Miss Teia is 11 today...

...and has been with us 6 months.

Last night, I decided to sleep on the spare bed again; 'tis part of our socialization offensive ,-)

I go to bed between 8:00 and 8:30 PM; with all the stressors the past few years, I rarely sleep more than 2 - 3 hours solid.

I woke up about 10:30, and Miss Teia was nestled between my knees!  I petted her and got "blink-blink" in return.  I doze off again...

I woke again about 1:00 at a touch from Anita...Miss teia was nestled on my chest and opened her eyes at my touch.  She leaned into my fingers as I scritched her head.

We drifted off again...when I got up just after 4...she was sitting on the floor, next to her food bowl giving me the "It's Breakfast O'Clock, dad" look ,-)

[opus88]

awww HAPPY BIRTHDAY Miss Teia (I had a Tia)
those bonding moments are so special, my Nemo likes to sleep with his little paws around my upper arm and his head on my shoulder...purring in my ear, I love it and try not to move until I'm absolutely cramped or need to run to the litter box...lol

[Piparskeggr]

I am just so amazed at how far Teia has come from the cat, which was described to us when we adopted her: night time only movement, hated the sight of other cats, did not really like human contact, only ate dry food, would not play...180 Degrees different.

I was unwilling to accept that this was an animal, who was beyond our ability to help.

She is actually a very sweet girl, I'm sad her previous people missed out on that.

As I've written before, I think they really do love cats, just were not able to determine what she needs insofar as persistence, kindness and consistency...

Miss Teia and Hildiekatt take most of their meals just 4 feet apart now.  In fact, Teia will check to see that Hildie is there and doesn't start until she sees Hildie eating.  Still doesn't let Hildie (or Kessie or Chessie) get close, but it is progress.

[opus88]

that poor girl just needed some love....that obviously her former owners didn't know how or couldn't give!!!...I just wish she had found you sooner, at least she got proper love and care for her final years!!
I see on your profile that you have 'adopted' many and have given them the love they deserve...you and your wife should be commended on that...people like you are very special.
You have had and still have some beautiful kitties, I have now a black persian mix and a himmie I've had 3 himmies now...but I also had a black and white cat named Gus he was my first special love and since than I have been very attracted to b/w...however another has never seemed to come my way.
I would love another but circumstances as they are prevent me from going to the shelter and adopting...I keep telling myself IF I am meant to have another one will come my way needing a home.....so far that hasn't happened.
All the best to you and Teia...she is gorgeous..

[AppleBr]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY  MISS TEIA!!
PIP, You really GOT IT, Uh? CONGRATS!

[dominosarah]

Happy Birthday Miss Teia!!!  You have given her the best birthday ever.......she has finally found out what love is all about~~~~~~~sara

[zodiacqueen]

Happy Birthday Teia!!  You and your wife have done absolute wonders with her.....this is a true "birthday" for her!!

[Jade59]

Happy Birthday to Miss Teia!!!  I think this just goes to show there is always hope for abused animals if one has patience and knows how to connect with an animal and meet the unique needs of that animal.  Many people claim to be "animal lovers" but don't know how to emotionally connect with them.  I've seen that time and time again.  

You and Anita are just so awesome...you two have a gift.  It's obvious you two are very calm, quiet, easy going people with endless patience for your kitties and that's just the kind of people Miss Teia needed for her to be able to trust, relax and be her beautiful self.  

This has been such an exciting story, Pip.  Thank you so much for sharing with us :)))