10/01/2026
Interview with shelter resident Godiva.
Second in a new series.
TAS: Good afternoon, Godiva. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Godiva: I have been at the shelter for longer than any other cat. I have been here for so long that nobody remembers where I came from or when I got here. Over the years, I have watched over 1000 cats and kittens come and go through these doors. Yet, here I stay. I don't know how old I am, but I am well over 10 years.
TAS: Why do you think that is?
Godiva: There's a number of reasons. In the beginning, I was feral and not really suitable for adoption. It's difficult to find homes for black cats, and now that I'm a senior, even more doors seem closed to me.
TAS: What is your role here at the shelter?
Godiva: I consider myself the mother of all the cats in Feral Room 1. I'm a calming influence on frightened young cats, but I'm not above disciplining them if they get rowdy. You can often find me on the windowsill with a few of the other cats all cuddled up with me.
TAS: What changed for you?
Godiva: Dan hired someone to be in charge of the cat room, and most days she spends some time in one of the rooms just sitting. She reads to us, too; and we all find it very soothing. We prefer stories of treachery, murder, and betrayal. I eventually started sitting beside her on our soft ottoman, and now I prefer her lap.
TAS: Would you like to be adopted?
Godiva: Yes, I think I would like that. I couldn't go just anywhere, and I might be a little picky, but I'd love to try it.
TAS: What are you looking for in a home?
Godiva: Well, first of all, it needs to be someone who will appreciate an elegant black cat with bright green eyes. Second, I like people who are fairly calm and soft-spoken. I don't like loud, sudden noises.
I'd like a warm windowsill or a heated bed, and plenty of wet catfood. I do love wet food! Other cats would be alright, if they are pretty chill.
Finally, as I get older, I may develop health issues, so an adopter would need to commit to providing me veterinary care when I need it. I need to be an indoor only cat. Oh, and I love plush blankets to knead.
TAS: Thank you for taking the time for an interview today. If someone wanted to meet you, how would they do that?
Godiva: It was my pleasure. They would fill out an application at tillamookanimalshelter.org and someone would call to make arrangements to come and meet me.
