Gizmo and I

[Timber Wolf]

I had just driven a friend home from an NA meeting and he asked me to come in his house and see where he lived. He opened the door and the prettiest little cat was waiting just inside. We took to each orher instantly. To cut this part short, he was about to move and had to find a new home for her. I brought her home that night.

 

I brought her inside my home through the downstairs and let her sniff around for a while. Then, leaving her downstairs, I went upstairs and said a quick hello to my Siberian Husky Lupi and put him in the bedroom. After letting my new cat exoplore for a while, I introduced Lupi to her. It was much easier than expected. They became friends before long.

 

Her name had been Dalila, but I didn't like that name for her. I decided to name her Gizmo. See was such a sweet, loving cat.

 

We were a big, loving family. Where ever I went in the house, Lupi and Gizmo followed. It was a very happy time.

 

Then one day, I noticed a lump under Lupi's rear end. I took him to the vet. It was a tummor. I took him home and gave him the best remaining life I could. The inevitable night came when Lupi collapsed. I knew the end had come, and I made the appointment with the vet. I was devastated. I was literally bowed over. The weight of grief was terrible. There was a terrible emptiness in my heart. Gizmo felt the loss, too. We comforted each other. I don't think I could have gotten through that loss without her.

 

Gizmo and I were on our own for about a year. Then I got my Black Lap puppy Chemuhk. Gizmo didn't like that at all. It was one think to be brought in where she was the newcomer. But to her, Chemuhk was an interloper. She eventually accepted Chemuhk, but never befriended her.

 

A little later, I was laid off from work. To make this short, do to the remoteness of the area I lived in, there were no jobs that I could get. I ran out of money, couldn't pay my bills or property taxes. I was desperately trying to save a dead dream, my home. I couldn't. My home was in the process of tax foreclosure, and if I couldn't pay at least one years worth of property taxes, the forclosure would go through in a year. My electric was shut off. I was living on food stamps and returnables. I can hardly comprehend how I did it. But now, the bottom was out. I had no choice but to leave my home. I knew anyone would have advised me to bail much earlier, but living there had been my lifes dream come true, and I sacrificed pretty much everything to try to save it. 

 

I had to give Chemuhk up. I found her a family that seemed like they would love her, and once again Gizmo had to help me through.

 

I couldn't bear to loose Gizmo too. I made arangements with my neighbor to feed Gizmo for me. She had to stay at my place, and he would come over and feed her and play with her for a little each day.

 

Then I left. I came downstate to Grand Rapids, Michigan and was homeless. Staying in a mission run by the Catholic Church, I managed to secure a job and find a small apartment. I had tried to find one that allowed cats, but with my credit all shot to pieces, all I could get was this small apartment. The landlord rents to peoole with credit problems or criminal records that can't rent elsewhere. I fall under the credit category. And there is a rule in the lease, "no pets".

 

Autumn came around and it was getting cold. I couldn't let Gizmo stay in an unheated place through the winter. I went up and retrieved Gizmo and snuck her into my apartment. I had been so miserable in the city and I missed Gizmo so much. She started bringing some happiness back into my life. I love her so dearly. She's kept me hanging in there for the last 2.5 years. But at the cost of constant fear of her being found out by the landlord.

 

Well, it happened. The landlord found out. Not only that, but 1.5 weeks ago the city inspected his rental properties, and the inspector saw my cloths in the closet. He told my landlord about it and offered his opinion that I am mentally disturbed and should get help. Grand Rapids is a backwardly conservative city that still largely believes this way. My landlord said he thinks transgender stuff is crazy. He proclaims himself to be big time christian, despite being a bit of a slum lord. We had talked on the phone and he wanted to know when I would be available to talk in person about all this stuff. That was yesterday. Today he's supposed to come over. 

 

I don't really know what he will say, and I try to remember that. But it's so hard when I'm so scared and panicky. I love little Gizmo more than any words can say. I hope my story of Gizmo and I doesn't end today.

 

Lots of love,

Timber Wolf?

