It’s been one year since we adopted Indie from the Erath County Humane Society. Here’s how she’s doing.
This month marks the one-year anniversary of Indie’s adoption into our family.
Indie is kind of like our fourth child, except she’s a cat. And yes, we love her almost as much.
We adopted Indie from the Erath County Humane Society on March 6, 2023.
I learned of her existence through one of the weekly stories I do about dogs and cats up for adoption at the local animal shelter.
The moment Indie’s picture landed in my inbox on that sunny March afternoon, I knew she would be mine.
Her pretty face caught my attention and when I read that she was terrified at the shelter, I dropped what I was doing, called ECHS executive director Serena Wright and went to sign the adoption papers.
One hour later, she was a Vanden Berge.
Our first encounter wasn’t the stuff you read about. There was no kismet. She didn’t fall in love with me at first sight.
In fact, she tried to claw my eyes out the first time I tried to hold her.
Her arrival home wasn’t much better. She hid in a small bathroom for the first two weeks, shaking from fear and eating very little.
We struggled to bond and I secretly worried that adopting her had been a mistake.
But time, they say, is the great healer.
Indie needed patience, love and a whole lot of quiet to feel comfortable in her new home.
She slowly started peeking around the corner of the bathroom and inching her way into the living room in the evenings.
But any loud noise – like the click of the air conditioner or clink from the ice maker - would send her scurrying back to the bathroom.
Then one day, a breakthrough.
As I sat typing on the couch, Indie jumped into my lap, began purring and fell fast asleep.
Today, she rules the house.
Indie is quiet and sweet, but isn’t afraid to let us know when she wants something.
She is a picky eater (bisque with no meat) and enjoys these little chocolate-like cat treats we keep in large supply.
She loves to chase a red laser and a good brushing.
She sleeps firmly by my side at night and will meow right in my face when she wants me to scoot over.
Indie never ventures outside, but she loves to sunbathe by a window.
Adopting her was one of the best decisions we have ever made.
There is something special about giving an animal a safe haven; a new home with plenty of toys and lots of love.
Indie is ridiculously spoiled, but I also sense that she is also grateful.
If you are thinking of adding a new fur baby to your family, head to the Erath County Humane Society and rescue an animal that needs a home.
I promise you won’t regret it.
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