Animal Shelter Volunteer Life

Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-02-14T00:01:00.001-05:00

Sammy and Moosey

We're sending big hugs, head bonks and nose taps to our friends old and new.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Love,

Sammy, Moosey, Tracey and Kevin, and all the PAWS Cats

Super Happy Sunday! :)

2012-02-12T00:01:00.000-05:00

Eden

Amazing adoption news! Do you remember Eden the Peace Cat? He was the star of our Peace Globe back in November, who had been waiting at PAWS for his forever home for 2-1/2 years (we wrote his first post in September 2009). Well, Eden has finally found his forever home, where he will know the peace of being loved forever. We're absolutely over the moon! :)

Tommy

And do you remember Tommy, who was one of our helpful "Mr. Chewy" models? He's also been adopted, together with Eva!

Pablo

Also finding a forever home was strikingly handsome, but timid Pablo. We're told he made an instantaneous bond with his new family when they first came to PAWS to find a new kitty.

Dutchess

And even though we usually only cover the PAWS cats here, we just HAVE to let you know that Dutchess the woofie, the gentle giantess who helped us with our "Bark in the Park" post, has also found her forever family. We love you, Dutchie! :)

What's that you say? You want some MORE happiness? No problem! Just check out these wonderful happy tails (er ... we mean tales) that have recently come in:

"About a month ago, my family and I adopted 2 adorable cats named Adele and Bruno. We renamed them to Minty and Storm :) They are so very happy and they brighten up every moment of the day! Storm loves to lay on my stomach and Minty loves to play with catnip and toys! She has the sweetest little meow I've ever heard. They are the best thing to ever happen to my family and I and we thank you very much for helping us and helping them find a great home!"

Tiger and Shadow: Tiger has been very outgoing and friendly. Purring up a storm and very loving. She is still testing the waters by jumping up on the sofa by her mom and then jumping right down. She is very vocal at mealtime. Shadow is still hiding quite a bit, but is has begun venturing out when the house is empty or people are asleep. She has learned how to open cabinets and drawers to find dark places from which to observe the household routine. She does let herself be pet a bit. There is evidence of activity such as getting up on all high surfaces ... picture frames are moved, paw prints on the piano, etc. They are both eating well, and using the litterbox as they are supposed to.

Jasmine is doing well. She has met the other cat, a boy named Detroit. She is a bit hissy and swipes at him, but only in a half-hearted manner. He sits next to her, and when she swipes he just touches her head with his paw, no claws. He brings her toys and tries to engage her in play. She hasn't responded in like manner yet, but it hasn't even been a week. She lets her people pet her, although she did give the dad a good scratch. He says it was not intended, just a mistake on her part ... not the scratch but the intensity. They are still keeping her in one room and separating cats when not supervised.

Well, that's it for this post. Have a great day, everybody! :)

Three Shot Thursday - Tessa

2012-02-09T00:01:00.000-05:00

Tessa is a gentle and petite lapcat. She also knows how to strike a pose! :)

Little Miss Ophelia

2012-02-06T00:01:00.000-05:00

Ophelia is one of the newest PAWS residents. We're just getting to know her, but we can already tell this mackerel tabby ladycat is friendly, sweet and gentle. Oh, and as you can see, she's beautiful, too.

Ophelia is 4 years old, and would do best as an only cat in a quieter home. She is up to date on all of her vaccinations, and has tested negative for FELv and FIV. Come adopt her today. :)

FURever Home Friday

2012-02-03T00:01:00.001-05:00

Let the happy dance begin! The list of graduates since our last adoption update is peppered with long-timers and cats we've previously featured here on our blog:

Sweet Jasmine has been adopted!

So have Concha and Julio (together)!

And sisters Tiger and Shadow were adopted together, too!

Rounding out the graduating class are:

Mocha

Felicia

Phoebe and Mac (together)

Io and Luke (together)

Katie

Need another reason to smile? Here's a fabulously happy tail from Cassie's (formerly Kessa) new family:

I just wanted to let you know that Cassie had her vet appointment, physical, shots, etc. She is down to 13 pounds!!!!! The vet would like to see her lose 2 more pounds, which she should as she is quite active. She is very fast on the stairs. She is very sweet with the other girls and spends a lot of quality lap time with her dad. I will send photos next update. Thank you again for letting us adopt our precious girl!

Cassie loves her forever home! :)

Congratulations to all of the adoptees and their new families.

Have a great weekend, everybody! :)

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday - Goldie

2012-02-01T00:01:00.000-05:00

Handsome, floofalicious Goldie ended up at PAWS when his elderly owner passed away. This gentle boy loves people, and gets along well with the other cats in his room.

6-year old Goldie is neutered, up to date on all his vaccinations, and has tested negative for FIV and FeLV. Your new best friend awaits ... come meet him today. :)

Super (Thankful) Sunday!

2012-01-29T00:01:00.001-05:00

We have so much for which to be thankful. First, we received not one, but TWO awards! The first is called the "One Lovely Blog" award. We received it from our pal Haopee, of the wonderful My Dogs Love Me blog. Thank you so much, Haopee! We really enjoy your blog, and greatly appreciate your friendship. :)

We're passing this award on to the following lovely blogs:

Kjelle Bus

The Chronicles of Zee and Zoey

Marg's Pets

Katie Isabella

Cat from Hell's Blog

And THEN, our longtime pals at Jan's Funny Farm gave us the "Pawsome Blogger Award." Thank you Sam, Buddy, Percy, Cotton, Rusty, Cyndi, Merci, Cameron and Jan! We love you guys, and are honored that you selected us. Note: If you haven't yet checked out the Funny Farmers' blog, you definitely should ... it's wonderful!

