Narissa

I have always had a unique name— one that was never on keychains or in story books as a child, which I’ve slowly come to terms with during my time. So when I received the text: “Unrelated, we have a cat at work named Narissa”, my interest peaked in ways it never had before, and my initial plan to adopt a dog went out the window when I saw her picture.
The first time I met her, I sobbed. She was an instant lovebug, hesitant, but happy. And when I saw that her birthday was the same day as my recently deceased pup that I’d had since I was 16? I knew she was my girl. Fate is funny like that— and when I lay on the floor to play with her and she wags her tail at me like a dog would, nipping at my fingers, I know I made the right decision.
Narissa came out of her shell rather quickly once home, despite the many vet appointments, car rides, and days in the carrier needed for her ear related problems. She never seemed to let it get her down, and has very quickly become one of the quirkiest, outspoken, and loving cats I’ve ever seen. I truly cannot imagine my life without her— I mean why would I ever enjoy going to the bathroom alone again when I can have her and her sister Lucy sitting there staring at me despite my multiple attempts to close the door?
I cannot thank the staff at AWS enough for their repeated kindness, understanding, and care for me and my girl. Extra special credit to Cullen for sending me the first pictures of my namesake, and helping every step of the way after. Wouldn’t change it for the world.