Shameless Plug for Animal Compassion Network

Okay, I know this is supposed to be a blog about my buddies, but sometimes other buddies end up joining the circle (if only spiritually) by default.  Case in point--Cletus, who currently resides at Pet Harmony under the care of the Animal Compassion Network (ACN), one of the best no-kill, safe-for-life animal shelters in Asheville, where I am a volunteer.

Cletus is a young male cat, around 3 years old, who's kind of brown and black tabby print, with some unusual white markings around his face.  In talking with one of the ACN folks, I was told that Cletus is one of the more laid-back cats at the no-kill shelter, which means he doesn't spend his days reaching out to people through the slats in his enclosure and meowing to get attention.  Consequently, this also means that he is often overlooked as a potential adoptable buddy.  

Intrigued, I asked if I could hold Cletus and was told that he had never done it, so he wasn't sure how Cletus would do.  I decided to try anyway.  Cletus had just woken up from a nap, which meant my cuddle attempt could go either way.  I gently picked him up by his torso, under his arms, and brought him to my shoulder.  Immediately, he started purring quietly and snuggled up to me--head bunting me vigorously on my chin and rubbing his head there as well.  I stood there and held him for about ten minutes, stroking him gently while he contentedly snuggled in.  Clearly, here was a self-possessed cat who also relished time with people--what more could you possibly ask for?

So here's the shameless plug--if you or anybody you know may be thinking about adopting a new buddy, please give Cletus a chance to win you over!  Even though he may seem to sit there like a lump in his cage, give him an opportunity to show you what he's got and I'm sure you won't be disappointed.  I thank you, and Cletus thanks you.