Little did I realize two years ago when a sickly stray cat appeared on our patio what a profound impact she would have on our lives. I have documented Halo's story since then in this weekly blog, so her story is not a new one. But today as I look back over those two years, I realize what a gift she has been. I had no doubt in my mind when she first looked up at under a bush near the patio and meowed at me that she would become a part of our feline family. What I didn't realize at the time was how profound our journey together would be. We had adopted other strays and the transition from outside to inside cats was relatively routine. But Halo was different, first of all because we had to treat her chronic colitis, a condition that took many months to control. The battle was only complicated by the vet's pronouncement that she was also pregnant.
Over the past two years, I have shared the photos of Halo's pregnancy and birthing of three beautiful kittens. Now today as I look back over the photo story, I realize how incredibly thankful I am for the experience of witnessing the birth, watching Halo care for her babies and sharing in the raising of the kittens. I remember how difficult it was to see Mason and Tia leave Halo and go to their forever homes. I reflect how happy I am that we decided to keep Miss Paddington, Halo's first-born. It has been wonderful observing the bond that Paddy and Halo still share. And it has been heartwarming to witness the transformation of Halo from a lonely sickly stray to a lovable constant companion who cherishes the comforts of her indoor paradise.
Paddy, Mason and Tia have grown into beautiful adult cats and they have brought much joy in their forever homes. They are a tribute to their wonderful mother and the gentle care she gave them from the moment they were born. Today, on their second birthday, I would like to share their kitten and adult pictures.
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| Kitten Mason |
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| Adult Mason |
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| Kitten Tia |
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| Adult Tia |
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| Kitten Miss Paddington |
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| Adult Paddy |
Happy Birthday Paddy, Mason and Tia!
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The first book in my Caprice De Luca mystery series
--my sleuth takes in stray animals and finds them homes--is on sale. It's the Kindle Monthly Deal at $1.99. You can find the whole series on its own page at Amazon. Link below.
Staged To Death
Deadly Decor
Gilt By Association
Drape Expectations
Silence of the Lamps
Shades of Wrath--December 2016
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| Karen and Paddy |
USA TODAY Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith is an only child who delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that's why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances. Her 95th novel will be released in 2016.
Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks rather than gardens. And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.
Karen looks forward to interacting with readers. They can find her at the links below.
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©2016 Karen Rose Smith
1 comment:
Thank you so much for the tribute to the "triplets", Mason, Tia and Miss Paddington. So sweet. I have been galloping them since before their birth. They have a wonderful mother in Halo. They have all grown so much!!!
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