Happy almost spring, Max supporters!

After a very long visit from old man winter, it seems that the wonders of spring may have descended the upon the greater Ringoes metropolitan area. I have to tell you, it was so pleasant to bask in the sun and leave the house without having to wear a heavy coat. The wonderful weather that rang in March reminded me, however, of elementary school, where we learned that if March enters like a lamb, it leaves a like a lion. While the thought of getting late-March snow is enough to make me want to go to the airport and hop the next flight for Aruba, I feel that the whole in-like-a-lamb-out-like-a-lion scenario is perfectly analogous to Max’s experience being in Adoption Room #2 24 hours a day.

You may remember from last month’s update that Max moved into Adoption Room #2 full time. During the first couple of weeks in Adoption Room #2, Max seems to be doing quite well. His aggression toward the other cats and himself diminished significantly. There is a chart on the door of Adoption Room #2 where staff and volunteers record instances of Max acting aggressively toward himself or the other cats in the room, as well as what prompted the aggression. For over a month, there was only one instance recorded on the chart, and whenever I would visit, Max not only was affectionate with me, but he peacefully coexisted with his roommates. It truly seemed as if Max’s transition into Adoption Room #2 would be flawless.

Alas, this was not the case.

Although Max was quite lamb-like last month, he channeled his inner lion this month! On my first visit to see him this month, Max was clearly upset. Instead of being his normal chatty, loving self, he would not even come near me when I entered the room. He made sure he was on the opposite end of Adoption Room #2, slinking around and eyeing me suspiciously. After five minutes of waiting for him to come around to no avail, I left, wondering what I had done to offend him. He was definitely out of sorts, and I simply chalked it up to him having a bad day.

On my next visit the following week, the first thing I noticed was an increase in the number of aggression incidents charted on the door. Even now, I am completely perplexed by this increase in aggressive behavior. He still has the same three roommates — Angelo, Cypress, and Trey. He is still sleeping in the cage at night, and nothing else has changed. Despite this troublesome turn of events, I went into the room hoping for some Max love. Unfortunately, I was disappointed. Again, Max wanted nothing to do with me. He recoiled from my touch, and when I did pet him, he fired a warning meow. I honored his request, and left the room.

I let the staff know of my experiences with Max, and they agreed with me that something isn’t quite right. When I returned last week, I was happy to notice that there were no additional aggressive incidents on the chart. When I went into Adoption Room #2, Max was asleep in a cat bed on the settee. I tentatively walked over and began to pet him. I was very excited when he did not pull away, nor did he fire off any warning meows. Granted, he did not purr or actively seek my love, but he did not avoid it, either. Just like his old self, once he got his fill, he got up and walked away. When I left, I left assured that the Max I know and love is on his way back to us, just as the warmth of spring will return after March’s lion-like exit.

I want to thank you for your continued love and support for the Max man. This month has been rough, but because of your generosity, Max is able to get the care he needs. There is no doubt about it; Max is doing better. Just six months ago, Max could not be in a room with any other feline, and now he lives with three other cats and, with the exception of this month, has been quite the loverboy. It is truly amazing how far he has come, and none of it would be possible without your continuous and generous support. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you.

P.S. I hope that March’s lion-like exit will not be too bad in your neck of the woods!