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LIFESTYLE · March 16, 2017

Is This Your Cat?

ciao-amalfi-toulouse

From the moment I met our cat Toulouse, it has been an adventure. This furry little guy arrived one Monday morning three and a half years ago, when someone buzzed at our gate and asked, “Is this your cat?” When I looked at the orange and white fuzzball with impossibly big ears, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. It wasn’t very many hours before the adventure began, when this little kitten was attacked in front of our eyes by another cat and left for dead. We rushed him to the vet and I helped nurse him back to life. You can read all about that adventurous Monday here.

ciao-amalfi-little-toulouse

It took some time for Toulouse to get his name. But to give you an idea of his playful nature, his first nickname was “Bitey McBite.” While it took awhile for just the right name to arrive, it took no time at all for him to work his way into our hearts. This little nutcase has been non stop craziness and fun since he could get around again. He is my constant companion and writing buddy. He makes me laugh so many times every time. He brought a smile to my face during some very tough times over the last few years. How could you not laugh at a kitten hiding inside fruit bag?

ciao-amalfi-fruity-toulouse

Toulouse recovered well in all areas, except one of his front legs. He had suffered too much nerve damage to that leg and couldn’t move it much. So after having him for about 6 months, we made the big decision to have that leg amputated. And boy was he brave! I shared about that story here. Although in retrospect, I think the whole adventure was more traumatizing for us than for him. He never looked back … and has been rocking three legs ever since!

ciao-amalfi-three-toulouse

We’ve had more adventures along the way with Toulouse (look up “twitchy cat syndrome” sometime if you’re truly bored), but I couldn’t image our life without this cat. And even though he sometimes gets annoyed with Toulouse, I suspect his big brother Puffy feels the same way.

Puffy and Toulouse

So now, after three and a half years and many adventures, I can answer with certainty, “Yes, that is my cat!”

ciao-amalfi-toulouse

Animals definitely have a way of coming into our lives in unexpected ways. How have pets changed your life? I’d love to hear your stories!

 

 

 

Italy Blogging Roundtable

italy-blogging-roundtable
This blog post is part of a series called The Italy Blogging Roundtable. Every month our group of Italy based writers takes on a new theme, and you can read the contributions for this month’s topic – Pets – at the links below. We’d love to hear your thoughts and comments. Please share the stores if you’ve enjoyed them!

Brigolante – Of Dogs and Death

Italy Explained – Caesar’s Cats

Posted In: LIFESTYLE · Tagged: Italy Roundtable, Toulouse

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ciao-amalfi-francesco-clemente-villa-rufolo-4Francesco Clemente’s Standing with Truth for Ravello 2017
ciao-amalfi-positano-wisteria-1Italy Roundtable: The Rush of the Strange and Unfamiliar
Trattoria da Lorenzo in Scala with View of RavelloTrattoria da Lorenzo | Excellent Seafood Restaurant Overlooking Ravello

Comments

  1. Sandra says

    March 16, 2017 at 14:04

    A lovely tribute to Toulouse. You saved him and it sounds like he saved you right back. He’s a fine looking fella and I can tell a very special member of your family. Brava for saving his little, furry life!

    Reply
  2. Kathryn Occhipinti says

    March 17, 2017 at 12:01

    Lovely story and photos. Would you believe my daughter rescued an orange and white cat also here in the states? He was a gentleman when at just 2 years old I brought home a high strung, little gray kitten and they’ve lived together ever since, constantly entertaining us with their different personalities!

    Reply

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My name is Laura and the Amalfi Coast is my passion and my home. I’m a writer and photographer who is endlessly inspired by the incredible beauty of the Amalfi Coast. Welcome to Ciao Amalfi!

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