December 30, 2005

Pet of the Month

‘Fluffy’

By Michelle Hecht
Staff Writer

Celebrating their cat’s first birthday in November with cake and presents, the Hechts never guessed they’d become the cat lovers they are today.

They didn’t even think they’d be pet owners. But as proud parents of Fluffy, Yolanda and her daughter Michelle love every minute of it.

Their “son” came to them in November 2004 when his mother, a stray named Sam, brought him to their porch. The two cats lived there for a few months, until Sam weaned Fluffy and left. As a gift to the Hechts for the shelter and food, Sam let them keep Fluffy.

Yolanda instantly fell for Fluffy’s adorable round face, black diamond nose and sweet disposition. “He looks and often acts like a puppy,” says Yolanda. And he has all the traits of one, following the Hechts throughout the house and coming when called.

He especially runs to Michelle and Yolanda when he hears them open the freezer. “He loves ice,” says Yolanda. Swatting ice around the kitchen like a little hockey player is one of Fluffy’s favorite pastimes.

He also likes to watch the DVD player open and close. According to the Hechts, he is so smart that as soon as he sees them pick up a movie he stares at the player.

Yogurt also grabs his attention. Whenever his moms open a cup, he will do everything possible to lick the top. “It’s the only food he begs for,” says Yolanda.

The Hechts made sure to bring yogurt when they took Fluffy to Eastridge Mall for Santa photos in December. It wasn’t the first time he’d been on a big outing: The Hechts have also taken him to pet stores, Home Depot and Dairy Belle.

Yolanda Hecht holds her cat, Fluffy, 1, after a photo session with Santa.

Fluffy ultimately loves the comfort of his home. As an indoor-only cat, he will stare out of windows and the front door, but doesn’t seem to have an urge to go out. He’d rather relax on the couch and play with feathers or watch Michelle do dishes.

It is the quiet moments Yolanda and Michelle most fondly recall. When Yolanda came back from the hospital after spinal surgery, Fluffy would lie on the bed and “hold” her hand.

People often tell the Hechts they were chosen as Fluffy’s parents for a reason. The two believe this is true. Fluffy has a slight disability in his paw and can’t jump very high. Perhaps Fluffy’s biological mother realized the Hechts would take particular care of him and his needs.

However they crossed paths, the Hechts are rewarded every day with joyful moments and the affection of a smart and sensitive cat. They look forward to many more birthdays, Santa photos and ice hockey games to come.

With their Pet of the Month entry, the Hechts have won a $20 gift certificate from Evergreen Pet Center, located at 1620 E. Capitol Expressway in the Silver Creek Marketplace by Hollywood Video.

If you have a pet that you’d like to enter into our Pet of the Month competition, send an e-mail and photo to Diego Abeloos, diego@timesmediainc.com.