Jan 14: Christianity and a cat that needs a home....

Kevan's comments made me cry. Thank you, my old friend. It's always nice to get recognition, although everyone in Ossining has expressed their appreciation. John certainly talks about me, because after introducing myself as John's cousin Laurie it is often followed by "Oh, you're THE cousin!" Martha's family, especially her mother, father and half-sister have personally thanked me for taking care of her. Her friends have also been very grateful, I feel like my circle of caring people has been expanded tremendously.

Only one correction: I am definitely NOT a Christian, I just try to act like one ;) Howard, one of the members of my small group ministries (we meet monthly) expressed it perfectly when he said "I follow the teachings of Jesus, not Christ." This differentiation is not understood by many, but Christ was the title given to the man and what became changed to suit those who sought power and control over people. My disgust of the Catholic/Protestant religions is a badly kept secret. Not those who truly try to love and practice what Jesus taught, but the hierarchy who have politicized and bastardized the message over the years, taught exclusion and hate of anyone or anything different. That isn't what Jesus meant, especially if you read some of the Gnostic Gospels. (Here endeth the sermon....)

On a separate note: A gal at work needed a place for her cat, it was supposed to be short-term as she had someone who could take her in a couple weeks. Well, that fell through. It's now been over six months. Oreo did not do well with my four, especially Chester, who really enjoyed terrorizing her. In fairness to Chester, however, Oreo really invited it. She hissed at everyone, lashed out when both Zerla and KC tried to be friendly. After years of being an only cat she was not fitting in well. Marilyn took her after seeing Chester being mean, but Oreo hasn't even managed to get along with Marilyn's two cats, who are just the nicest, sweetest things. She is now expressing her dislike of the situation by concentrating her urine, causing a horrendously strong ammonia smell which permeates not only the upstairs apartment but actually comes down into my place as well. This will make the apartment completely un-rentable.

So, Oreo's time here must come to an end--fast. The limit to my largess can be defined when it comes down to me losing money, especially since my hours have been backed down to just 24 a week. I have to rent this apartment with as little down time as possible.

Oreo is six, and had a completely clean bill of health when I took her to my vet a few months ago, also receiving her immunizations. She's small, about 7 pounds, mostly black with some white on her chest. She is very sweet, loves being on people's laps, is quiet and well-behaved. But she has to be an only cat. She'd be perfect for an older person who needs some easy companionship. I'll try to place her in a no-kill shelter, but with time of the essence she might end up at the SPCA where she would probably be euthanized fairly quickly. That would be a shame for a healthy, loving animal.

Hope someone can help, please let me know ASAP. Thanks for checking, Laurie