We're supposed to choose three blogs (Only three? Wow, this is really difficult!) to pass this award on to, so we choose:

Clooney's Num Num Fund

A Tonk's Tail ...err, Tale

Hannah and Lucy

Just when we thought our week couldn't get any better, we were interviewed about volunteering by the awesome RumpyDog blog. If you've ever wondered what it's like to volunteer at an animal shelter (or wondered why WE volunteer), you can read the interview HERE. You can also read about volunteering from the perspective of someone who works with the woofies (Cindy, our good friend and fellow PAWS volunteer) in part 2 of the interview. Thank you Rumpy and Jen, for helping us spread the important message about helping homeless pet animals. :)

Have a great day, everybody! :)

Sweet and Snuggly Sophia

2012-01-26T00:01:00.000-05:00

Sophia is SO sweet. This gentle senior (12+) ladycat was a bit overwhelmed by the many unfamiliar sights, sounds and smells of the shelter when she first arrived at PAWS. While she did enjoy being pet, Sophia seemed to prefer the comfort of her cage -- even when it was her turn for "out" time. About three weeks ago, I decided to try to hold her in my arms, and was delighted to discover that Sophia LOVES being held. She purrs up a storm, drapes her paws over my shoulder, and burrows her head between my neck and shoulder.

With Sophia's secret affinity now revealed -- and with a number of volunteers spending regular time with her -- we are seeing her beautiful personality emerge. She recognizes her favorite volunteers, comes to the front of the cage to be let out, and enjoys being out and about. We've also discovered this lovebug is pretty happy in a nice warm lap if a shoulder isn't available. :)

Sophia is spayed, and up to date on all her vaccinations. She has tested negative for FIV and FeLV. She does have hyperthyroidism, but is regulated and quite good about taking her medication (especially when it is wrapped in a salmon treat). :) Sophia would do well in a quieter home with someone who is willing to give -- and get -- lots of loving snuggles. She would also do best as an only pet. Won't you please consider giving this sweet gal the forever home she deserves?

Easy Like Sunday - Max and Lloydie

2012-01-22T00:01:00.000-05:00

Hi there! Max here (in case you're wondering, I'm the one who looks like Moosey). Today, my brother Lloydie and I are going to take it easy in these nifty cat beds in the PAWS volunteer lounge. What are YOU going to do today?

Max

Lloydie (left) and Max

Have a great Sunday, everybuddy! :)

Note: Sweet brothers Lloydie and Max are available for adoption at PAWS. Come meet them (and fall in love!) today. :)

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday - HAPPY :)

2012-01-18T00:01:00.000-05:00

Talk about the picture of contentment! Here's PAWS graduate Munchkin (formerly known as Dunkin, class of August 2011), enjoying some snoozy, snuggly time with her woofie sister Bailey (who is also a rescue). :)

Don't you just love happily ever afters?

(Thanks to Mom Jessica for adopting these cuties, and for sharing this beautiful picture with us.)

Adoptions Make Us Happy :)

2012-01-14T00:01:00.001-05:00

Sweet Diamond has been adopted!

Wonderful news! December's cornucopia of cat adoptions has rolled right into January. :) Check out this list of PAWS kitties who will be starting 2012 in their new forever homes.

Annie

Daisy

Diamond

Doris and Dae (together)

Gobble Gobble

Gus and Gobi (together)

Isabelle

Libby

Maribelle

Mario and Luigi (together)

Pippa

And so has adorable Maribelle!

Congratulations to our most recent "graduates," and to their new families! And to all of the cats still waiting for their right people to come along ... not to worry, dear ones ... we're working on it! (And in the meantime, we'll be sure to give you lots of love, care and attention.)

Have a great weekend, everybody! :)

Thank You (Squared)! :)

2012-01-11T00:01:00.001-05:00

What a nice start to our year! First, our thoughtful pals at Pet Blogs United generously gave us a $50 credit to use for PAWS at the online pet supply store Mr. Chewy. Many thanks, Pam and Oskar. We love you guys!

Once we had the code for our credit, we visited the easy-to-navigate Mr. Chewy site, and made our selections. We took advantage of the site's "free shipping with a $49 purchase" offer, and our order was delivered straight to the front door of PAWS within two days! Talk about great service!

We took some pictures, because we knew some of you might want to know what we ordered for PAWS. So without further ado ... here are the always sweet and helpful Freddie and Tommy inspecting the goodies. (Note: these two handsome mancats are also available for adoption, in case you were wondering.)

Freddie (left) and Tommy help sort the loot! :)

That alone would have been enough to make us smile for a while. But THEN, we were honored with the Versatile Blogger Award from our friends at the Cat From Hell's Blog. We love you, Nellie and Kozmo, and we're flattered to receive this award from you! Now since we've won it before, we hope it's okay if this time we use a unique interpretation of the rules, which say we have to "share 7 things about ourselves." Instead of doing that, we're going to share pictures of 7 adoptable PAWS cats (and here they are):

From left to right: Jazmin, Anabelle and Ringo

Clockwise from upper left: Rupert, Praline, Elmer and Ian

The rules also state that we have to pass along the award to 15 blogs. How can we choose just 15, when we have so many friends with amazing blogs? It's just not possible! So we're going to give it to any of you who don't already have it. :)

Have a great day, everyone!

Easy Like Sunday - Susie :)

2012-01-08T00:01:00.000-05:00

Here's beautiful (and adoptable!) Susie, settling in for a nice long Sunday nap...

Have a great day, everybody! :)

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday - Felicia

2012-01-04T00:01:00.000-05:00

Sweet and gentle Felicia was a stray who was being taken care of by many neighborhood residents. Little did they know that this beautiful blue- and gold-eyed beauty is more than happy being an indoor-only cat! :)

Felicia is three years old, and up to date on all her vaccinations, and has tested negative for FELv and FIV. In spite of her different colored eyes, she does not exhibit any hearing problems.

Happy MEW Year! :)

2011-12-31T01:11:00.000-05:00

Question: What could possibly be happier than a formerly homeless PAWS cat beginning the New Year in its very own forever home?

Marmalade

Answer: A WHOLE BUNCH of formerly homeless PAWS cats beginning the New Year in forever homes. And that’s exactly what’s happened since our last adoption update! Among the end-of-the-year graduates you may remember from our blog are sweet Calico Manx Marmalade and handsome cow cat Puck.

