HAPPY BIRTHDAY OLIVER!
Today is Oliver's 17th birthday.....or at least his "approximate" birthday. I adopted Oliver from the ASPCA 16 years ago and the vet estimated his age at 1 year at that time. Since his assumed birthday is February 22, also George Washington's birthday, Oliver's middle name is Washington...... Oliver Washington.
I had no intention of adopting a cat. I stopped at the pet shop to pick up dog food for my Labrador, Arielle (she passed away a few years after I adopted Oliver) where the ASPCA had set up an adoption area in the store for the day. Long story short, I fell in love, filled out the application and Oliver came home with me the next day.
He and Gracie have enriched my life in so many ways. All of you pet lovers understand that a pet in your life can be one of your greatest comforts. Gracie passed last July causing great grief for Oliver (and me) but he now seems to be doing well on his own.
I don't know how much longer I will have Oliver. He has two life threatening health issues that are somewhat under control as of this writing. I hope to have a few more years with him, but this is an unknown, making this birthday very special. The quality of his life is still very good but it could change in a heartbeat and I keep very close tabs on his health and behaviors.
So, today, I celebrate Oliver's loving personality, his unconditional love, and his tender charm. I thank God for creating animals that would become faithful, loving companions through life's ups and downs, giving everything of themselves, asking nothing in return.
Happy Birthday, my sweet Oliver!
