Wednesday, April 07, 2010

Wallowing in the Love!

I didn't realize I hadn't been to the shelter since before Easter until I signed in the Rescue Log at the shelter this morning. Unfortunately, it looked like a whole bunch of new cats had arrived. *sigh*

There was one little girl that still remained at the shelter when many others hadn't survived. Her name is "Rita":

Rita arrived at the shelter in January 30th. She had already been spayed and microchipped, but nobody had claimed her. Every time I'd go into the shelter I'd hold and kiss Rita. Nothing seemed to bother her - she loved other cats, and she loved attention. Sadly, I'd put her back into her steel cage and keep trying for her rescue. Even the staff loved Rita, which was why she was never euthanized.

Maybe I was feeling fragile when I arrived at the shelter today. I don't know what it was. But after 3 months, Rita came home with me.

Rita is currently in The Land of Dirty Underwear (my son's room). When I walked into the room a few moments ago, I don't think I've *ever* experienced more love from a cat than I have in the 10 minutes I spent with Rita. This little girl coo'd, rubbed, purr'd and licked for 10 minutes. The gratitude shown to me was more than I have ever received - ever.

I only wish I had brought her home months ago.

I also rescued a cute little guy named "Bart":

Bart was marked for euthanasia on Tuesday because someone said he was feral. Bart had a big "CAUTION" marked on his cage. The volunteers worked pretty hard to find somebody to socialize this little guy. Fortunately for Bart, somebody came forward and offered to save his life.

Bart's story doesn't end here. When I reached into the cage to take him out, I used extreme caution. I haven't been bitten in a long time, and I wasn't anxious to start now. Bart looked at me with big eyes....but I could hear something...what's that sound?? Bart was purring! When I brought him to the vets this afternoon, he came out of the carrier like he owned the place. He jumped up on the chair and *licked* the vet clinic cat "Bob" on the head!

They must have a different definition of "feral" than I do. Think how close he came to dying because of a mistake like that. I realize that shelter staff must protect themselves, but to not give a kitten a chance? Pffft.

The rescue is telling me that there are a "bunch" of adoption calls pending for my little foster guy, "Radar". After being at the shelter today, I'm anxious for him to be adopted so I can rescue somebody else. OK..."anxious" isn't really the word I was looking for.

In the meantime? I'm going to go upstairs and kiss that sweet little Rita! I'm going to be jealous at whomever adopts her. :)

8 comments:

River said...

Bart is SUPER cute! Doesn't look one bit feral, but that's just me.

Ecochica said...

OMG Ritas story made me tear up! I gave my Mama Mia a break from her babies for 10 minutes and she was very sweet with me - scared but sweet! I am so thankful that she has allowed me to be in her presence while she nurses her babies. What a rewarding experience! They are all just so thankful!

Unknown said...

Bart looks just like the stray I am feeding who really is feral! I cant get anywhere near him, but he will turn into one fat stray cat with the amount of food(-vet dental diet) he is consuming...I am working on getting him help but he will prob have to be trapped and neutered then released because he just comes around at night and runs away as soon as he sees me :( Hopefully he learns I am nice before winter time...


Redheads are trouble! Honestly, I think it is a genetic thing because chestnut horses are also known to be a handful, especially chestnut mares...

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful black girl Rita is -thanks for being her angel!!

Deb said...

I wish you the best day ever. You are fabulous! Deb

Carolyn said...

Hurray for Rita! I loved her photos and hoped she'd get taken home soon. Wot? A female cat with you? Aww, she makes rescuing worthwhile.
Carolyn

Anonymous said...

Just a random question: do microchips not hold info about the pet's owner, or how is it used?

House of the Discarded said...

Anonymous: Yes, microchips are supposed to hold the owner's information. Unfortunately, this microchip had old information and was no longer useable :(