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​When I started my work term at the spca there were a lot of cats at the shelter, some had to even be put in bathroom or cages in the office because they were that full with cats. There was one old, cranky looking cat there named Gabby out in the office at the time. She kept to herself unless you went to the treat jar then she would come wherever she was to just to give you those sad little eyes. She was definitely not the slimmest looking cat so you knew those eyes worked in her favor. Doing my work term for veterinary assistant/receptionist, I tried practicing what I learned in school. So I tried to cut all the cats nails and came across Gabby. She had a nail imbedded in her pad and ears very dirty. I thought for sure "first cat that's gonna hate me now, let's give this a try". 

After getting her ears cleaned and nails done every couple weeks or so I started falling for this crabby tabby. Every time I would sit down on the bench she would come running to jump in my lap to get brushed. Getting her to finally play with her special toy she loved. She made me feel wanted so I became very attached. 

I was living at home at the time and trying to convince my parents to get this girl was like pulling teeth... even tried pulling the "she's older mom, no one seems to want her, I don't want her to live her rest of her life at the shelter". 

Well, just when I almost had my parents convinced to try her home, a cute older couple came in and fell in love with her. They adopted her so it was a bittersweet moment that day because I knew it would be a good home for her but I wanted her myself. Gave her the special toy to them and wished the crabby tabby the best. 

One year later, the door bell rang and in came the son of the older couple with sweet old Gabby, the crabby tabby, in a kennel. Well I told myself this is fate and told Mudder I was bringing her home and I'll just "try " her with my dog. She has been home with me now since, giving me head butts, purrs, sitting on my butt when I'm lying down, and bawling at me when I don't give her wet food right away.... Wouldn't have her any other way.