Here’s the entire list of exciting adoptions:

Adele and Bruno

Bailey

Boogie

Cal

Clarice

Divine and Knick Knack

Dolle

Eddie

Frankie

Jeannie

King

Kramer and Kosmo

Liza

Marion

Marmalade

Mayflower

Plymouth

Puck

Pumpkin

Riddle

Shasta

Romeo

Storm

Trinket and Tchochke

Vinnie

Zoe-Bob

Congratulations to all of the recent adoptees and their new families! And to all of you – our friends and blog followers, both new and old – Happy New Year! May your coming year be filled with peace, love and much happiness. :)

Purrs and head bonks,

A new fave, and a new award :)

2011-12-28T00:01:00.003-05:00

A little more than two weeks ago, we were selected as the winners of KC & the Sherwood Bunch's PetFusion Cat Scratcher Lounge contest. Thank you Mom ML, KC, and the rest of the Sherwood Kitties from all of us. Especially Moosey, who has made it clear that it is his new favorite piece of furniture AND his scratcher of choice. He took to it immediately, and as you can see from this picture, can often be found on top of it. :)

Then, a week ago, we were incredibly honored when our friend Sparkle the Designer Cat gave us the Liebster Blog Award (Liebster is German for "favorite" or "beloved"). This is an award for "up and coming blogs with less than 200 followers." Apparently, the bloggers who gave the Liebster to Sparkle bent the "less than 200" part of that rule for her, and Sparkle made an exception for us, too. We're actually glad, since it gives us the chance to pass it along to five of OUR favorite up-and-coming blogs. So here's our list (in no particular order) ... we had such a difficult time choosing just five. If you haven't already done so, please visit them ... you'll be glad you did!

Sundays at the Shelter

Purrfect Haven

Alley Cats and Angels of North Carolina

White Dog Diary Online

Critters in the Cottage

Have a great day, everyone! :)

Happy Meow-lidays! :)

2011-12-23T22:45:00.001-05:00

All of us here at Animal Shelter Volunteer Life wish you the happiest of holidays, and a blessed new year. We'll be taking it easy for the next few days, but want to thank you all for your continued support and friendship!

Love,

Kevin, Tracey, Sammy, Moosey, and all the PAWS cats :)

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday - Jack and Jet

2011-12-21T00:01:00.001-05:00

Cute boys Jet and Jack are definitely on Santa's "good" list. We're hoping their wishes for forever homes come true for the holidays. :)

Jet and Jack (foreground)

And for all of you last-minute holiday shoppers who live in and around Norwalk, Connecticut ... come check out all of the great stuff for sale at the PAWS store (located at the shelter)!

Moosey's Quest for a Christmas Hat

2011-12-17T00:01:00.016-05:00

Hi there, everybuddy! It's me, Moosey! Sammy and I have been very good boys this year, so we have high hopes that Santa Claws will be visiting our house on Christmas Eve. I'm hoping to stay up to greet him, and want to look extra special when he comes down the chimney. So I've been trying to find just the right hat for the occasion. Since today is my dad's birthday (Happy Birthday, Dad!), I let him pick HIS three favorite hats on me. Here are the ones he chose:

What's that I hear? Is that you, Santa?

Have a great weekend! :)

Tri-Color Tuesday

2011-12-13T00:01:00.000-05:00

Looking to add some color (and sweetness) to your holiday season? Then Callie may be just the cat for you!

Just look at my beautiful furs! :)

This gorgeous ladycat is 10 years young. Callie enjoys being pet, getting scritches, and giving headbonks to her favorite staff members and volunteers. She is on the reserved side, so she's looking to be an only pet in a quieter home. Callie is spayed, microchipped, current on her vaccinations, and has tested negative for FIV and FeLV. Won't you consider giving this gentle girl the forever home she so deserves?

FURever Home Friday :)

2011-12-09T00:01:00.000-05:00

Carter: (A) Home for the Holidays! :)

Even though some PAWS cats are still waiting for their forever homes, it warms our hearts to think of some of our "graduates" enjoying their first holiday seasons with their new families. Check out this list of recent adoptions that's sure to provide you with some holiday cheer...

Blanche and Moorehouse (together)

Cali

Carter

Coraleigh

Goldie

Grier and Sol (together)

Harrison

Loomis

Rhyme and Reason (together)

Sugar Ray

Sabrina

Sam and Tiger (to foster)

Thicket

Tinker

Remember our pal Kessa, who in October, finally found her very own forever home after waiting for 2 1/2 years? Well, her new mommy wrote us to say:

Cassie (formerly Kessa) is "a wonderful addition to (our) family."

"I just wanted to let you know that Kessa (now known as Cassie) is doing great. She enjoys naps in a variety of places and enjoys a spirited game of tag every morning with the other girls. Zoom, zoom up and down the stairs. She also likes to surprise me by getting on top on the refrigerator. She is very cuddly and has a tongue like a wire brush, which she loves to use on my face. Thank you for taking such good care of her. She is a wonderful addition to our family."

Now that's what we call a happily ever after!

Have a great weekend, everybody! :)

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday - Doris and Dae

2011-12-07T00:01:00.001-05:00

This is Dae.

Here's Dae with her sister Doris. They love each other very much, and MUST be adopted together.

They are extremely friendly, sweet, and available for adoption.

Doris and Dae would make somebody's holidays very happy indeed! :)

For more about these adorable sisters, visit "Sundays at the Shelter," a great blog written by our friend (and fellow PAWS volunteer) Maggie. :)

Easy Like Sunday - Maribelle

2011-12-04T00:01:00.001-05:00

Maribelle is one of the lucky cats who live in the Meeting Room. As you can see, she's decided to take it easy today. How about you?

Have a great (and easy) Sunday, everybody! :)

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday - Pete

2011-11-30T00:01:00.000-05:00

Pete is one of the sweetest, most adoptable mancats we know. He enjoys snuggles, loves being pet, and he plays with the reckless abandon of a kitten (even though he's 7 years old)! :)

"What? I'm not a kitten?"

Sigh...

