Success Stories
Send Us Your Success Story: We love to hear how a successful match is working out. If you've adopted a cat or kitten from us, let us know the details (and even include a photo!).
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Write: North County Humane Society, 2300 Ramona Road, Atascadero, CA 93422
Fax: (805) 466-2043 or Email
SENIOR CATS MAKE GREAT PETS!
BY: Volunteer Priscilla
November is national “Adopt A Senior Animal Month.” Senior animals are sadly overlooked at shelters, which is a shame because they make wonderful pets! A senior animal is a particularly good choice for the elderly, disabled and chronically ill. My personal experience has borne this out.
I have Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis. As a result, I experience days when I am homebound, and sometimes bed bound, because of pain or fatigue. A dog is therefore not a good pet choice for me, as there are days when I would not feel well enough to walk it. Nor would a kitten be suitable, as I don’t have the energy level needed to carefully watch a kitten or to keep it entertained.
My husband and I have adopted, or been adopted by, several older cats, and have found them to be wonderful pets. Often, having been in the Shelter for some time, these animals are so appreciative of having a loving home and family. They are content to sit quietly next to you while you read, they don’t require a lot of energy, and are low maintenance in terms of care.
A case in point, is Mila (pronounced Me La). Some of you may recognize Mila as she used to “work” in the office area at the North County Humane Society. One day, about six months after we lost our Pooky Sue, I came into the Shelter to drop off some donations, and Mila decided that it was time to convince me to take her home!
She was a beautiful cat, with such an easy going, mellow disposition. Having spent much of her life at the Shelter, she’d learned to get along well with other cats. And so, when our “princess” April would hiss at Mila, or bat her with her paw, Mila would just turn around and walk the other way. . . . If only people would be so smart!
When we adopted Mila at the age of 11, she already had diabetes and severe osteoarthritis. We knew her time was limited due to her serious, chronic illness, but thankfully, we had two wonderful years with her. We were both devastated when Mila passed away, but we were also thankful that Mila had the chance to spend her last two years in a loving home and to have family at her side when her time came.
My husband and I have found, that it’s much easier to blend a new cat into an existing cat household with the adoption of an older cat, because it’s so easy to ascertain their personality prior to adoption. And with a shelter cat, it’s possible to visit the shelter several times prior to adoption to observe how the cat mixes with other cats, its’ personality, and its’ energy level. And, there’s no litter box training needed with an older cat!
A senior cat is not for everyone. Just like with people, as animal’s age, their medical needs often increase. Our 18 ½ year old requires daily medication. Not everyone has the time, patience, or income level to handle medical issues, although pet insurance is becoming an increasingly viable option for many. But, if you’re often home during the day as I am, and enjoy some quiet company as you read, watch TV, or use your computer, consider providing a home to an older homeless cat. You’ll be surprised by the level of love, appreciation, and companionship you’ll receive in return.
We adopted Maui (Sweetness) from you almost 6 years ago. She was one of Mazie's crazy kittens. You told me you had never seen kittens so aggressive. You were right - Maui thinks she is a dog. She does not like cats...We had a huge 150 pound Rottador, that Maui bossed around. When he passed on, we got Maui a 2 pound miniature pinscher. She thought this pup, Hanalei, was her baby and gave her baths. We then adopted an older dog, Keiki, a few years ago. When our 2 dogs met for the first time and had a little argument, Maui came running to Hanalei's rescue and now Keiki is scared of Maui the Monster.
We were told that Mazie was found near where bobcats had been seen mating with domestic cats. If this is the case, then that explains Maui the Monster. But she is also a very sweet kitty. I have had many cats over the years, and she is by far the sweetest and wildest and smartest cat we have ever seen. Maui used to kill a bird or gopher almost every day and put it in her baby dog 
Hanalei's food dish. Hanalei dropped a head on my lap one day, thanks to Maui's hunting ability. More reasons we think she is part bobcat, ha ha.
Thank you again for such a wonderful service you do for our animals. I wish I could adopt another kitty from you, but Maui says, "No cats in this house!" and she is the boss... We love her sooo much!!!
Here is my grandpup, a Pomeranian, with Maui on my daughter’s lap.
-Jill B.
Hello Everyone!
