

Sleepy Ella
May 1999

Sammy
April 1999

We want to play outside
April 1999

"Let me OUUUUUUT!"
April 1999

Soaking up the sun
March 1999

Sammy the stuffed animal kitty
March 1999

Sammy in the window
Spring 1998

Playing in their condo
Spring 1998

Still babies
December 1997




Read about some of our favorite Ella-isms


We adopted Sam and Ella on September 28, 1997 from C.A.R.E. when they were 5 months old. Sam is an orange tabby and Ella is a silver tabby. They're not from the same litter but they were raised together in a foster home. Sam is a love bug. He wants to be near us constantly and likes to sit on our laps (or shoulders, chests, or head!) and he purrs, purrs, purrs. Ella is tiny but smart and inquisitive. When we first brought her home she preferred to sit on the stairs and watch us, but now she wants a lap too. She may be tiny but she can take down Sam with ease. I don't think we'll have a problem with mice in the new house either. She hasn't been outside to catch anything but she can sure attack a pink feather toy with a lot of skill and strength!


Sammy

Ella




Tribute to a furry friend


? - 9/26/97
we miss you...



Jezebel (also affectionately called Jezzy, Jezzabella or Jezzybelly) was a sweetheart of a cat. She was adopted from the Fort Collins, Colorado Humane Society in September 1994. Her age was unknown, but the vet thought she was about 5, had been outdoors and had borne at least one litter. Jezzy was very loving and shy and she quickly became attached to me. She was kept inside but frequently went on walks with a leash. She took to the leash right away, much to the amazement of passersby.

Jezzy led the happy, carefree life of a pampered cat. Unfortunately her life took a turn when lumps were discovered on her back in December 1996. The lumps were biopsied and found benign but in April the lumps grew rapidly and she had surgery in May. Our worst fears were realized when the vet told us she had fibrosarcoma cancer. He said they removed all the visible tumor but it would probably return. Her recovery was difficult due to the size of the incision but she did get better and we hoped to have more time. This was not to be. The tumor returned too soon and by September her little body was showing the effects. The tumor had grown quite large and was clearly inhibiting her movement and undoubtedly causing her discomfort, if not pain. We relieved her of her suffering on September 26, 1997. She had a good last day on earth, lounging in the Bougainvillea pot, sleeping on her favorite chair, and dining on people tuna. She will always be remembered.

Here are links to other cat sites that I frequent:
Acme Pet Cat Window Bulletin Board