“Good day, good day, I am a sturdy soul with a big smile and a story to tell, a rough and tumble pioneer story with a heart of gold and waiting for you to write the happy ending. Through the wilderness I came, where I protected and sheltered my woman and my children, and acquired some scars on my nose and even my tail to show what we went through. I fought with someone who left me with the FIV, so I’ll be living indoors, taking care of my immune system from now on.”

“I did not desert my family. I’ve heard the stories from many of the girl cats here – about guys who sang and danced and put on the charm, brought them presents of fat dead moles and diamond collars, and then ran off, leaving them to raise the kittens all alone. Not Cockatoo – not loyal, sturdy Cockatoo. No! My little family – I escorted them to a farm – and asked for help and for protection from coyotes and hawks. My family is now in Feline Rescue’s foster care. They are safe and seeking forever people.”

“Cockatoo – the color of a white cockatoo with a dusting atop his head – is here at the shelter, also seeking his forever people. I am intrepid. I have equilibrium and strength. Through it all, through everything, I smile. I smile because I know I have done well so far in life. I am a Good Guy. I finally have the luxury of washing myself, even my toes, keeping my mostly white self as white as can be.”

“I will bring the calm and promise of my smiles to my forever people. If you are feeling stressed or scared, just look at Cockatoo’s wide smile, think of what he’s been through, and know it will all turn out OK. Then hug me. Then hug me again. Just $120 creates our life together. Hug me again!”