Blizzard
Something important was missing. The move from New England to the Twin Cities was disruptive enough for Melissa, Irving, and their two kids. Their treasures - their music, books, art, and instruments had all made the trip safely. As professional musicians, Melissa’s cello and Irving’s bass had the required TLC, every step of the journey.
Yet, after settling in, it still wasn’t home. They needed their kitty family. Their status was “cat-less”, not a situation they enjoyed. Irving grew up with many cats - sometimes, 9 or 10 at a time. After this major move in 2017, it was time to welcome a new fur baby into their new home.
Encouraged to check with the Feline Rescue website in St. Paul, they agreed that the beautiful, black boy would be perfect. They piled into the car and drove to the foster home. And there he was in person. The foster family had named him Pop.
“Would you like to meet Snap and Crackle, the other two kitties in this trio?” asked the foster mom. Sadly, in 2016, the three kitties were found together on a Minneapolis street. They weren’t feral, though. Initially separated, here they were, finally again together in this foster home. It was clear, however, that they needed to be adopted together. They also needed a lot of love.
Melissa looked at Irving as she cuddled Pop. Irving looked at the kids who were playing with the other two cats.
It was an easy decision. Nods of affirmation commenced. Irving help everyone into the car.
“Now our house is a home,” smiled Irving as he watched the kitties explore their new, forever home.
Blizzard, Luna, and Binx settling in.
After a wellness check at Carver Lake Veterinary Center, the team estimated they were between 9 months and 1 1/2 years old when found. Both boys had been neutered but Crackle had never been fixed. She was also a bit older then the boys. She was later fixed. (But of course, she was never broken!)
Could she be their momma?
Blizzard, Luna, and Binx on their forever home.
As they settled into their forever home, the three played together, slept together, and ate together. They are more like a Kitty Unit than three separate creatures. The felines blossomed. They came into their own. Each of them. With their own distinct personalities.
Now, about those names. The family was on it. Their creative, musical minds got to work as they huddled to bless their new family felines with more distinct names.
Pop acts like a rabbit: he is cautious but social. He is the smallest of the three weighing in at about 11.5 pounds. Alas, neither of those names would do. Daughter Jess declared him: Herr Blizzard von Boopen-Snooten, the Distinguished Gentleman from Minnesota. With a splash of black creating a wizard hat, black tail and booties, he commands snowstorms with his magical sneeze. It really happened!
Snap acts like a puppy. After several discussions, he became aka: Thachery Binx ( from Hocus Pocus). At nearly 20 pounds, he’s a bit shy but really digs his belly rubs! Just watch him roll on the floor. His distinct meow sounds like a dinosaur.
And Crackle - well, she got the memo and actually acts like a cat. She is aka: Luna Lovegood (from Harry Potter). She chatters a lot, like an old woman, reports Melissa. Indeed, the soft girl will also insist on securing your attention. She is Rag Doll fluffy and acts like a momma cat; she even waits until “the boys” have eaten before she helps herself.
Could she be their momma? Again, the family wondered.
The three even have their own Instagram account: Twin City Kitties.
How loved are they? And we get to watch their regular antics!!
Blizzard is happy to be home.
This active, creative home is filled with music, musicians, and meows. Melissa and Irving also teach music. As the three cats run, chase, sleep, and play, they reflect the joy of music that inspires this loving home . Blizzard is known to slip into the melodic rooms for a bit of a private concert. “Momma” Luna knows everything and where everyone is, thanks to her keen eyes and nose. Unless she takes a break and plays with her string stuffed with catnip. Everyone needs a break.
Beethoven, Bach, and sometimes the Beatles joyfully float through the house. The cats love the symphony of sounds that delight them everyday. Jess, now 17, tickles out a fun tune on the piano, guitar, or with her own beautiful voice. Son Nathan is 15 and is following in Dad’s musical steps at the bass. The three felines are in kitty heaven.
As students flow into their melodic home, Blizzard taps his tail to the rhythm. He is like a living metronome. Luna and Binx listen as the soft sounds lull them to sleep. The music fills the house with joy.
Their meows fill their home with love.
Beautiful Blizzard
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