Amadeus was discovered by my stepson, living beneath a truck that had been sitting unmoved in the back of a parking lot. He was tiny, frightened, and all alone. When my husband picked him up and started the drive home, the song Amadeus happened to be playing in the background. It seemed like the perfect name, and it stuck.
For weeks after coming to live with us, Amadeus was extremely nervous and unsure of his new surroundings. Even today, he remains shy around strangers. Sometimes he even acts as though he doesn't recognize me and takes off running, only to come back later as if nothing happened.
But Amadeus also has one of the funniest personalities in the sanctuary. He is absolutely fascinated by mirrors, especially the bathroom mirror. He loves to admire himself—and sometimes the other cats—and will strike what can only be described as a pose. He races down the hallway, leaps gracefully onto the bathroom sink, and gives the mirror the most dramatic sideways glance. It is hilarious every single time. I've tried countless times to catch it on video, but he always seems to know when the camera is out.
As quirky as he is, Amadeus has an incredibly sweet side. Once he trusts you, he melts into your arms and is perfectly content to be carried around like a baby. He's a wonderful reminder that even the most timid hearts can blossom with patience, love, and a safe place to call home.