A Promise is a Promise Bob Matchim passed away last May. Bringing Bud into a new home was tricky, the family already had a dog Maggie and an adopted cat Tish. The two cats loathe each other, getting into horrible fights. Bud asserted his dominance in many ways, including biting the dog. No matter how difficult this would prove to be; a promise is a promise. “At times it was stressful, but everyone just has to get along, once you’re here, you’re family,” recalls Donna, Kira’s mother.
Our companions.
Donna Matchim and Kira Matchim Supporters of SPCA St. John’s Some would call Bud a “difficult cat” - arriving at the SPCA St. John’s after being rehomed several times, his trust in people was low. Finding him a home would not be easy. Bob Matchim, the grandfather of Kira Matchim, walked into the shelter and instantly connected with Bud. Kira looked at her Pop and said “I think he is scared-mean not mean-mean.” Bob and Bud developed a great relationship. Bud always sensed when Bob was about to leave the house and would try to block the door by laying in front of it. One day, Bob asked Kira to promise that if anything happened to him, she would take Bud. Kira made that promise and has kept it. 16
Bud was very depressed and nervous in his new home. To help him feel comfortable, they let Bud go at his own pace. Kira slept on the couch to build his trust, eventually he started sleeping on her chest and then transitioned to sleeping in the bedroom. They have devised a schedule - each cat gets their time daily to free roam in the house. Bud lives in the basement with Kira, and Tish lives on the main floor. When Bud wanders upstairs, Tish moves to the dining room. They work very hard to keep everyone feeling some level of contentment. Donna jokes saying, “we got to survive here, we got to play the game”. The Matchim’s attribute giving Bud his space to his significant improvement. Bud’s favorite sleeping spot is the bathroom sink, when there, the family wash their hands in the kitchen, not to disrupt him. Recently Bud was seen asleep on the same couch as the dog, which would have never happened months ago. Bud has formed a connection with Kira, which emulates the relationship he had with Bob. When she leaves the house, Bud is often found crying at the door. He is family and a wonderful reminder of Mr. Matchem and the person he was.
