Name That Kitty!

On Saturday, as the East Coast prepared for snow, I prepared to open my home to a new friend.

After a very tough week without my Lancelot, I suspected it might be time. So while other Philadelphians overran the grocery stores for milk, bread and diapers, I visited Morris Animal Refuge and checked out three cats. This beautiful white cat was in the front window. "Big Boy" is a 10-month-old stray who arrived at the shelter on February 7. He does seem large for his age, but compared to Lancie he's a sliver of a thing. That's why I'm taking nominations for his new name. Post away! If I choose your name, I will give you something (not sure what). So far, I've come up with these:

Valentino (since he's coming home near Valentine's Day)
Klondike
Snowman
Polar Bear (I'm hesitant on this one, since one of my pet names for Lancelot was "Bear." Yes, my pets have pet names.)
Domino
Snickerdoodle
Frosty
Gabriel (because he's white like an angel)

I like the idea of something having to do with light or snow. I like his beautiful white fur, which I will soon enjoy all over my navy blue couch and black clothes.

"Big Boy" is extremely playful. Leslie, the animal caretaker at Morris, told me to watch out for my curtains and to put away the fine China. Above you see him wondering why this strange woman is shooting photographs of him from every angle. I just learned he's FIV-negative and got through the neutering surgery just fine (sorry, kitty!). He can come home Wednesday night.

I have mixed feelings about having a new cat. I know it's time, but I have trouble visualizing a different cat in the same places where Lancelot used to sit, sleep and play. I decided to buy "Big Boy" new toys, food dishes and scratching posts. I don't want any other cat to enjoy my Lancelot's things.

On Friday night I had a vivid dream. I dreamt that I was sleeping and woke up to see Lancelot. He was walking toward me on the bed. I remember thinking, "It can't be Lancelot. He's dead." But he walked right up to me and I could feel him, touch him. I felt so happy. He turned around and jumped off the bed; I heard that familiar thump, thump. I watched him walk around the apartment. He jumped on the sofa and curled up at the end so we could watch TV together. I couldn't believe he was back, that we were together again. I pet him and touched his fur. I gave him little kisses on the head and got "cat kisses" in return.

Then I woke up. I think it was 3 a.m. I was alone in the dark, and I suddenly remembered Lancelot was gone.

I hope this new cat will bring some light into my life. I hope he will honor Lancelot's memory.