Ren
Ren and Mom Becky
Becky decided to work at Petsmart after the loss of her dear family cat, who had practically raised her. It was cathartic for her to care for animals at work, but still, her home was missing a furball.
Beautiful Ren
Enter Serenity - or Ren for short. The cute kitty was about ten months old in October, 2008 when they found one another via a friend. Becky fell in love with the high- energy, chatty kitten and gave her all the treats she could handle. Ren was delighted to explore her new forever home, especially enjoying backyard patio where she could chatter at the squirrels and birds.
Ren
Soon Becky decided it was time to expand her fur baby family; Ren was none too pleased when Mom rescued Tamaki, a Siamese mix. Would she have to share? She would, but thankfully Tamaki was not one to take offense from her growling and hissing, and soon she had no choice but to tolerate him, since he never escalated fights. Compared to Ren’s quieter plotting, Tamaki is not very bright and a bit dopey - but he has a lot of random energy. They are a wonderful complement to one another - a kind of kitty yin/yang.
Ren welcomes Tamaki
Ren was showered with TLC when they visited Northbrook Animal Hospital for her healthcare check. Ren was a flourishing, mischievous kitty with a delightful personality. Becky reports she is somewhat of an “evil genius” which creates inventive play.
Ren helps Mom Becky
Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Becky, and on the other side of town, a man named Alex was handed a little fur ball on July 4, 2018. The guys were just hanging out - as guys do - and Alex adopted a little fur ball kitty which he named Fifi. Alex quickly learned that she loves to wander off to explore. Upon her return, she gleefully exclaimed “Meow” while leaving her scent on Alex’s jeans, rubbing his leg with her whiskers, body, and tail.
Baby Ren
Aside from a worldwide Covid 19 Pandemic, 2020 was a very busy year for Becky. In spring, she began dating her future husband. You know, the guy who adopted his own fur baby, Fifi.
Ren is ready for the wedding
Alex and Becky soon married and became a melded family with Ren, Fifi, and Tamaki. In December, Santa knew Becky had been a very good girl and sent her a 3 month old puppy. His name is Pendergast, a darling Scottish Terrier who through some genetic lottery has a demeanor more befitting of a Golden Retriever - mellow and kind. When introduced to his family, he discovered that Fifi had his number. “Pen” will obey her, no matter what.
Now with three cats and a dog, there was only one thing left to do.
Ren and Mom Becky
In September, 2021, this furry family welcomed a human boy Kestrel. Ren wasn’t sure about this “new baby” thing. After all, she and Becky have a unique bond. Ren would raise her paw toward little Kestrel. Becky would gently hold it, kiss it, and reassure Ren that Mom still loved her. Ren just wanted to be with her mom.
Am I still your best, Mom?
Then, in June, 2024, the three cats, dog, Kestrel, Mom, and Dad welcomed Rowan, another baby boy into their family. Since this wasn’t Ren’s first rodeo, she was okay with the new addition. After all, if she flops on her back, in front of Mom and baby, a belly rub was surely on its way. After all, Mom was handing out loves. Pen can be found snuggling close to to the boys, as well. Instinctively, he knows it’s his job to protect them.
Tamaki discovered that the baby furniture is swell. He can be found napping on a baby bed or curled up in a nursery chair. He’s a lover boy and happily brings his toys to the nursery. Fifi may join him - she’s the best playmate.
Ren is on top of her world
As the toddler boys grow, their love for Ren, Tamaki, Fifi, and Pen also expand. Sometimes Becky and Alex will take a deep breath, shake their heads, smile brightly, and marvel at the joy their brood brings to them.
Now 17 1/2 years old, Ren’s diabetes and kidneys are watched closely. Sometimes, her arthritis makes chasing Fifi a challenge, but she will try, anyway. After all, she’s her sister. And Tamaki is her brother. And Pen is her other brother. And Dad and Kestrel and Rowan are always loving her.
I love you, Mom
And most importantly, Becky is her Mommy who loves her the most. Forever and always.
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