This might sound silly but one of the concerns both Masako and I have after she gives birth is how our other family member will take the news. A few weeks before my birthday three years ago Masako and I were shopping around Machida Sta. when we stopped to take a look at the cats that were up for adoption by a local group called "Friends of Animals". The friends of animals and other animal rescue groups take in abandoned cats, and bring them to major stations in hopes of finding the kittens new homes. Masako has always loved animals, but a pet other than hamsters or fish in most Japanese apartments is strictly forbidden. We came to realize that many tenants kept pets in our building including dogs even though the rule was in place. The next week we went back to the same spot under the walkway in front of Tokyu department store and met Momo for the first time. We donated 2,000 yen and arranged a date a few days later for the group to come to our appartment for inspection. This really showed that they cared what kind of homes their animals went to, and we had to agree and pay for Momo to be spayed. Over the years she has become a close member of our family, mind you the conversations don't really get anywhere but nevertheless she feels like our first baby. I have heard too many horror stories of new parents having to give up snowball or rex because they either pee all over the house or even snap at their newborns. This doesn't seem like our cat but life will change drastically soon and she might also.
