Rowland was allergic to cats growing up and as an adult. Carson, too, was allergic to cats and even took allergy shots. When we moved to California and had to get rid of our Westie Cricket, all of the tears finally pushed Rowland to do something none of us ever expected. He went to the Animal Shelter and brought home a cat!

Our Other “Boy”

As Rowland tells the story, Valentino was the only cat who jumped on the glass and meowed, begging, “Pick me! Pick me!” The rest is cat history. This little boy has so much personality! We’ve all become “cat whisperers,” I suppose, because we all know exactly what he wants. He’s a mischievous little guy who’ll jump out and attack and be gone before you can turn around. At night, he loves to come stand on Rowland’s stomach and wait for Rowland to rub the inside of his ears - yes, the INSIDE of his ears! He’ll even let me rub his tummy!

Each morning, we let Valentino go out in the back yard and play for about an hour while the kids are getting ready for school. We usually leave the door open so that he can run in and out as he pleases. As I was getting ready to leave one morning last week, I checked to make sure he was in the house. (He actually comes when you meow to him!) Sure enough, there was Valentino sitting downstairs intensely watching something. Upon closer examination, I realized that he had struck pay dirt! Valentino caught and killed his first snake - and without any front claws! He must’ve been so proud as he carried his treasure inside and yet looked a little disappointed that his play toy wouldn’t play anymore!

Most recently, Valentino has mastered a new trick, and it’s definitely a risky one! We have a rail along the upstairs hallway, and Valentino has learned to jump up on the rail without falling to the ground 16 or so feet below and walk it like a tightrope! I’m afraid our little guy may be looking to leave home soon and join the circus!

Valentino, the Circus Cat