To understand how Summer came into my human’s life, you have to know about one of her deepest wishes. She has always dreamed of having a cat she could take places, and after she learned about therapy dogs, she wanted a therapy cat. As a passionate cat person, she knew that if she were ever in a hospital or nursing home, she would only be disappointed by dog visits. She was certain there were other people out there like herself, so she swore that one day she would have a cat she could take visiting. She considered having a therapy cat an act of good karma.
So her whole life, she searched for a kitty that could be that cat and failed miserably. She tested out several cats, including the cat before the cat before me and Binga, and it never worked out. They were never happy going places. Binga is outgoing and friendly (and a little crazy) at home, but she was never comfortable outside of her element.
When my human brought me home from Temecula, I cried pitifully for the whole two-hour drive home, and a couple of days later, when she took me for my first vet visit, I cried miserably for the whole 20-minute drive — and continued to cry for the whole time I was at the clinic. So she did not even try to take me anywhere else. But she still dreamed of having a therapy cat.
A couple of years ago, my human visited with my breeder at a cat show in San Diego, and she met this girl. At only six months old, she was so perfect and so poised — and she was already spoken for. So my human asked my breeder to let her know if she ever had another kitten with that type of personality, because that is what it took to have therapy cat potential.
Then just this past July, my human saw my breeder at another cat show and she had two kittens with her that had the same parents as the kitten she had seen before. One, the male, was adorable but had a “home cat” temperament — he was okay in the show rings, but he didn’t have that extra added poise and cool. The girl did — she pranced on the table when she was being judged, was even tempered and happy and loved people. Plus she was beautiful. Naturally, the breeder wanted to keep her for herself. You may even remember that kitty from this blog post.
Well, that was Summer, and my human was already a little bit in love with her. My human visited with her at a couple more cat shows and the breeder began to waver because she had to admit to herself that she really did not have room in her cattery for another girl, even as special as this one was. And she could tell my human adored her already. Summer is barely 5 months old, but she already acts like a pro in the ring. She is a joy and happy to meet everyone. And sometimes she is just a silly kitten too.
My human’s boyfriend came to see her, and can you believe she actually liked him?
Finally, my breeder said my human could have Summer under certain conditions, one being that she continued to show her. Which my human would have done anyway, as part of her training as a therapy cat. Cat shows are organized insanity, with people running around carrying cats, and attendees staring at and talking to kitties in show cages. Summer actually thrives in this type of environment and would probably miss it if it stopped. She will have lots of other types of adventures too, after she comes home to my human — and you’ll get to hear all about them from her.
It might be a coincidence that my human found Summer just as I was getting ready to leave her. Or maybe it was not a coincidence at all.
2022 Somali Cat Calendar Starring Summer Samba
See all of Summer’s merch at her her Zazzle Designercat Shop
What a beautiful origin story, Summer. I a happy that yoo found your forever person.
Toffee
What a wonderful story about the beginning of your life. You have inspired my hooman to do therapy work. I would not like like it but she is in hopes Django will, he is our Maine Coon brother and loves to go to and meet people. This weekend my hooman went to a cat show and was fortunate enough to hold 2 Somalis. She wants to add to the family and had smiles all the way home. She is a little crazy as she traveled 850 miles round trip just to see the kitties. Love your posts always.
Bodacious
Hi Summer! I thought we would drop you a note since we have adopted Chili, your brother! It has been almost two weeks and he is adapting to coastal California life very well! He is a nutcase and a love. He already has my husband and I wrapped around his little furry paw! I can’t wait to keep him updated on what his sister is up to!
I am so sorry to hear about Sparkle. It is never easy to say goodbye and their time with us is far too short, but the impressions they make on our hearts stay with us forever.
Thanks for the update – I missed him after you took him home! So far, the cats here are still adjusting and they’re old, so in spite of my human’s assurances I am wondering how much fun they will be! My human still misses Sparkle a lot, but I am working hard to make her feel better!
ah, sparkle. you were a prophetess who got honor in yer own land, and rightly so! you knew summer was coming, and that she and yer mama were destined fur each other. blessings on you, as you blessed us wif your wisdom and love!
This is no coincidence–this is how the kitty cosmos works! Welcome, Summer! Our Mom feels the same way as your human–no therapy dog is going to cut it for her. Bless your human.
Our Mom loves Somali kitties. She went to Canada to get one and came back with two! She loves ALL kitties, but has a special place in her heart for Somalis.
Purrs, Your Somali Sisters, Serafina and Arya
Welcome Summer, how lovely to meet you!
Summer is so cute and tiny! I can’t wait to get to know her.
Wellcome Summer n all da best in yer new home!
