Special Delivery

On Tuesday afternoon Puff our barn cat also known as the widow on Almosta Road proved my hunch about her was correct . She had seen me outside planting a few flowers and as customary came over and planted herself by my side. This time, however, something was different. She appeared especially agitated rubbing up against my legs, arms, and even the shovel. Usually she's content to sit by and watch--happy enough to be in my company. Since she insisted on staying in my way, I put down the shovel and walked toward the barn knowing she would follow.

Once in the barn she began pacing back and forth finally jumping up on a shelf about 6 feet off the ground. Thinking that she might be ready to have her kittens I scooped her up off the shelf and coaxed her into the awaiting kennel.

Almost immediately she was lying down on her side on the pile of fleece blankets panting and groaning--occasionally licking her bottom. I started to get up from my kneeling position, but she protested loudly, so I dug in for the long haul, which, as it turned out, wasn't very long at all.

Within an hour, Puff was the confused mother of 3 small, wet, squealing, almost kitten-like creatures. Although she performed like a well-rehearsed pro, I'm sure she had no idea what had just happened. She kept looking at me as if to say, "What the frick?" Thankfully, Puff's instincts were well intact and fully functioning. The kittens were promptly cleaned, dried, tucked in and fed. Then Puff looked at me again as if to say, "How long do I have to stay here?"

I left her to tend to the kittens while I prepared dinner. Afterwards, I returned, opened the kennel, and was greeted by a very enthusiastic Puff who wanted nothing more than to sit on my lap and receive a well-deserved belly rub to which I was more than happy to accommodate.

When I awoke this morning I had no idea we were about to receive such a special delivery. But special it was indeed, our sweet little Puff became a mother. The lonely widow on Almosta Road has brought three little rays of sunshine to our corner of the prairie. As always, all is well!