What does animal companionship mean to you?

Today I thought I'd introduce you to my favorite critter in the world, Josephine (Jojo, for short!).

Howdy Friends,

Today I thought I’d pause all the book promotion and introduce you to my favorite critter in the world, Josephine (Jojo, for short!).

I got Jojo six years ago when I was still a high school teacher. My students informed me that a lady in town was fostering kittens, and while I insisted I did not need another animal, I eventually took a trip to her home to appease them. I already owned a dog named Daisy, who I’d had since college, and felt pretty secure in my identity as a dog person. (Fun fact, my first word was dog!)

However, that all changed when I stepped inside the lady’s home and found this little gray kitten, purring as she looked up at me. Here is a picture from that exact moment:

How could I say no to those eyes? Well, I couldn’t, so Jojo came home with me, and met her big sister, Daisy.

Jojo loved Daisy even though, by then, Daisy was a grouchy old lady. Because Jojo grew up with Daisy, she thinks she’s a dog too. Don’t tell her she’s not a dog. It might upset her. She even asks to go on walks, as you’ve seen if you’ve watched any of my TikToks. She regrets them, but she still wants them. They became best friends, at least according to Jojo, who worshipped the ground that Daisy walked on. Losing Daisy was hard for us both.

Now that it’s just me and Jojo, I am so grateful for her companionship. She helps me keep a routine. When I’m feeling down, I always have the motivation to care for my pet even if I don’t have the energy for anything else. Jojo is comforting, too. She will snuggle with me when I’m sad. Daisy wasn’t much of a snuggler, but she did get me outside.

Jojo is also feisty. She had a lot of personality from the start. She loves to play, climb, chase, and especially play-fight. From hiding on top of the refrigerator or inside the dishwasher to sitting in any bowl or box lying around the house, I’ve found that Jojo is just as adventurous and curious about the world as I am. I love her so much!

If you have a pet, what does animal companionship mean to you?

Thanks for reading,

Rebecca

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Orange County Animal Services (OCAS) is a progressive animal-welfare focused organization that enforces the Orange County Code to protect both citizens and animals.

OCAS is the only open-admission shelter in Orange County, which means that it does not turn away any animal and accepts all animals, regardless of their temperament or health. The health and well-being of the animals in the care of OCAS is of the utmost importance to Orange County and its community. On average, the shelter receives approximately 50 animals each day, but these numbers can double during peak summer months.

Orange County Animal Services has a variety of offerings geared toward the protection and promotion of pets. The most notable services and programs are:

• Volunteer program

• Foster care program

• Community outreach & education

• Low-cost spay and neuter services through mobile clinic

• Low-cost pet microchipping

If adoption isn’t an option, a great way to help a shelter is through donations. Orange County Animal Services appreciates any and all community support and donations help save lives!

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That’s all for this week, folks! Thanks for reading, and preordering Gator Country!