Pete is neutered, current on all his vaccinations, and has tested negative for FIV and FeLV. Oh, and did we mention that he's highly adoptable? :)

Easy Like SUNday - Brothers

2011-11-27T00:01:00.000-05:00

More and more, our boys Sammy and Moosey seem to like each other's company. Here they are, sharing an autumn sunpuddle. :)

Here's wishing you all an easy Sunday!

Happy Thanksgiving :)

2011-11-24T00:01:00.000-05:00

Moosey: Hi everyone! Sammy and I are searching for turkeys, but we're not having much luck. Have any of YOU seen any turkeys around here?

Sammy: Yeah, it feels like we've been out here for... um, Moosey ... turn around ... verrrrry slowly...

Now that the boys have found their elusive turkey (and with it being the Thanksgiving holiday weekend in the U.S.), we pause to give thanks.

We are grateful for everybody who adopts shelter animals and/or takes in stray pets. And thankful for those who work with, or volunteer with, shelter animals; serve as fosters; care for feral cats and/or participate in trap-neuter-return programs; and those who raise awareness about animals in need.

We also give big thanks for our families and friends (animal and human alike), including the ones we've made through this blog. Thank you all for sharing in our lives, and for allowing us to share in yours! Your ongoing friendship is a continual source of strength, encouragement and joy. :)

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Love and head bonks,

(Pilgrim) Sammy, (Native American) Moosey, Mom Tracey and Dad Kevin

Easy Like Sunday - Concha and Julio

2011-11-20T00:01:00.000-05:00

Concha

Julio

Concha and her son Julio are usually inseparable, but today they've each chosen a special spot for taking it easy. Have a great day, everybody! :)

Photo FUN Friday - Derek

2011-11-18T00:01:00.000-05:00

Hey Derek, whose 'nip nanner is that?


Mine! Mine! All mine!

Derek and his brother Andy are still waiting for their forever home. Two sweet Persian brothers, AND a free catnip banana ... it doesn't get much better than that! :)

Two (Brothers) on Tuesday

2011-11-15T00:01:00.000-05:00

Looking to add a PAIR of kitties to your life? As you can see, brothers Hippity and Hoppity are pretty fond of each other. We would love for them to be adopted as a pair (and so would they!). :)

FURever Home Friday :)

2011-11-11T00:01:00.002-05:00

If you're looking for a reason to start the weekend with a smile, you've come to the right place. The cat volunteers and staff at PAWS have been really busy caring for, and getting to know, a lot of NEW residents. And of course THAT means ... a whole bunch of cats have been adopted since our last update! :) The adoptees include:

Betsy

Victoria

Leo

Sailor

Here's the full list of our latest "graduating class"

Betsy

Buster

Chatham

Ciara Mist and Coco Peru (together)

Gideon

Hedda Lettuce and RuPaul

Klaine and Finchel (together)

Leo

Loretta

McGuire

Pixie Doodle

Puzzle

Sailor

Sandy (to foster)

Smith and Thompson (together)

Sonic and Tango (together)

Spookie (to foster)

Victoria

Zoe Bob (to foster)

We love and will miss you, sweet kitty friends. Congratulations to you and your new forever families!

Mancat Monday - Ringo and Pablo

2011-11-07T00:01:00.000-05:00

Ringo and Pablo are two of the handsome mancats waiting at PAWS for their forever homes.

Tiger tabby Ringo is super sweet, and gets along well with most other cats.

Ringo

Creamsicle cat Pablo is still kind of nervous, but getting better.

Pablo

Dona Nobis Pacem

2011-11-04T00:01:00.000-04:00

Eden the Peace Cat

Today, we’re taking part in “BlogBlast for Peace.” Since Mimi Lenox started it in 2006, this day of peace has grown to include thousands of bloggers in 53 countries. How, we wondered, could we integrate Dona Nobis Pacem (Latin for “grant us peace”) into our blog about the cats at the shelter? Then we looked at our pal Eden, and we had our answer.

When you see Eden head on, his facial markings are reminiscent of the "Peace" symbol. That's pretty appropriate, because (like so many of us) this sweet boy yearns for peace and love. Eden came to PAWS from a home where yelling, screaming and discord were normal, so we understood why he wasn't sure he could trust the people or cats here. He would watch warily from the confines of his litter box as we moved about the room. He’d make himself as small as possible. He shied away from our touch. Would this handsome boy ever be okay?

Behold the transformative power of peace. While PAWS isn’t a “home,” it is a place where Eden has experienced more peace than he had ever known. That peace, which comes from knowing the humans here speak gently, move slowly, and offer encouragement, pets and food, has given him the courage to love and trust. It’s especially evident whenever he confidently jumps down from his chosen perch to greet his favorite volunteers.

Eden has been at PAWS for more than two years, and he’s so ready to find his own forever family. He’s still reserved and cautious, so he would do best in a quiet home with people who will be patient as he adjusts to his new surroundings. But we know Eden will be a great and loyal friend. Won’t you please consider giving this “Peace Cat” the home he deserves?

Wishing peace for all beings this day and every day,

Kevin, Tracey, Sammy and Moosey

Happy MEOW-loween :)

2011-10-31T00:01:00.000-04:00

Happy MEOW-loween from all of us at Animal Shelter Volunteer Life! As you can see, some of our pals from PAWS (Nurse Diamond, Lady Liberty Petunia, Princess Praline, Good Witch Marmalade, Queen Claire, Jester Puck, Officer Carter, and Elmer the Bunny] are ready to join us for some trick or treating. We sure hope they (and all the cats at PAWS) get forever homes of their very own soon. Now THAT would be the sweetest treat of all! :) *

Purrs and Hugs,

"Master" Sammy and "Chef" Moosey (and mom and dad, too)

(* Click on the picture to "biggify" it, so you can see everyone's pawsome costumes!)

(Almost) Wordless - Lloydie and Me

2011-10-26T00:01:00.000-04:00

Sweet Lloydie came to PAWS with his brothers Fritz and Max. As you can see, he really loves people. :)

Bonk!

