In the shelter, she sees many cats, but one catches her eye...

All alone is an older black cat. He is laying in his green bed when he notices Ciera. Immediatley, he opens his eyes and greets her by rubbing his face against the glass. His nametag reads "Jasper"

Thats the one!

On December 17, 2021, Ciera had just recently turned 18 years old. She goes to the animal shelter to look at cats.

Ciera approaches the front desk of the animal shelter and inquires:

"I am interested in adopting Jasper, can I schedule an interaction?"

The woman at the desk hands Ciera a paper that asks for her information and lifestyle to assess if she is a good fit for Jasper. In a few minutes, she returns the paper to the front desk and the staff says

"Awesome! We will get back to you soon with an answer."

Ciera checks her email dilligently through December 15. Then comes December 16 at 9:40 AM...They approved Ciera! The next step was to schedule an interaction. She wanted to meet Jasper as soon as possible, so she scheduled it for the next day. December 17, 2021 at 2pm. 

Ciera went to bed feeling so excited for the next day!

The next day, Ciera woke up and drove over to the animal shelter. She left early to ensure she arrived on time for her interaction! She felt a bit nervous because she had never owned a cat before, only dogs. 

Ciera arrived and swiftly approached the front desk

"Hello! I have an appointment to meet Jasper at 2pm." she says excitedly.

"Oh, for Jasper!" The staff says with suprise, 

"Go ahead and sit down while we get a supervisor." The staff instructs. Ciera sits and waits anxiously. 

"I hope he likes me" Ciera thinks, knowing how picky cats can be. 

Within a few minutes, the supervisor calls Ciera back and takes her into Jasper's kennel. Immediatley, Jasper approaches her and begins meowing and rubbing his head against her hand. 

I'll take him!

"Do you want to take him home today?" the supervisor asks

Ciera didn't realize she could take Jasper home that quickly! She was unprepared. 

"I would love to, but I don't have anything for him, no food bowl, toys, or litter box. Is there any way I could pay for him and put him on a hold until I get everything?" Ciera asks. 

"Unfortunately, there is no way to put him on hold, if you choose to come back, there is no guaruntee he will still be here."

Ciera felt her heart sink, feeling scared and sad. She could not bear the thought of Jasper going to another home. She decides to step out and call her mom. 

"Hey mom...", Ciera says, with a lump in her throat and tears in her eyes. She explains the situation to her mom.

"Ciera, I don't think it's a good idea, we are going on a trip in less than a week too, who will watch him?" She says.

Ciera feels defeated and sad. She walks back to her car with tears rolling down her face.