Enjoying Eugene

 

Thursday, May 29, 2025. Our little Esme has to be taken to Eugene today for her spaying. Esme came to us as a starving feral but there was something about her that screamed, "Beautiful!" I touched her to see if I could possibly pet her once or twice and the bone structure of this little girl was evident. I could feel every vertebrae, every bone that was in her body. She was literally starving to death. About two more weeks on the streets and she would die. 

I came in and told Terry about her and of course I shot a text to Mallory. Our stray cat population around this neighborhood is so large now that we have dealt with three kitties so far, without little Esme included. Plus there are more who come to eat, but they eat and run. 

This little girl was different. There was something about her. She is fluffy, but a large area was shaved across her side. The first time I fed her, she pounced on the bowl like it might get away from her. She ate that bowl and I refilled it. Another one down. I filled it a third time. She ate about half of that one and took off. I was afraid that might be the last time I saw her. 

But our beautiful Esme returned again and again. She was outside for about a week and a half, each day sitting on the front porch, waiting for me to return from work. One day I came home and didn't see my little girl by the food dish. I opened the door to our home and saw Terry in his recliner, holding the little girl in his arms. He said, "I would like to introduce little Esme." And so began our adventure with the sweetest little soul we could have asked for. 

***

Today is her spay appointment. We thought the little girl needed to be fixed just in case she ever gets out of the house. Our little baby is about eight to nine months old, was our guess, and it was time. Plus there is microchipping and shots, and all the other medical things that come with any pet. 

We loaded her up into the crate and headed out for Eugene. Eugene has a spay and neuter clinic that does great work. I've taken my five dogs and cat to the place for years. They've always handled appointments when needed and have been loving toward my babies. 

After checking in at the West 1st Spay and Neuter Clinic, we had to figure out something to do until the 2:00 pick up time. I wanted to take Terry to Skinner Butte Park to show him how beautiful it is. Off we went. 

While checking out the wildlife in the park and watching the Willamette River flow, Terry drank coffee and the entertainment began. I shot my daughter Dawn a text, asking what she was doing. She invited us to come over to spend our wait time there, but not until 9:00. 

As we sat in the park, I noticed all of the animals working through their morning routine. 

Three adult geese were watching over a group of fluffy babies. 

Fluffy goose butts and adorable faces. Can't think of a better way to spend some time. 

And, of course, in Eugene you are going to run into ducks. After all, we love our ducks as is the slogan for the Oregon Duck football team. This male and female mallard pair were enjoying the morning, digging through the grass to locate food. 

Along the Willamette River you could feel a cold breeze flowing up onto the banks. Definitely too chilly to head down to touch the water. 

It's always nice to sit and watch the river flow, chilly or not. 

Meanwhile, the gaggle of geese were still searching the grounds for food. 

A crow joined in the fun, finding a small kernel of food. 

But what caught my attention was a little squirrel who stopped to see what all the commotion was about. 

Once the cute rodent found out I wasn't going to hurt it, he moved onto the table. 

Back on the ground again, the little guy had to peek one more time to ensure I wasn't going to hurt it. 

I love squirrels. Those large eyes and the hands ... such an adorable creature. 

I looked around the park. It was pretty quiet here today, with few visitors. An occasional biker would zoom by or a dog owner walking a pup. Other than that it was fairly silent. You could hear the river dropping onto the rocks, adding to the serene setting. 

When my family first moved to Eugene from Tennessee in 1962, we came to this park. The park was different then in so many ways. There were animals such as bears and elk caged for visitors to view. However, over time, the bears learned how to escape from their cage and visited people in Eugene. For some silly reason, the residents of the city weren't real happy to see them. The bears were soon sold to a zoo. 

There was a tiny play area when I first came here. It consisted of a cement whale and another odd shaped concrete play item that looked like a manta ray. Those still reside in the park, and no, I didn't get a picture. We were at the other end of Skinner. 

Now the playground offers so much more to enjoy as children. Replicas of older buildings from days of the Old West are set up amongst swings and slides, along with a stage coach. 

But one of the things I love the most is the old cabin of Eugene and Mary Skinner. Built in 1848, the couple and their child lived in the cabin when they first arrived. Founding the city of Eugene, they made their home here. Skinner Butte was also named after Eugene Skinner of course. 

The idea that a family of three can live in a small cabin such as this one is amazing. Families were so close back then. You would have to be. There is no place to get away from your family, even if you wanted some space. 

Peering inside, you can see the old wooden floors, the fireplace, and just how small the home was. Can you imagine having to sweep and mop a wooden floor? Hmm? Am I right? Oh, and the splinters!

***

Back in the car, we drove to Dawn's house. We visited with my lovely daughter for a while, when Terry received a call ...

The vet called to let us know that Esme's check up went very well. She is a healthy kitty. However, we were told that Esme's teeth and her build informed them that our eight to nine month old kitten is actually two years of age, approximately anyway. My jaw dropped. Terry and I sat there in disbelief over that fact. Our little girl isn't a kitten. Everything about this kitty made us believe she was a young kitten still. 

Not only was she found to be older than we thought, but they shaved her belly to prep her for surgery when they found a previous scar that appeared to be from a spaying operation she went through a while ago. Plus, they said if she is two and was living on the streets, she had no indication that she had kittens, giving them (and us) another reason to believe she has been fixed. 

Esme was microchipped, given her needed treatments, and we were told to pick her up after she came out of the anesthesia. Terry and I discussed the findings in disbelief. But, she's healthy and happy now and that's all that matters. She even has a big belly from eating all she wants and that makes us happy. Terry jokes with her about pushing herself away from the dinner table a bit sooner because her little frame is carrying a hefty belly. 

Microchipped and all, she is now permanently our kitty and we are ecstatic over that thought. She was with us before, but at least now she is registered to us and is ready to live a healthier life with her rabies, respiratory illness, and her leukemia shots done. She does need her boosters in three to four weeks, but she is officially "ours." 

***

We picked Esme up and began our trek toward the freeway. Driving up River Road, Terry informed me he desperately had to use a bathroom. I drove the car up toward Fred Meyer and told him he could use the bathroom there. He glanced to the right and saw an Arby's, asking me to drive over there instead. I began to turn but noticed the street was blocked off right after the Arby's building. A police SUV had lights on and was not letting anyone through. Terry said he would meet me but he was going to walk to Arby's. He jumped out and headed up the sidewalk to Arby's with the coveted bathroom facilities. 

Meanwhile, I drove past Arby's and drove to the other side of Silver Lane where the officer was blocking the road. Bi-Mart and Grocery Outlet are on the opposite side of the lane, across from Arby's. I pulled into the parking lot only to find ...

Until our next post, we bid you adieu. Thank you for reading the blog. We appreciate each and every one of you.