Four in a Tree Friday

2011-10-21T00:01:00.000-04:00

(from left) Io, Jerome, Mindy, and Hunny

The kitties in (open) Cat Room 5 really love their donated cat trees (which look like trees)! It's pretty common to see two, three, or even FOUR cats together on the big one (as demonstrated here by Io, Jerome, Mindy and Hunny). :)

Have a great weekend, everybody!

Doing the Happy Dance :)

2011-10-18T00:01:00.000-04:00

Do you remember our pal Kessa? This sweet girl, who was our entry for this year's Wordy Wednesday Challenge, first came to PAWS more than 2 1/2 years ago (making her one of our longest term residents). Well, we received a text message late today from a fellow volunteer that Kessa has finally found her very own forever home!

We don't have a lot of details yet, but we do know that Kessa now has a loving home, a lap to curl up on, and a human to whom she can give kitty kisses like there's no tomorrow. We're going to miss this sweet girl SO much, but this what we've ALL been waiting for. Be well in your forever home, Kessa ... we love you!

Okay, back to doing the happy dance. Anyone care to join in? :)

National Feral Cat Day

2011-10-16T00:01:00.000-04:00

It's National Feral Cat Day! Now in its 11th year, National Feral Cat Day was launched in 2001 by Alley Cat Allies, the national advocate for feral and stray cats and a recognized authority on Trap-Neuter-Return (T-N-R) — the program wherein cats who live outdoors are humanely trapped and brought to a veterinarian to be evaluated, spayed or neutered and vaccinated.

Friendly cats and kittens are put up for adoption. Feral cats that have undergone the procedure are released back into the areas from which they came, with volunteer caregivers providing a managed food source and monitoring the colony to aid sick or injured cats. And because they are spayed and neutered, the feral cats don't have to deal with stuff like mating and pregnancy, and no new kittens are born.

If you'd like to learn more about National Feral Cat Day, Alley Cat Allies, and/or how you can help feral cats, please click HERE.

Leo is Looking for Love

2011-10-13T00:01:00.000-04:00

Looking for a PURRfect family pet? Then Leo may be the cat for you! This super sweet and extremely handsome mancat has lived with children and dogs, and gets along well with most other cats.

"Look at me, up in a (cat) tree!"

Leo is about 3 years old, and is neutered, microchipped, current on all his vaccinations, and has tested negative for FIV and FeLV.

Easy Like SUNday - Sammy

2011-10-09T00:01:00.000-04:00

Happy SUNday, everybody!

Our own sweet Sammy is taking it easy (with his statue buddy) today.

What do you have planned? :)

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday - Bella and Victoria

2011-10-05T00:01:00.000-04:00

Bella and Victoria are just two of the many wonderful PAWS cats waiting for forever homes. :)

Bella

Victoria

We LiveStrong!

2011-10-02T00:01:00.004-04:00

Our Angel Cats Maggie, Lady Madonna and Graphite, who lost their fights with cancer

Sammy, Moosey, Mom Tracey and Dad Kevin join in love and support of all those whose lives have been touched by cancer. We remember our family and friends who lost their fight, and rally behind those for whom the battle continues. LiveStrong!

Please visit the Cat Blogosphere's special WE LIVESTRONG TODAY blog to see posts by individual members in an effort to raise awareness of cancer for LIVESTRONG DAY 2011. And be sure to check out the SPECIAL SLIDESHOW of images from members and friends of the Cat Blogosphere to mark this special day.

* LiveStrong Day-themed header courtesy of our wonderful and talented friend Ann at Zoolatry. :)

** LiveStrong images courtesy of the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

A GREAT Anniversary Gift :)

2011-09-27T00:01:00.007-04:00

Many of you who’ve been following our blog for a while know Tracey and I share a love of animals that brought us (independently) to volunteer at PAWS, where we reconnected (we had worked together years ago) and fell in love. Last Thursday, on our fourth wedding anniversary, we received one of the best gifts ever when we learned that longtime PAWS residents Buddy and Bebe had been adopted! The BEST part is that their adopters are the SAME PEOPLE who heartbreakingly had to give them up more than a year ago amidst financial and physical difficulties.

Buddy

As we spent time every week with Buddy and Bebe, it was clear they had been well loved by their people, and it made us incredibly sad to imagine how difficult it must have been for their owners to have to give them up. The shelter’s cat care coordinator told us that Buddy and Bebe’s parents called regularly to see how they were doing, but just weren’t in a position to take these sweet kitties back.

Happily, all of that changed recently.

From the accounts we’ve received about the reunion, Buddy RAN to his dad, and practically jumped into his lap before he even had a chance to sit down! The volunteers who were there said there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. :)

Bebe

How wonderful it is that Buddy and Bebe ended up at PAWS, where they were loved and cared for by the volunteers and staff. And how wonderful that lovable Buddy and Bebe weren’t adopted before their mom and dad were in a place to take them back home.

We’ll really miss our pals Buddy and Bebe, but we’re over the moon that they’re back home where they belong. Congratulations to the whole family ... have a wonderful happily ever after! :)

FURever Home Friday - Maggie 2 and Friends

2011-09-23T00:01:00.003-04:00

Maggie 2

Hooray! Our adorable little pal Maggie 2 has been adopted! And that sort of reminded us ... a whole bunch of our feline pals have been adopted since our last "FURever Friday" post. Just check out the list of the newest PAWS graduates:

Aspen

Augusta (from foster)

Bandy

Bayley (from foster)

Candy

Celeste

Cha Cha

Charleston

Clara

Cookie (from foster)

Flamenco

Fritz

Irving

Josh and Zach (together)

Karma

Levi

Luisa

Maggie 2

Nathaniel

Reese and Royce (together)

Sunny

Willow

Willow 2

Yoshi

Zackary

Be well, kitty friends! We love you, and are so very happy you've found forever homes of your very own. :)

Have a great weekend, everybody!

Ahoy, it be Meow Like a Pirate Day!

