Ode to Yabo...

My little four legged friend is the best companion I could have asked for. Yabo means "Praise" in Hausa - an African language my mother grew up speaking in Niger and Nigeria. Previously called Claire (I know...WHO names a cat "Claire"?), Yabo and I started our journey together a little over two years ago, when I picked her noisy, but endearing, self out for adoption at the local shelter. Although I guess it's not been that long, I feel like I have had her for a lifetime. We know one another's patterns and she is a constant in my life of ups and downs.

Because she was already 5 when brought her home, I knew what I was getting with Yabo. She had a distinct, lovable personality of talker, socialite, cuddler and shadow. No hissing, no biting, no scratching or stuck-up, snobby behavior. She sleeps next to me each night - only leaving the bed when mom gets up. She reminds me often to refill her bowl, before she finishes the last few bites.

A wonderful room mate, Yabo doesn't shed much and is always happy and waiting to see me when I walk in the door! She comes to her name and enjoys playing with strings, balls of wadded up paper and the little pointer light that dashes all about the room, to her confusion. Yabo doesn't like 'kitty beds' or cat toys. Instead, she is perfectly content on any one of mommy's chairs or throw pillows. She is patient and kind when I trim her claws and always licks my cheek when near enough to reach. Yabo gently eats treats out of my hand and posts herself cautiously near windows to keep up with all the birdy action going on around us.

Yabo is as close to a dog as a cat can get, without the muddy paws, poop scooping, or walks...and for a mommy that likes to keep things as low-maintenance as possible... it's a perfect relationship!

Here is a picture I took today of my sweet baby. Isn't she a beauty?