Cupcake had a big outing this weekend. Knowing she had lots of admirers to greet, she took a big bath beforehand to be sure her whites were gleaming.
Cupcake, interrupted mid-bath. You can see she was working on cleaning her back leg from its awkward position in the photo.
We went to the pet store to pick up some cat litter. The local shelter who has cats in their adoption center had a puppy adoption event going on. Cupcake was not at all impressed by the noisy puppies. She also was obviously not afraid of them.
One of the volunteers staffing the adoption booth saw this and walked over to us and asked, “Have you considered making your cat into a therapy cat?” It turned out this was the coordinator for the shelter’s therapy animal program. While Cupcake kept an eye on the puppies and a loose parakeet flying around the store, we talked for a long time about their testing program and requirements for therapy animals.
As much as I would like her to be, I’m not convinced that Cupcake would be a good therapy cat, but I am really excited to find that there is a local program who welcomes therapy cat teams. We have plenty of time for her to grow into her adult personality to see whether it’s a good fit for her.
After we finished at the pet store, we went to Starbucks to take advantage of the mild weather. As soon as we sat down, a fire truck pulled up right next to the patio, its air brakes hissing loudly as it came to a stop.
The fire truck idled loudly as two of the firefighters got out to get a sandwich at the shop next door. One of Cupcake’s barista friends brought the firefighter in the truck their coffee. I guess they have to do that since the truck won’t fit in the drive through.
Cupcake was not happy with the truck being so close by. But she was very brave and didn’t try to hide from it, either.
She may have been very brave about it, but Cupcake was also very glad to see the fire truck leave again so she could have her peace and quiet back on the patio!
Between the puppies and the fire truck, Cupcake was ready to have her reward. Her barista friends helped out with and made sure her reward was a sweet one.
We try not to make Cupcake’s outings quite so stressful, but having her see new sights and learn they aren’t too scary helps her for the next time she encounters those things. Cats are biologically programmed to be cautious, so I am proud of seeing how brave she is becoming with time and experience.
The minimum age most organizations accept animals as therapy pets is one year, and I didn’t go for my evaluation until I was two, so Cupcake has time to see what she wants to do with her life. I do hope she decides she might like being a therapy cat – we need so many more of them!
Cupcake sure is a good girl. That was quite an adventure. She deserved her treat.
Cupcake, what a good girl you are to take in all the distractions of the day. We think you might make a wonderful Therapy cat. You all have a terrific Monday.
What an outing you had, Cupcake! And we think it’s cool that you might consider being a therapy cat. Though we know it’s a lot of work.
You are really a brave girl Cupcake and so very social. We know you had a terrific start with your foster and going to BlogPaws.
You are very brave, Cupcake. It seems like nothing phases you.
Such a big, brave girl! I’m glad someone mentioned therapy cat work for her and know that you’ll take your time in deciding if it’s right for her 🙂
Cupcake, I am truly proud of you. And I too amazing your furriends who hope one day you might be able to make the decision to be a therapy cat. What a good girl you are.
Thank you for coming to see me a few days ago. It was a delight. I love your fur sibs too as I have always told them. Miss Ashton and Mr. Pierre…what great siblings you have to learn from.
Smoochies
“And I to am like”…not amazing. I need to look before I claw “send”, Cupcake.
Great job Cupcake!! So proud of you
I totally agree with Summer. Cupcake is doing great and a cute dumpling.
Wow! That really is being brave! Cupcake, you are a very special girl… and we’re sure you already know this.
Whoa! You sure you’re not a “hood” cat, CC? Every day there are many firetrucks and po po cars blowing their sirens around here. Of course, I’m indoors but nothing fazes me. Therapy cat work is very noble indeed.
We think Summer gave you a very wise answer. You’re a special girl, Cupcake ! Purrs
You definitely are brave, Cupcake. Lexy and I would not have been as good as you, that’s for sure!
Ya know, Cupcake…fire trucks aren’t my favorite vehicles either…noisy, sometimes flashing lights and all those people! I truly HATE air brakes too. Some places have outlawed them, so I’ve read. You are really a cutie, Cupcake…keep up the good work!
Cupcake, you are braver than all four of us combined!
Cupcake, you’re a rock star! As I learned with Summer and Janiss, the foundation of being able to do these things is trust in your human and feeling secure. Beautiful!
She is doing wonderfully.. and if you decide to pursue therapy options, all of this will only help her