As we head into the Labor Day Weekend, I’m struck by two somewhat opposing thought processes. For some, it seems that Labor Day signals a BEGINNING of sorts. Granted, many schools and colleges have just gone back into session or will begin the day after Labor Day. Some look at it as a time to buckle down at work, after some lazy summer days, and many consider it the unofficial start of fall. 

Still others approach it maybe as a “last hurrah”. A weekend at the beach soaking up some of those last summer rays, or taking the kids camping, or a theme park before they find themselves in a classroom for 8 hours a day. Family picnics abound, as one of the last get-togethers before the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. 

However you choose to approach it, I’m reminded of the significance of Labor Day. It began in New York City as a means to salute the work force and all those who labored to build the infrastructure, transportation and factories in the city and in the United States. Declared a National Day of Observance by Congress in 1894, the celebration has been recognized unwaveringly since that time. 

And while things have changed drastically in the 100+ years since then, I think now is the BEST time to re-commit our recognition to all those who are still working effortlessly to build a strong, successful, sustainable country for us to call home. 

It’s no secret that I have always loved cats, and most of my life have shared a home with at least one cat. Most recently, I was a contented 3-cat household. After having 2 cats for much of my adult life, I had to make the difficult decision a couple years ago to have my sweet Claudette euthanized due to old age and declining health. 

 Claudette

Mr. Bud and I were doing OK, but both missed Claudette. I thought long and hard about the best way to integrate another cat into the household and after speaking with fellow cat-lovers, decided to bring two kittens into the mix. The kittens, I was told, would spend a lot of their energy playing with each other, hopefully giving Mr. Bud some time and space to adjust.

Thus, Arlo and Coco joined us last summer, and while there was certainly an adjustment period, within several weeks, all three cats were getting along swimmingly. 

And everything was going along just dandy. But sometimes, life has other plans for us. Around mid-September this year, someone dropped off a kitten here at the warehouse. Well, I can’t leave a stray out to brave the elements, even one that was a little wild and unsocialized. I kept him in the warehouse until I could get him into the vet's office to be checked out and vaccinated, so that I could then find a loving home for him. Of course, by the time that all happened, I had fallen in love with him and he had become much more sociable and friendly. After having his vaccinations and being given a clean bill of health by the vet, we made the transition into the house. We call him Itty Bitty Kitty for now, and he is making friends with the others. He is especially smitten with Arlo and that is the story of how I officially became a “Crazy Cat Lady.”