Ollie’s Shelter Diary, Day 1,812

Dear Diary,

In just two weeks, I’ll be celebrating my five-year anniversary as a shelter cat. I don’t know whether to laugh or cry, but I suppose, like every day, I’ll just make the best of it!

I came in as a kitten, right at the wrong time of year. It’s easy to be a big fish in a little pond. But in August, when there are a bazillion kittens to choose from in the shelter, a shy little girl like me can be overlooked. Soon, I was bigger and still pretty shy, which made me an even smaller fish in an even bigger pond. I’ve watched countless other cats find their homes and have started to wonder: will it ever happen for me?

It’s not that it’s bad here. I love the other cats. I have some human friends I know and trust and I love to play with them! I’m learning to be more open and affectionate with people, but it’s hard with strangers.

I’m interested in humans and will often sit nearby and observe when someone visits, but won’t always approach. I suppose that’s why I haven’t been adopted yet. I mean, I get it. But it’s overwhelming here. It’s like living in a high school auditorium during a never-ending homecoming dance. It’s fun, but it’s a lot. And I won’t really be comfortable until I can get back to my quiet home, put on my PJs, and finally take a breath.

I’ve never really had a chance to show the “real me” outside of the shelter environment, so it will be as much of a surprise to me as it will to you! I’ve heard lots of stories about how shy little shelter cats just like me go home with someone lovely and patient and ready to give them all the time they need and they really blossom and become happy, loving cats. Maybe that’s what will happen for me one day. I just have to find my someone. I know they’re out there somewhere.  So here’s to five years in the shelter. May this one finally be my last!  Yours truly,  Ollie (female) 5 years old. Spayed, up to date on shots, and fully vetted.