Meet Moose

We added a new member to our family a little over a week ago. He is an 8 1/2 week old long hair kitten. And he is a perfect fit for our family. The kids named him Mustafa after the lion in the Lion King. This name is in honor of Sammy as we often referenced him as our lion because of the color of his fur and the hair around his head reminded us of a lion's mane. Man, we miss that dog. A lot. Still. Because Mustafa is mouthful to say we all call this little kitten Moose. Or Moo because he is black and white like a cow.

I never in a billion million years thought we would ever have a cat. If you would have asked me even just 3 months ago if there was a greater chance we would welcome a unicorn or a cat into our home I would have gone with the unicorn. We just aren't cat people. At all.

But...then another litter of kittens was born on the ranch were Sarah has her horse therapy. We got to meet them when they were 2 days old and watched them grow every week. Josh was pretty excited to go to the ranch each week to see his fluffy kitty whom he fell in love with. I don't know what it is about Moose that made us bring him into our home, but we all agreed (even Bob - who was definitely a little apprehensive about this idea, but let us pursue it anyway) that this kitty needed to become a Gregg. And so he did.

Since bringing him home Moose has taken to Sarah the most. He loves to sit in her lap and take naps or sleep next to her on the couch. He also sleeps with her every night. He is playful and sassy. The perfect combination for animals in this house. Bob seems to have taken to him as well which surprises me immensely as cats have always been off limits for the last 20 years of our relationship, but I will find him playing with Moose from time to time and I know that Moose truly is the perfect fit for our family.

So, without further adieu here is our Moose:

He's home! (I love when Sarah smiles. She was super excited to bring him home.)

The first thing we did after walking in the door was show him where his litter box was and his food and water. 

Hanging out in the boys room. Pretty unsure of life right now.

Getting used to the downstairs. 

Petty and loving on him. These kids love this kitty. 

Passed out. 

We decided it would be best if he slept downstairs where his litter box is until we were sure that he was litter trained because I will not have a cat that pees/poops in my house. That is a 100% deal breaker. Sarah volunteered to sleep with him first and he gave her a run for her money that first night. This is how I found them both when I came downstairs the next morning. 

Moose is constantly folding his paws or bending them in a weird position - just like Sammy would do. Often when we see Moose sleeping in a Sammy position we will call out to who ever is within ear shot to come and take a look. Having Moose is like having a piece of Sammy back again for some strange reason. The funnier thing is that on top of lion we often called Sammy Mr. Kitty. I have no idea why. We just did. And now here is a kitty in our lives that reminds us so much of Sammy.

For those of you who know Bob - I just want to tell you that yes, this is truly a picture of him and not a mirage. He is actually playing with Moose. 

There are so many times when I will look at Moose and think of Sammy. Sammy would often spread out like this. With his back legs completely stretched out behind him. 

Literally 10 seconds before this picture was taken Moose was running around like a nut. He will just plop down sometimes and just pass out in a matter of seconds. It cracks me up. But also makes me run to him and check to see that is isn't dead. 

There's that smile again. This is her sheepish smile. The one where she is trying to contain her excitement, but it is leaking out.  Moose will fall asleep with Sarah in a variety of positions. Here she was holding him like a baby and he passed out. He is dead to the world right now. Fast asleep.