Friday, April 3, 2009

Introducing Karl

Yes, I finally gave him a name, so let me formally introduce you to Karl. I will spare you all the details of how I came up with his name, but it fits, so he is now affectionately referred to as Karl, or how I normally refer to him as "The Karl". Makes him sound much more important.

He still is not neutered. I feel very guilty about that too. I put off trying to trap him after I was unsuccessful a couple of times. Then I became just too ill and too tired to really try.

He is so mean too, always protecting his territory. He has staked his claim with the cat shelter and my yard. He guards and patrols all day and night. Several times a week he wakes us up in the middle of the night, yowling and fighting with the other tomcats in the neighborhood. My poor hubby is the one to get out of bed and run outside to break up the fights. I always ask who he was fighting with, but my hubby never gets the chance to see the other cat by the time he gets outside. I very rarely see any other toms anymore except for Karl. Perhaps after he is neutered and a little more settled, I can trap the other toms too. I really must get busy!
He now sleeps most of the time in the shelter or on the cat walk. He spends a lot of time in the backyard, until I go out there, that is when he will just jump up on a wall or the cat walk and watch my every move. He won't let me get any closer then maybe 10 feet. He never use to sit still for long when I was outside, but now, he allows me to just watch him, as he watches me. Something about him makes me sad though. In his eyes, the way he looks at me, there is such sadness in his eyes that tear at my heart. Not all ferals have that sadness, that unmistakable look in their eyes, but when you see it, it is a look you don't forget.

So, I have to quit neglecting what I had set out to do, a very long time ago. I have to get busy working with "The Karl". First things first, I need to trap him, and soon!

On to other things, I want to thank all my wonderful friends here for emailing me and asking how I have been. I did finally go to the doctor, this past Wednesday. I had a lot of tests, still have more to do, had a brief scare, but I am ok, and I am going to live, Hooray! I will be starting my antibiotics tonight and hopefully will be feeling much better soon. I think I forgot how feeling well feels, hopefully I will experience that feeling again, soon.

17 comments:

Stacy Disarrayed said...

Good to hear from you!

Good luck with Karl!

Dog_geek said...

The Karl looks like a formidable fellow - good luck with trapping him! And I'm glad to hear that you went to the doctor - I hope that you are feeling back to normal ASAP!

flydragon said...

Hooray is right!!! So glad you finally got to the docs. Get yourself fixed first, then work on The Karl. He does indeed look a bit on the mean side, but I'm sure if anyone can get to him it's you.

Cyndi and Stumpy said...

I am glad you are up and around and have seen the doctor... I miss your posts, a week in between is too much...

Karl looks like a tough one. The sad look I know all to well, wants to love and be loved but has been burned badly in the past. I am betting that you'll become good friends, before long.

Katt said...

He's adorable! The ones with the sad eyes are the most satisfying when they finally come around.

Glad you're feeling better - I sent you an email about a week ago and wasn't sure if it was sent to your spam folder or something. I didn't want you to think I was ignoring you.

♥Caroline♥ said...

Take Care of yourself..hope you feel better soon...The Karl will be there when your better.

Unknown said...

First off,
Whoo hoo you went to the doctor! I can't even imagine getting close to a feral cat. Karl is so fortunate you two crossed paths... he is very cute and seems to be trying to figure you out with his gaze.

I don't think I 'll mess with him. I'm just a goofball.

Norwood

RoeH said...

He's adorable! I love him.

Jan said...

Yes I will go. Thanks for the nudge. Hope you are feeling better soon. Karl is cute

Daniela said...

Thank goodness you went to the doctor..good for you girl. I hope you feel much better soon.

The Karl is a cutie. I agree with you that he looks sad, like he has a story, a sad story to tell. He's adorable though and very lucky that he wandered onto your sanctuary..even though he doesn't know it yet.haha

Brenda Eason said...

Awww that is just like my big Tigger cat I had. I want another so bad. We got that one from a feed store.He got ran over and I miss him so much.

Lilli & Nevada said...

Well what ever the reason he got that name it looks like it fits him,
And yes by all means get that poor fellow in to be fixed because it is kittie season and we certainly don't need more kittens out there.

Betty said...

The Karl is beautiful and I agree with your assessment of his sad feelings. His actions seem to indicate he has had some major upsets in the past. He probably already knows how really good he has it in your yard!

Hope the antibiotics are helping. I'll call you.

Maude Lynn said...

What a beautiful cat!

Hope that you feel better soon!

Fireblossom said...

Thank you for introducing me to The Karl! he is a handsome fellow.

I hope you are feeling much better soon!

Daniela said...

Thank you thank you thank you for your comment about River. It is so nice to hear from someone who doesn't think I'm crazy. I've been in animal welfare for 25 years and I know people think I'm nuts. I currently have 4 dogs and 7 cats of my own. 5 of those cats migrated from the same home where River now lives. I can't believe these people. They did let me spay her and I have vaccinated her. I called them a few hours ago and left them a message. My son is going over there tonight to bring her in our house since it is snowing. I just feel so damned bad for her. She does deserve better. Oh, thanks for the link..I am definitely going to check them out. Take care sweetie, and thank you so much for caring.

Dana said...

I have two strays that look like Karl:)