2011-09-19T00:01:00.000-04:00

Captain Moosey says, "Come ye with me and my first mate Sammy, mateys! It be 'Meow Like a Pirate Day' on ye olde Cat Blogosphere. Let us take to the high seas, and go plunderin' for treasures and a bounty of catnip, tuna fish, cat milk, cheese and ice cream!"

Happy Meow Like a Pirate Day, everybody! Arrrgggggh!

Bark in the Park

2011-09-16T00:01:00.001-04:00

In case you're wondering why we have a picture of a doggie on our cat blog...

Tomorrow (Saturday, September 17) is the fourth annual PAWS "Bark in the Park" festival fundraiser. If you're in the Norwalk, CT area between 11AM and 3PM, stop by Cranbury Park to join in the fun. There will be a dog walk on the park's scenic wooded trails, vendors, demonstrations, massages for pets and people, a caricaturist, a pet first aid demonstration, great raffle prizes, and food. Several local animal rescue or advocacy agencies will be on hand, and this year, there will even be a CAT BOOTH with pins and toys and other great stuff for sale! :)

Be sure to look for our friend Dutchess the Dog, one of the pawsome woofies who are waiting at PAWS for their forever homes. That's her in the picture, letting the dog volunteers know she's hungry. :)

Tabby Tuesday - Praline

2011-09-13T00:01:00.001-04:00

When Praline first came to the shelter, Tracey and I were both reminded of our sweet Maggie, who went to the Bridge in March. So we've taken to calling her "Little Maggie." :)

Even though Praline is less than two years old, she has already been a mommy (note: please spay and neuter your pets!). All of her babies have been adopted, and now this sweet girl is looking for a forever home to call her very own.

She loves cuddles and nice warm laps. With Autumn just around the corner, we bet a lot of laps will need warming! :)

Praline is spayed, up-to-date on her vaccinations, and has tested negative for FIV and FeLV. Won't you give this beautiful girl the home she deserves?

Mo Cats Day 2011

2011-09-09T00:01:00.001-04:00

Today is MO CATS DAY on the Internet! To celebrate, we're posting some MO' pictures of some MO' of the wonderful and adoptable PAWS cats waiting for their forever homes...

Praline

Elmer

Sisters Phoebe and Zoe Bob (aka Bobbi)

Jet

Daphne

Happy Mo Cats Day, everybody! :)

Easy Weekend - Shadow and Tiger

2011-09-03T22:38:00.003-04:00

Happy Labor Day weekend! Here are sisters Shadow and Tiger, celebrating in style. :)

Shadow

Tiger

This weekend, we're also honoring our friend ML, of the Sherwood Cats, who tirelessly and graciously runs the amazing Cat Blogosphere each and every day. Her labor of love benefits so many. Big paws up, ML, and many thanks for all you do!

Wordless Wednesday - Catnip Fritz

2011-08-31T00:01:00.000-04:00

Not so Easy, Waiting for Irene

2011-08-28T00:01:00.002-04:00

*** UPDATE (Sunday, 2:32 PM): Thanks for your purrs and prayers, everybody! Irene has passed us, and we are safe and sound. :) Please continue to purr and pray for our friends further up the East Coast. ***

Hey Mom and Dad ... let me know when Hurricane Irene is gone, okay?

We will, Sammy. We definitely will.

Thank you, everybody, for your love, purrs and prayers ... we appreciate you all.

For all of our friends who are also still in the path of Hurricane Irene ... stay safe!

Purrs and hugs!

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday - Snoopervising

2011-08-24T00:01:00.001-04:00

Cinnamon and her sister Ginger (and their friend Claire) live in the shelter's records room.

Here's Cinnamon making sure that the humans are doing their jobs correctly. :)

Easy Like Sunday, Together

2011-08-21T00:01:00.000-04:00

Buddy and Aunt Tracey plan on taking it easy today. How about you? :)

Black Cat Appreciation Day

2011-08-17T00:01:00.000-04:00

Hi, I'm Allie, and I live at PAWS. Happy Black Cat Appreciation Day!

Did you know us black cats are only half as likely to get adopted as cats of other colors? And that, on average, we stay several months longer in shelters than any other cats? I really don't understand this. I mean, just look at my picture ... us black cats are beautiful, sweet, silly, and lovable!

Come check out all the wonderful kitties available for adoption at PAWS today. And please remember to consider me and the other black cats ... you wouldn't want to miss out now, would you? And be sure to tell them that Allie sent you! :)

An Award and a Photo Contest

2011-08-12T00:01:00.002-04:00

Yippee! We won an award! Our blogging friend Diamond and his human, Lynettea, have generously bestowed us with the “Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award.” Thank you, Diamond and Lynettea. We’re honored!

The rules of the award say we have to share 15 things about ourselves, so here are five about Moosey, five about Sammy, and a collage of five cats looking for their forever homes:

Five things about Moosey:

1. He loves water, and is obsessive about going into the shower after the humans are done

2. He has to smell everything – including his brother Sammy :)

3. We adopted him from PAWS, who rescued him from a kill shelter

4. Favorite toys: Catnip mice, string, bouncy foam balls. And FLIES!

5. He loves spending time with the mom and dad on the sofa and sleeping in the bed

Five things about Sammy:

1. Favorite toys: Hex bug and mouse on a bouncy string

2. He loves being brushed (he even tries to brush himself)

3. He adores lounging in his cat hammock

4. He enjoys watching bird and squirrel TV

5. He was found in a feral cat colony, saved from a kill shelter by PAWS, and ultimately adopted by us :)

Petunia, Clara, Rupert, Victoria and Elmer are just FIVE of the many PAWS cats currently available for adoption...

We're supposed to pass the award along to 15 of our friends, but since we love ALL of our blogging pals, we can't even begin to choose. So we're giving it to everyone who wants it! :)

Now, about that PHOTO CONTEST we mentioned. PAWS is holding a Cat Photo Contest in conjunction with its "Bark in the Park" event (yes, PAWS rescues woofies, too!). There are four categories: Silly Kitties, Best Belly Shot, Cati-tude and Cutest Cat. Fees are $5 for the first entry, and $3 for each additional entry. One winner will be selected in each category, and prizes include pet supply and restaurant gift certificates. The contest is open to anyone (you need not be present to win, and prizes can be shipped). Deadline to enter is Friday August 26th. For full details click here.