Yer a REEL cutie…
Yerz Nylablue n Sherriellen Mum
Hello Summer! I think it was meant to be that you found your furever home with a very special and kind human. You look adorable!
Welcome beautiful Summer! Meow and Namaste! ~ Pippy the Feline Yogini
Hi Summer!
It’s nice that there is a new kitty in the house to help the Mom heal after losing Sparkle. I find that you can laugh at the new kitty while you are crying because you lost your friend. It’s sort of a healing thing—well, for me anyway. I think it helps remember the good days and the fun things that your cat friend did instead of remembering that you lost them. I hope that is helping at your house too.
Love to you all in this time of change.
With leaky eyes, welcome to the Internet sweet Summer. You are really quite adorable!!
As a show cat, I am assuming you are going to keep her intact? have you had an adult intact cat before? might you blog about the challenges / differences between an intact cat and one that is neutered? I look forward to blog posts about your human taking her to shows.. 🙂
Summer is adorable and we KNOW it was not a coincidence that she’s going to live with your Human. Nokitty could ever take your place but it’s wonderful that Summer will be a therapy cat! We’re looking forward to getting to know her.
The Florida Furkids
Summer, welcome beautiful young lady!
Welcome, Summer! You are indeed a beautiful young cat, and we know it was no coincidence that your mom found you at just the right time. We are very sad about Sparkle’s passing, and you have big shoes/paw prints to fill, but we know you will shine in your new life with your new mom!
What a wonderful story! We are so happy that your human found Summer. She is so adorable!
We look forward to reading about her and getting to know her better 🙂
Purrs xx
Athena and Marie
Welcome, Summer. And thank you for the comment on our blog passing along Sparkle’s opinion of us. It means a lot.
Now, we unnerstand that you are stepping into some famous pawprints, an it may take you a while to get used to that. But you can be as certain as a freindly nose-kissie that we will all be patient, and will allow you to express you own views an purrsonalty. We mean, we know you aren’t going to be Sparkle, but you will be YOURSELF, and that is impawtant.
We are going to love learning about YOUR SELF! We 3 here had to step into the pawprints of Skeeter and LC who started our blog before THEY had to leave, so we kinna know what you are going through.
We don’t believe in coincidences, we think Summer was meant to be with your human. And at just the right time, too. Welcome, Summer, it’s so nice to meet you!
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I will miss Sparkle’s posts. I am thankful that Summer has joined your family. I look forward to hearing of her adventures.
Today is “Sparkle Saturday” when every Saturday we sit down and yours is the first blog we visit. We are sending you purrs and hugs. Looking forward to “Sunny Summer Saturdays” when you are ready.
Luvs
Marty, Mom and the Gang
We think it is Sparkle’s magic, sending Summer into your lives. Welcome little Summer!
We have found that things happen as part of the grand plan., sometimes bittersweet but that makes the good even more appreciated. Welcome Summer!
We all miss you here, Sparkle, but we want to welcome Summer with open hearts & paws. Our human can’t wait to watch Summer grow up and dazzle the world!
Welcome, Summer! 🙂
no coincidence here… Sparkle you brought Summer home…. just as Alex brought us Lucy
Summer you are beautiful!!!
We are delighted to meet you Summer and know you will help your new Mom to begin to heal the big hole that is in her heart. We are sure your magic will work on her and she will be able to smile again.
Luv Hannah and Lucy xx xx
Hello Summer, it’s nice to meet you! I’m sure you’ll have LOTS of adventures to blog about and I can’t wait to see them.
Welcome dear young lady. You have bit paw tracks to fill, and you will do it magnificently.
Harvey, Miranda and Silver
Welcome home, Summer. We think your presence was derived not by coincidence, but more by divine order. Another cat’s paws will never fill Sparkle’s, but you will certainly have her guidance whenever you need it, and your own voice and paw prints will reach a special place in the hearts of many.
It’ll be fun to read about Summer’s adventures.
Welcome Summer,we are so very happy to meet you,we can’t wait to read and watch you adventures,I think we are all in for a whole load of fun…..hehehe,xx Speedy
We are all a little bit in love with her already, too! But we miss you, Sparkle! 🙂 Looking forward to reading about Summer’s new adventure as a Therapy Cat (great idea!!!). 😉 Kitty purrs and kisses.
Summer, What a cutie you are. I’m sure you’ll live up to your potential as a wonderful therapy cat. It will be fun reading about your adventures.
Welcome Summer! Are you an Aby? If you are, I’m sure you will become a wonderful Therapy cat companion and you human will be truly blessed.
“My” Sam Wise is an aby who is the BEST thing that ever happened to my life. He is areal people cat.
Aww, Summer! You’re such a little doll! I bet you’ll keep Binga on her toes…
Summer looks like a beautiful little lady!! We hope it all works out!