I wanted to let you know how wonderfully Nonny is doing! She is so sweet, friendly and cute. She likes to sit on my lap, or between the keyboard and the screen, when I use the computer. If she isn't on me or right next to me, she is nearby. Nonny and Daryl play with the laser light every morning before he goes to work. She hops like a kangaroo when she runs and her crooked tail bobs up and down. It's so funny to watch! She loves to pounce on the laser light and on the other toys they play with.
Things have gone much better between Nonny and April [our other cat] than expected. We waited until last weekend to even start introducing them. Nonny is really good about reading April, and has pretty much left her alone. And, because of Nonny's small size, April doesn't seem afraid of her. We've gotten some "grrrrrrrrrring", but that's been it. No hissing or fighting. So we're very pleased.
Thanks for being so patient with us as we made our selection. I know it wasn't easy working with a couple who couldn't agree on which cat they wanted, but you all were great and I know that we ended up with the family member that we were meant to have.
Priscilla
Dear Jan,
... They are so different in personality and physiology...Savannah
outweighs Sarah by about 8 lbs, but no matter, they're real buddies now. They're
good company and great fun to watch. And, since I have no grandchildren, I can
dote on them, and they show much love in return.
Anyway,
I thought you might like to hear some follow-up on two of your former
rescues. Here is a recent photo of my "girls".
Thanks so much for all you do.
Best regards,
Veneta
Hello all,
I adopted Smalls (formerly Thomas) and Darla (formerly Patches) back
in May 2006. I wanted to share some photos of the kitties now that they
are full grown. One photo shows the kitties about a month after moving
in. Cooper is 
my male red tabby and he fully accepted the babies and
soon they were inseparable. As you see the kitties have grown and are
beautiful. My son and I are happy to have our lives blessed once again
with the kitties. I cannot stress how important the role animals play
in people's lives.-
- Lisa Wallravin
We
adopted these 2 cuties in February last year. Arthur was skittish
for awhile & found lots of places to hide. Precious, on the other
hand, immediately began to explore her new surroundings. They have
both turned out to be just what we were hoping to find when we came
to your facility. Thank you for being there... - Cliff & Marie Vogel
Jan, Kayce-- 
Thought you would like to see how life is treating Wesley and Stephanie -adopted from your shelter almost one year ago. Wesley was a little boy when we got him ... now he is a handsome young man. Stephy was from your sanctuary side and she came with her "baggage" from her previous living situation (before you all) - but as the photo reveals ... she is doing well - and LOVES Wesley!
Stephanie has come a long way. In the beginning, it was very difficult.
She lived for months under one of our living room chairs, coming out
- mostly at night - when she felt it was safe. We couldn't pick her up
- much less hold her. (Her thrashing ability was amazing.) Today - although
she has her moments of regression and still has a big fear of strangers
- she allows us,to pick her up; she frequently jumps into my lap - of
her own volition - and
she has even taken to sleeping on the bed (yes - even when we are in
it!).
Wesley is just a wonderful loving cat ... he's talkative, inquisitive and playful ... and he has taught Stephy how to use the scratcher and chase the toys around the dining room! (She is like his shadow - which sometimes he finds a bit annoying!) Wesley also sleeps on the bed ... but under the covers with his head on my pillow. Now - that is the life!
We absolutely adore these "babies" and are eternally grateful that they are a part of our family ... along with our 13 year old dog. Adopting them made us 100% aware of your organization and the wonderful works you are doing at the NCHS. Bless all of you - and thank you!
-Marleta & Bob Garner
Los Osos
PS - We are neighbors of Board President, Ken Kellett and friends of
Jan and Patrick Lynch... and we can't wait until your High Flyin' Tails
event in October. We are going to be a sponsor again ... and we'll be
there with bells on!
I just wanted to forward a couple of many many cute photos of the two
kittens (now cats) we adopted from your shelter. You will remember Disel,
you hand raised him and Spot we renamed to Dimitrie. They are the greatest
cats, such personality. Disel thinks he is a dog, so loving and gentle
he greets all our company and sleeps with us under the covers with his
head on the pillow at night. He is a very soundsleeper. Dimitrie, we
call him Uncle Dimitrie is best buddies with all our other animals, including
a cockatoo. Everybody flocks around Uncle Dimitrie - I'll forward some
additional pictures to you. Just thought you would enjoy seeing the two
big guys now that they have grown up. Thank you for all you work rescuing
all these little homeless critters.
