🍁Friends, a sleek black cat named Ripley has crept through the Empower doors this month! Ripley belongs to long-time Empower members Dizzy and Rico, who train consistently with Corey a.k.a. WOD Father. Their son Ace often attends their training sessions too. This February, Dizzy and Rico tackled their first CrossFit Open, joining Team Age Against the Machine, and rocked it. Dizzy recently branched out further and has joined our Lift over Forty program! They exemplify the power of consistent training for developing strength and endurance and it has been great to watch them all grow more fit by day! But, I digress. On to Ripley!

Pic: Dizzy

Pic: Rico

We love to hear about members' lives outside the gym. Below, Dizzy shares the story of Ripley and their very cool cat selection. 🙀

We found our beloved Ripley through the SPCA. Did you know that black cats are the last cats to be adopted? We have had a succession of black cats and they have all been wonderful with unique and delightful personalities. 

She is timid, but extremely affectionate with those she loves. She seeks out a place in our laps where she loves to sleep and she also loves to sit in her back garden.  She contributes to our health by stimulating an oxytocin release that promotes a sense of well being in all three of us. 

She has a good grasp of human vocabulary and also has taught us to understand her feline gestures and vocalizations.

We love dogs and all animals, but are astonished at the depth of feeling and connection that a cat is able to experience and engender with a person he or she loves. 

To Ripley! 🐾❤️