 

 

[Dev]

I am so, so sorry for what you've had to face, and for what may be coming today.  I did some digging, and it looks like there aren't protections for animals classed as emotional support in Michigan.  However, Michigan in general and Grand Rapids in particular do have fair housing laws or ordinances in place that prevent discrimination or eviction in housing based on gender identity.  That wouldn't cover you in terms of having a pet that isn't allowed, but depending on what he says today you might be able to work it into protection of some sort.

 

If you're tempted to record the conversation with him, don't; I checked, and Michigan is a two-party consent state - everyone involved in the conversation has to agree to being recorded.

 

Good luck, and please let us know what happens.  We'll all be here for you no matter what.

[Charlize]

I'm sorry you are going through this.  Perhaps you will need to move to a new apartment.  At the least i would start the process of looking.  Would a sister keep Gismo for a bit as you look if that becomes necessary?  As to the clothes, it's your business and should not affect your lease in any way.   I would hope that your credit rating has improved after working and paying rent for some time now.

 Please let us know how it goes for you.

 

Big Hugs,

 

Charlize

[Jani]

I hope it all works out for you.  I'm sorry you have to go through this. 

 

Jani

[Guest]

Oh God my heart goes out to her!

[Cyndee]

This was so sad to read this morning Carla, I am hoping for a happy resolution for both of you and that no bibles get thrown your way. Let us know how it turns out....

 

Cyndi

[Timber Wolf]

3 hours ago, Charlize said:

  Would a sister keep Gismo for a bit as you look if that becomes necessary?  

 

Big Hugs,

 

Charlize

Unfortunately, one sister lives in a complex that very strictly prohibits pets, and her landlord is her friend and visits periodically. There's no way she could risk it for even a few days. Another sister has a dog that is very aggressive towards cats. Even if she wanted to it wouldn't work. My 3rd sister runs a dog sitting business out of her home and has multiple dogs there all the time. Once again, even if she wanted to, she couldn't.

 

And it looks like you were right, Dev. Michigan law does not appear to recognise emotional support animals.

 

Still waiting for the landlord at this point.

 

Lots of love,

Carla?

[BrandiBri]

I'm so sorry Timber Wolf. I pray that things work out for you.

 

Hugs,

Brandi

[Timber Wolf]

Thanks all,

The landlord stood me up today. He did come to the building and replace a cink in a neighbor's place, but he left afterward without stopping by. 

He could show up tomorrow, or Thursday, or Friday or something. He's been known to say he will do something one day, but wait a day or two later.

 

Tonight I feel comparatively happier because the tension has been released, and because I've gotten good news I wrote about in the "Uplifting News" forum which I opt to focus on tonight. Tomorrow the tension all starts over again.? But for tonight, Gizmo will be sleeping by my side again.?

 

Lots of love,

Timber Wolf?

[Dev]

She is absolutely gorgeous.

[tracy_j]

Keep your spirits up. Things will work out in the end.

 

Tracy

[Charlize]

Perhaps you could start a search for a new apartment just in case that becomes necessary.  Being busy may help to take your mind off of the landlords visit.

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize

[Jani]

Cute photos!   She reminds me of a cat we had many years ago Amy, aka Amelia Beast.

 

Jani

[Cyndee]

awww so cute...

[Guest]

Beautiful Kitty!

[Rachael]

What a pretty kitty. I hope things work for you. 

[MaryEllen]

How is your situation progressing, Carla? Any good news?

 

MaryEllen

[Timber Wolf]

Well, they say no news is good news I guess. My landlord hasn't even called or anything. I guess that means he's not raging with anger. Other than that, I really don't know what to make of it. I guess I just go on living under this shadow for a while. Gizmo is still here, though.?

 

Lots of love,

Timber Wolf?

[MaryEllen]

Are there any resources near you that you could apply to in case the need arises? ie. Glbt groups. Red Cross, Salvation Army, etc.?

[Charlize]

Hopefully everything will work out but i agree with Mary Ellen that exploring alternatives when you have time is often a good alternative.

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize