Russell comes home

We picked Russell up this afternoon. Bob was nervous and concerned about how Red Kitty would react. On the drive over he kept saying "I hope we're doing the right thing." I kept my mouth shut but man, was that irritating.

He had not met Russell at the shelter. We had an exchange in front of the shelter volunteer that I'm not proud of.

Bob:           Which one is he?
Me:             One of the two red ones on the sink.
Bob:           You don't KNOW?
Me:             I think he's the one looking at us.
Volunteer:  Yes, that's right!
[She inspects to make sure his claws are clipped. He looks scruffier than I remembered. There is a long silence, then..]
Bob:          That one? That's the one you picked?" 
Me:           Bob--Shut up.

Russell yowls all the way home while I talk to him in soothing tones.  Bob notes that he smells. I'm ready to clock my husband.  We get home in about 20 minutes. I bring him into the guest room where the cat cage is, while Bob handles Red Cat. Red Cat seems pretty calm.

Russell walks into the cage. He is wide-eyed for a few minutes, but then he assumes the classic bread loaf position that indicates he feels okay. I let him out for a bit and hold him, and after a spell he goes back into the cage. He starts kneading the many layers of blankets, and he curls up against the armrest. I made Bob come and spend time with him, and we laugh at how quickly he's acclimated.

"He thinks he's having a spa day," Bob said.

For just a few moments, we let Red Kitty in. They touch noses, and while Red Kitty has a fat tail, there is no hissing. Russell looks completely undefensive.

I think it's going to be okay. But we have to give that cat a bath!