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Sugar Kitty WednesdayHi everybody. I’m back with another one of my friends from HART of Maine. Today I want you to meet Wilma, a sweet long-haired polydactyl tortie girl. She’s about six years old, and she’s been at the shelter since January of 2011 — that’s more than two years, poor thing!

And worse yet, when she came to the shelter her name was Trouble. What kind of a name is Trouble? What an awful thing — and a self-fulfilling prophesy, too. Humph!

Anyway, today Wilma’s getting her moment in the spotlight, thanks to yours truly. Hi, Wilma!

Wilma: Hi, Bella.

Bella: So, what’s up with you these days? Still trying to steal Linus’s food?

Wilma: Yeah, and what about it? I’m hungry and all he does is sit there.

Bella: Come on, Wilma, you know that’s not nice. Do you at least like Linus and the other sugar kitties?

Wilma: Honestly, I’d rather be an only cat or live with another cat that doesn’t mind me being the boss. I am, after all, the boss of my little fiefdom here at HART.

Wilma, a diabetic kitty at HART of Maine

Wilma enjoys some quality time on Mama’s shoulder.

Bella: Oh, I suppose. So, Wilma, I know you’re diabetic. Do you still have to take insulin shots?

Wilma: Nope! No I don’t. I just have to eat my special food, classic style Fancy Feast pate. Fancy Feast does sound like an appropriate type of food for a fancy cat like myself, don’t you agree?

Bella: Oh, Wilma, all the diabetic kitties at HART eat Fancy Feast — even the ones that aren’t as fancy as you.

Wilma: You just had to say that, didn’t you?

Bella: So, Wilma, we know you’re not a huge fan of other cats. But is there a special kind of home you like?

Wilma: Well, I love, love, love people, and I’d love to be surrounded by people who want to pet me and love me, because I love to purr, too. I like to help with all the chores, and I can’t wait to help some wonderful human make their bed, fold the laundry, cook supper, wash the dishes … oh, and I like kids, too!

Bella: How’s your health other than the diabetes?

Wilma: Well, I just had a bunch of teeth removed because I developed stomatitis, a severe and very painful inflammation of the gums and mouth. But I feel a lot better now, and since I only eat soft food I don’t have to worry about whether or not I can chew.

Bella: And why do you walk around with your head tilted all the time? Is it just to be cute?

Wilma: I do have to admit it is kind of cute. But it’s not just an affectation — when I came to the shelter I had a really, really bad case of ear mites. The infection was so bad that it permanently affected my ear, and that’s why I always have a tilted head. Don’t worry, it doesn’t stop me from doing awesome cat things like jumping up and down and running and playing.

Bella: Aww, that’s too bad about the ear mites. They sure are awful, aren’t they? But I’m glad you’re doing so well. The only more awesome thing than good health would be a forever home, isn’t that right?

Wilma: Absolutely! I’d be so happy if somebody came in and wanted to give me a forever home. I really am an awesome cat, if I do say so myself.

Bella: If you’re interested in learning more about Wilma (formerly known as Trouble), visit HART’s website. If you’re super-interested, you can download and fill out an adoption application, too.

If you’re interested in adopting a diabetic kitty from HART, they’ve got lots and lots of perks for you: You’ll get $100 worth of Fancy Feast cat food, a year’s supply of insulin (if the kitty you adopt is insulin-dependent), a free blood glucose monitor and testing supplies, and free boarding for your diabetic kitty at HART if you need to go out of town. Oh, and a free class on how to do glucose tests and give insulin shots. Get in touch with one of HART’s adoption counselors for more information — call 207-829-4116 or e-mail info@hartofme.com.