Buddy’s Story…The Early Years

Once upon a time in May 2021, 5 baby kitties were born. Their mama had no home and lived on the streets, surviving the best she could on scraps of food and shelter in carports and garages. When she gave birth, her first instinct was to protect her babies. She found a car that was sitting in a carport, so one-by-one, she picked up her newborn kitties and placed them in the engine compartment, safe from coyotes, dogs and other predators.

One day there was a terrible noise – the car engine starting up. Mama was scared but wouldn’t leave her babies. A little while later, the engine stopped running but the damage was done. They fell out of the engine compartment, and sadly Mama and 2 babies did not survive.

A kind woman heard the other babies crying, picked them up and wrapped them in warm blankets. Their eyes weren’t even open yet. She didn’t know what to do, but had heard of a new animal rescue in Lebanon, TN called TRUE RESCUE. They had experience with newborns, so she called and they agreed to take the babies on an emergency basis. They were placed with a foster mom who was experienced with bottle-feeding baby kittens every 2 hours/as needed when they grew stronger.

When the 3 kittens were 6 weeks old, they were taken to True Rescue’s kitten room to play with other kittens, socialize with volunteers and have opportunities for adoption. 2 of the cute orange/white kittens were soon adopted, and the last one was content playing with his friends in kitty land.

One day a kind man named Ted came in with his wife, looking for a special cat. One of their pets had recently crossed over the rainbow bridge at 14 years old, and they were looking for a companion for their other rescue cat, Crosby. This new one would be “Ted’s Cat”, as Crosby was bonded with Ted’s wife, Rosie.

A staff member took Ted into the various rooms of cats & kittens, giving him time to visit with all the residents. Well, as many times happens, the cats started “choosing Ted”. While he first thought about a young cat maybe 1-2 years old, silly kittens were crawling all over Ted, whispering “Pick me…pick me!” When Rosie walked in to the room, Ted pointed at a 10 week old orange/white fur ball and said “This is my 1st choice.”

And the rest is history. A cute little baby (definitely not a 1-2 year old!) made the short ride home. He was made comfortable in a big office/bedroom, with his own cat tree, litter box, fresh kitten food & water and big sunny windows to look outside. Ted and Rosie were thinking of names for him. He had been called “Teeny” by his foster parents, but would quickly outgrow that one. They thought about “Peanut” or “Hot Rod”, but then they saw Crosby gently poking his paw under the door, trying to feel for what was new in the room behind a closed door.

“Hey Crosby, do you want to meet your new friend? You have to be gentle…”. Rosie slowly opened the door and this big, gentle giant walked in, sniffing the little baby standing in front of him, only 4″ tall. Crosby was 18 pounds and Buddy was only 2 pounds. After a few minutes of taking in the new smells, Crosby laid down next to the little one.

“How do you like your new little buddy, Crosby? Be nice, he’s your new buddy now so you won’t be sad and lonely.”

Ted and Rosie looked at each other and smiled…”Well, I think he just got named – how does “Buddy” sound, Ted?”

“Yes – definitely. Crosby, meet your new step-brother, Buddy.”

Crosby stepped in as any older brother would. He played with Buddy, always careful not to hurt him. He showed him how to wash his face. Rosie and Ted called it “washee, washee”, as they had heard on a cruise ship entering the dining areas. Buddy loved Crosby as much as Crosby loved Buddy, and so they bonded – a long-hair white & black pretty-boy with a short-hair orange & white cutie-pie.

Rosie calls Buddy “her little red-headed boy”. Where Crosby is gentle and sweet, Buddy, while sweet, isn’t afraid of anything and doesn’t seem to understand the meaning of “NO”. He thought it was his middle name – “Buddy, NO!”

They play together but eat separately because Buddy has learned that Crosby’s Delectables taste better than his kitten food. He darts over to the food bowl, and Crosby steps back…so we put an end to that. Buddy gets the “zoomies” after breakfast and chases Crosby around the house, over the rocking chair, up the stairs and back again. They are the family entertainment, for sure!

Now that you’ve heard the backstories of both Buddy & Crosby, tune in for their crazy adventures and helpful hints on feline behavior. See you soon!