Irwin's tenth birthday was Monday, June 13! Ten years ago I gazed upon a litter of kittens in my friend's apartment in San Diego. Before he was officially named Irwin, we called him Cowpoke since he looked like a little cow with his black and white spots.
I remember carrying him home in my hands, this tiny little ball of fluff, while I had a cast on my leg. We spent the first few summer days together in the living room. He had his own carrier, a bowl ready for him and loving aunts to spoil him with love and toys.
Digital cameras were an expensive luxury at the time. I took as many pictures with film as possible. Many of them were too blurry, a problem I've had with all my babies so far!
My roomate and I agreed to name him Irwin, after Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter. He was given a gift of a crocodile to snuggle with!
In his first few weeks on this planet he made a huge change in my life. Truly, from the moment he was born, my life got better. My roommate and I had many male friends, but Irwin hated them all! We were his ladies and no other male was good enough for his mom! When I met my future husband, I told him that if Irwin didn't approve of him, there was no future. Sure enough, on our first date he picked up that little kitten and Irwin started purring! Irwin is a wonderful judge of character!
In his ten years, he has raised two other cats. Months later I rescued his little sister, another black and white kitten from the same queen, Libby. (I gave Libby's dad money to get her spayed so she would stop having so many kittens!) When I brought her home, Irwin took to her in a moment and started caring for her. Bindi would try to nurse on Irwin, and he let her try!
As I write this entry, these two little bundles of love are snuggled to my left. So much love!
Years later we rescued a tiny kitten who would have died on his own. His eyes had just opened, and his ears hadn't even popped up. Irwin knew exactly how to care for this little orange ball of fluff. Irwin, the male cat, is one of the best mothers in the world!
So, my little kitten, I love you with all my heart and look forward to a long and happy life with you, your dad and your little siblings!
Digital cameras were an expensive luxury at the time. I took as many pictures with film as possible. Many of them were too blurry, a problem I've had with all my babies so far!
My roomate and I agreed to name him Irwin, after Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter. He was given a gift of a crocodile to snuggle with!
In his first few weeks on this planet he made a huge change in my life. Truly, from the moment he was born, my life got better. My roommate and I had many male friends, but Irwin hated them all! We were his ladies and no other male was good enough for his mom! When I met my future husband, I told him that if Irwin didn't approve of him, there was no future. Sure enough, on our first date he picked up that little kitten and Irwin started purring! Irwin is a wonderful judge of character!
In his ten years, he has raised two other cats. Months later I rescued his little sister, another black and white kitten from the same queen, Libby. (I gave Libby's dad money to get her spayed so she would stop having so many kittens!) When I brought her home, Irwin took to her in a moment and started caring for her. Bindi would try to nurse on Irwin, and he let her try!
As I write this entry, these two little bundles of love are snuggled to my left. So much love!
Years later we rescued a tiny kitten who would have died on his own. His eyes had just opened, and his ears hadn't even popped up. Irwin knew exactly how to care for this little orange ball of fluff. Irwin, the male cat, is one of the best mothers in the world!
So, my little kitten, I love you with all my heart and look forward to a long and happy life with you, your dad and your little siblings!