Happy World Cat Day

2011-08-08T00:01:00.001-04:00

Hi, everybody! Sammy and Moosey here, wishing you all a Happy World Cat Day! Our Mom and Dad think EVERY day is the purrfect day to celebrate, honor, and remember the two of us, the cats at PAWS, all of our feline friends, and kitties everywhere.

But we love that the Cat Blogosphere has an official day for it, too. Have a great one! :)

Moosey

Sammy

Easy Like Sunday Sisters

2011-08-07T00:01:00.000-04:00

Sisters Loreen and Krystal are taking it easy while they wait for a forever home.

Loreen

Krystal

These beautiful girls are about 7 years old, and must be adopted together. They would do best in a home without young children or other animals. Krystal and Loreen are spayed, current on all their vaccinations, and have tested negative for FIV and FeLV.

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday - Diamond

2011-08-03T00:01:00.000-04:00

This is our new friend Diamond. Isn't she adorable? :)

Easy Like Sunday - Carter

2011-07-31T00:01:00.000-04:00

Hi, I'm Carter! I'm pretty new at the shelter. I'm a sweet and gentle boy, and as you can see from these pictures, I really know how to take it easy. Have a great Sunday, everyone. :)

Tessa on Tuesday

2011-07-26T00:01:00.000-04:00

When beautiful Tessa came to us a stray, she was pretty fearful of the sights and sounds that came with being at the shelter. We could tell she was nervous about the other cats in Room One, and unsure about the humans trying to befriend her. While she's still not exactly fond of her roommates, we're happy to say she now counts Tracey, me and the other volunteers among her friends. Here she is recently, enjoying some time on Tracey's lap. :)

Tessa is spayed, up to date on all her shots, and has tested negative for FIV and FeLV. If you've got a quiet home and a nice, warm lap, Tessa may be just the girl for you.

FURever Home Friday - Roger and Friends :)

2011-07-22T00:01:00.002-04:00

Exciting news, everybody! The adoption counselors at PAWS have been mighty busy, which means a whole bunch of cats have found their forever homes since our last adoption update!

Do you remember our buddy Roger?

He's been adopted!

How about sweet Libra?

She was adopted, too!

Also joining the adoption parade were: Amelia; Amos; Creole; Eleanor; Emmanuel; Esmee and Dundee (together); Hadley; Iris; Lola; Louisiana; Marco, Indy, Bindi, Summer and Cordelia (yes, someone adopted FIVE kitties together!); Mary and Brett (together); Marty and Jake (together); Mew Bear; Opal; Pedro; Q; Quincy and Jada (together); Rolf; Sam III and Diane (together); Tippy; and Widget.

As always, we'll miss our shelter cat buddies who've been adopted. But any sadness is eclipsed by the joy of knowing they've found their very own forever families. :)

Be well, kitty friends. We love you!

Maggie Two on Tuesday

2011-07-19T00:01:00.000-04:00

Maggie 2 is one of the shelter's newest residents. This petite girl has already proven to be super sweet and incredibly photogenic. Just look at those cute paws. And that adorable face! :)

Thankful Thursday and 200 Posts

2011-07-14T00:01:00.013-04:00

Hi, it's me, Moosey! Mom, Dad, Sammy and I just realized this is our 200th post! As we look back (and look forward), we have so very much for which to be thankful.

We are thankful to have this blog to share a bit of our lives, and about mom and dad's volunteer experiences with the wonderful and adoptable PAWS cats. We're thankful for all of the volunteers and staff at PAWS and places like it, where animals can stay as long as it takes to find their forever homes. And we're grateful to have made so many dear blogging friends from all over the globe ... your kind and encouraging words and continued friendship mean more to us than you can ever know.

Speaking of blogging friends, we wanted to give BIG purrs and thanks to our pals Ann, Maggy and Zoey at Zoolatry for our fantastic new blog header and template. We hope you all love our new look as much as we do!

Hugs, purrs and THANKS to you all. :)

Sam and Tiger: Love Heals

2011-07-09T00:01:00.000-04:00

For anyone who has ever wondered if they can really make a difference...

Tiger and Sam were absolutely terrified when they first came to the shelter. Our hearts ached each time we saw them cower in the back of their shared cage, shying away from our touch and afraid to make eye contact with us. :(

But after weeks of being consistently showered by volunteers with gentle, patient and consistent kindness, these boys are coming out of their shells in a big way. Handsome house panther Sam is the more outgoing of the pair, and is quick to cruise around the room during "out time." As for Tiger, well ... I'll let this video of him (and my hand) speak for itself. :)

Tiger and Sam are very attached, and must be adopted together. They are neutered, up to date on all their vaccinations, and have tested negative for FeLV and FIV. They would do best in a quieter home with no other pets or small children.

Toes on Tuesday

2011-07-05T00:01:00.004-04:00

Just a few toes (and the adoptable cats to whom they belong) for your Tuesday viewing pleasure. :)

Eden

Bebe

Daphne

International Box Day

2011-06-30T00:01:00.006-04:00

Today is International Box Day on the Cat Blogosphere!

We've never met a cat who didn't love boxes. After all, boxes are great for scratching, jumping on, and hiding in. And as our very own sweet Sammy (a PAWS graduate) demonstrates here ... boxes are also great for sleeping in. :)

Sammy: Um, can you put away the camera, Dad? I'm trying to sleep here...

Happy International Box Day, everybody! :)

Easy Like Sunday - Shadow and Tiger

2011-06-26T00:01:00.000-04:00

Sisters Shadow and Tiger are still dreaming of their very own forever home.

Shadow

Tiger

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday - Mocha and Molly

2011-06-22T00:01:00.004-04:00

Sweet and gentle Mocha and Molly are looking for their forever home.