- Blessings Lisa
Hi,
I brought Ashes and Jerry home a few months ago, and thought I'd send
you news of how they're doing. But, there's not so much news. They're
doing GREAT. I feel so fortunate to have found such nice kitties
who get along so well. Especially considering that they didn't
seem to have been acquainted when they were in the shelter. They're
very different from each other -- he likes to get in my lap and sleeps
under the covers with me. She doesn't feel so comfortable being
held -- can handle a little petting but that's about it. You
have to work hard to get him to purr and she does it whenever she's
in my presence. He loves to eat and is getting a little bit fat,
and she couldn't care less about food. They got rabies and leukemia
shots and they get a couple of hours of supervised frolickingin the
yard most days. They're doing a great job of learning not to
leave the yard. The rest of the time they spend sleeping, chasing
each other around the house, and they usually spend 15 or 20 minutes
a day doing this!
- Glenna Thompson
Dear
Jan,
Here are photos of Bobby (aka BobCat) and Kit (aka Jasmine), two kitties
I adopted last week. Just wanted to let you know they have made themsleves
right at home, and have taken over the bunk bed. They are discovering
the joy of stairs and silk plants. Thanks for what you do!
- Denise
The Ongoing Success Story of Bobbie McGhee...
Hello All at the Humane Society,
I thought you would like to see our yearly Christmas picture - this year complete with Bobbie McGhee! Doesn't he look great! He is still fitting in really well with our little family and even with our latest addition - a 4 month old Queensland Heeler I adopted from the animal jail down in San Luis - he is Chuffy and will make the photo next year! Happiest of holidays to you all! Have a terrific season and love to all the kitties. – Regards, Elenia Hofler
Twice
the Fun!... These two rather elegant ladies are Sydney (formerly
Shelby), and Josefina (Dee Dee). They've made their new home in Santa
Barbara with Lesley Cunningham and all three are apprently happy and
doing well.
"Josefina has a little feral in her but she's very lovable," says Candy Amaya, a friend of the family, "She's a very beautiful cat! Sydney has a great personality and a real momma's girl. She's also learned to catch moths. She's very lovable....as long as you don't happen to be a moth."
We
had to write to tell you how much we love the two newest members
of our family. Taj and Cleo (Darla and Sharon) are the most adorable,
sweetest kittens anyone could possibly ask for. We are so glad that
we were able to adopt both of them since they have been nearly inseparable
since we brought them home! Thank you so much for giving them so much
love and care while they were with you....we promise to do the same!
— Lisa Miller and Steve Desilets
Oh,
my little darlin'!... This rather relaxed looking lady is Clementine.
Our boss, Alicia Morin, met Bob Cramer her new guardian at a trade
show recently and it was obvious he was quite smitten with his furry
new house-mate. Clementine is happy, playful and totally relaxed
in her new home
- As you can see– another happy customer!
Living
like a Prince... This little guy is one of our former residents.
Anne Antoon, his new guardian, dropped in recently to report on his
progress. "Rajah is a cat in a million! Beautiful, smart and full
of mischief. He brought life to my home. Thank you, NCHS for all you
do!"....Need we say more??
Publicity
Does Work! On March 7th Sabastian was on the Dave Congalton show
on KVEC News Talk Radio as the featured pet. By the time he got back
to the shelter an e-mail had already arrived from a prospective guardian.
He went to his new home the same week. Here's what his lucky new
guardian had to say a few days later...
"Dear Staff:
Just wanted to let you know that Sabastian is doing just fine at his
new home. He adapted to me and his new environment very fast. He likes
to cuddle on my lap. My other female cat does not know what to think
of him right now, it may take her a while to get used to Sabastian
but neither one is prone to do any fighting -- That's good. I'll send
updates from time to time to let you know how he is doing. --David
Former
Guest Pays Us a Visit
Snickers, one of our most popular former guests dropped in for a New
Year visit and brought Chuck and Emily Tart, his new family, with him. "He's
having a wonderful time and is totally in love with our carpet," said
Emily.
This is one happy family and we're delighted to have brought them together.
Best wishes to all three from everyone at the Shelter.
"Thank You for bringing us together.
Have a Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year!"
- Love from Elgin and his new guardian, Jill Heilmann,
"You do so much good for the kitties - God bless you.
We
have one of your graduates - formerly 'Alby', now 'Windy'. He lives with
and loves our otherthree cats, sleeps in the sink on clean, fresh towels,
and calls me if his bed isn't made up by his bed-time. We've had him
for 3 to 4 years. Precious!"
- Audrey Hetherington
Kayce,
Thanks for helping us find Richard (and vice versa). He’s a
great cat, and a wonderful addition to our family.
As big fans of Richard, we think that “a brown short-haired
cat” doesn’t really do him justice. If we may be so bold
as to offer a slight edit of Ruta’s delightful write-up, we
would suggest, “a muscular 15-pound tabby cat.” And,
of course, our thanks to Ruta for writing about him. What a cat!
Richard does not just run to his spot on the bed, he leaps into it.
(As you can imagine, when you have been landed on by 15 pounds of
enthusiasm, complete with rumbling purr, the arrival of cat does
not go unnoticed.)
You’ll also be glad to know that Richard, for all his initial
shyness, turned out to be a playful cat as well as an affectionate
one – the very qualities we had hoped to find in a cat. Cat
toys, small stuffed animals, bottle caps, and even pencils become
hockey pucks as Richard bats them across our tile and hardwood floors
and scrambles or slides after them. It’s a hoot. Old socks
are another favorite – he grabs the toe in his teeth and tries
to decimate the other end with his powerful hind paws. In the morning,
between hits on the snooze alarm, I have “play with the kitty
time.” I wrap my hand in an old towel and wrestle with him.
He loves this morning ritual and will wake me if I’m late for “his” time.
We wish you and the North County Humane Society every success, and
joy this holiday season.
Regards,
Susan Funk and Gordon Fuglie
"I can't believe how much I love my new
cats! You know you are always welcome to stop by and give Flash
and Simon some love any time."
- Susan and Jerry Mullen
"We just had to write and tell you
how much we love our new kittens, Misha and Tasha, aka Juniper and
Magnolia . . . They are truly the sweetest girls we have ever had.
We know they were there waiting for us to adopt them. We fell very
fortunate to have been able to take them both since they love each
other. Thank you again for your devotion to the welfare of your adoptees.
We'll see you soon with a bag of Kitten Chow."
- Ed and Cindy Bishop
"To all Simon's fans and family .
. . Just wanted to let you know that Simon is doing WoNdErFuLLY!!!
After learning of his history and time at NCHS, we figured Simon would
take a considerable time period to adjust to new surroundings. We just
had to tell you, he is the most affectionate non-stop purring, lap-loving
happy cat who follows us around like a puppy dog. We think Simon's
seemingly blissful adjustment in his new surroundings has a lot to
do with the NCHS program. Simon is living proof of an older "hard
to adopt" cat whose life can be saved through the care and generosity
of an organization like yours. Thank you for Simon."
- Elaine Taylor and Jeff Bonkosky
"Cody (Merlin), Mateo (Lorenzo) and Uni
(Sugar-baby) are doing just fabulous!Cody is such a lover, a
mellow yellow Mateo is going to be a big boy he loves to lounge around
on all the furniture and sculptures. His eyes give me wonderful artistic
criticism. And then there is little Uni who just goes and goes and
goes. What a little lover. She terrorizes both her brothers even
though she is half their size. They are all developing into their
personalities and it has been great watching them grow. Good luck
in all the projects at the North County Humane Society . . . It is
so beautiful to know that in the midst of all the hatred and tragedy
in the world, there are still so many wonderful, kind and loving
people protecting lilfe. .. God bless all of you at the North County
Humane Society.
- Kari Alberthal
"To all the AFAR family . . .First and foremost I would like to commend you on your endless love and selfless dedication. It was not so long ago I walked into your office for the first time. I was quite impressed with the way the office was set up. With the open door policy in place, you could most certainly feel a calm, loving, and nurturing environment. The cats and kittens were playful, full of life, and cohabitated so smoothly. Never in my life have I ever come across an organization who cares so much. . . . Your organization has something going for them that can only lead to an abundance of success. So to you all I would like to say, 'Hip, Hip, Hooray!'"