Mocha

Molly

Thursday’s Forever Home Friday :)

2011-06-17T00:01:00.004-04:00

Thursday the Cat grew up at the shelter. We all watched her transformation from kitten to gawky teenager, and finally to beautiful adult cat. Some people might say it’s a little sad to see a cat live so long at a shelter, but we're thankful for no-kills like PAWS, where wonderful animals can remain for as long as it takes for them to be adopted. And we’re happy to report that our pal Thursday has finally found the long awaited forever home she so deserves. We love and miss you, Thursday. ConCATulations to you and your new family! :)

Easy Like Sunday - Room 8

2011-06-12T00:01:00.000-04:00

Our pals in Cat Room 8 sure know how to take it easy.

Here are pictures of three of them doing just that. :)

Jasmine

Jet

Puck

Have a great Sunday, everybody. :)

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-08T00:01:00.018-04:00

Here are just a few of the wonderful cats

available for adoption at PAWS.*

Tessa

Betsy

Kurt

Jack

[*Be sure to click on the pictures to make them bigger,

so that you can see these cats in all their splendor! :)]

FURever Home Friday - Bootz Edition :)

2011-06-03T00:01:00.014-04:00

Hi, I’m Bootz. My volunteer pals Tracey and Kevin said it would be okay if I wrote today’s post. Those of you who’ve been following Animal Shelter Volunteer Life for a while probably remember me for my nice long furs, floofy belly, and my fondness for watching TV. You might also recall I WAS one of the longest-tenured cats at the shelter, and that I HAD BEEN waiting for my forever home for more than two years. Hey, did you notice how I made that last sentence PAST tense? That's because I’VE BEEN ADOPTED, and am doing really well in my new forever home! (I hid under the bureau the first night, but decided pretty quickly that my new home is awesome. I love my new people, and even get along well with my new siblings (a dog and a cat))! :)

Oh, and guess what else? Lots of other PAWS kitties also found their forever homes since Tracey and Kevin's last adoption update! Check out this list of other recent PAWS graduates:

Beans, Beignet and Dumonde (together), Bubble and Squash (together), Bufo, Carmen, Cary, Cutie Pie and Faith, Duncan, Jade and Pearl (together), Kiet, Louie, Marbles, Oliver, Onyx and Topaz (together), Paula, Sammi, Sandy and Shirley (together), Soda and Farrow (together), Squeak, Vincent, and Zircon.

Well, I've gotta go now. Have a great weekend, everybuddy!

(Note from Tracey and Kevin: We love you, Bootz! Thank you for trusting us and your other friends at PAWS, and bringing so much joy to our lives. We’ll miss you -- and all the other graduates -- but are overjoyed that you’ve found your very own forever families.)

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday - Puck

2011-06-01T00:01:00.004-04:00

Handsome Puck has great markings and a sweet and cuddly personality. He's about 11 months old, and available for adoption at PAWS. :)

Easy Like Sunday - Sweet Dottie

2011-05-29T00:01:00.009-04:00

Brought to PAWS as a stray, adorable and petite Dottie is an absolute sweetheart.

You'd never guess this beauty is about 12 years old, especially since she plays with the reckless

abandon of a kitten (toy mice are her favorites)!

Dottie loves to be pet, and as you can see from these pictures, she also knows how to take it easy. :)

Ciao Bella! You've found your forever home! :)

2011-05-27T00:01:00.007-04:00

Bella, when Kevin and I were given the wonderful news last week that you had been adopted, we were filled with that bittersweet feeling we get whenever a special kitty who has captured our hearts is adopted. Even though we're incredibly happy that you've found your "forever home," we are sad that we'll now have to rely solely on our memories to experience the joy only YOU could give us. We will miss you, our kooky, curious, and playful Bella. Enjoy the newly found happiness that comes in a home you can call your very own. We love you!

Easy Like Sunday - Allie

2011-05-22T00:01:00.003-04:00

Our buddy Allie is going to take it easy today. What do YOU have planned? :)

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday - Marmalade

2011-05-18T00:01:00.006-04:00

We love Marmalade! This super sweet and gentle manx (tailless) girl is about six years old. For more pictures of beautiful "Marmy," check out our fellow PAWS volunteer Maggie's awesome "Sundays at the Shelter" blog. :)

Patch is Looking for Love

2011-05-14T00:01:00.005-04:00

Our pal Patch came to PAWS when his human mom passed away. The woman’s widower said, “…he didn’t want Patch and his mother around ‘because they were a reminder of his late wife.’” We can’t understand this AT ALL! And as if that wasn’t bad enough, whoever put Patch into the carrier to be brought to PAWS did so with such force that his back claws were torn. It’s no wonder that Patch was terrified of people when we first met him. He would cower in the back corner of his cage, hiding his face and avoiding interaction. It was absolutely heartbreaking.

But some of us saw a glimmer of hope in Patch. At first, we’d only get a few gentle pets in before Patch would try to whack us with his paw. But he seemed more scared than angry, so we kept on trying, hoping that we could gain even a little of this handsome boy’s trust. And lo and behold, with patient persistence, Patch has made incredible strides!

Patch now lives in one of the “open” cat rooms at PAWS. While he’s still on the shy side, he loves to be petted on his head, and adores being brushed on his head and neck (he even lifts his head so his neck can be brushed underneath)! Patch would do well in a quiet, less active home where he’ll receive lots of love and attention. He must be an indoor-only cat, and should not be with dogs or young children. Patch is about three years old. He is neutered, current on all his vaccinations and has tested negative for FIV and FeLV. Won’t you give this sweet boy the loving home he so desperately desires?

Happy Mother's Day :)

2011-05-08T09:05:00.001-04:00

Wishing moms everywhere the happiest of days!

Happy Cinco de Mayo - Concha and Julio

2011-05-05T00:01:00.004-04:00

Happy Cinco De Mayo! The cats at PAWS have been known to throw some pretty crazy parties, so sweet Concha (she's on the left) and her son Julio are getting in a little pre-fiesta siesta. :)

If you're looking for a snuggly cat who will keep your lap warm, this may be your lucky day ... Concha and Julio are *both* lapcats. As you can see from the pictures above, they are extremely bonded, so we'd very much prefer they be adopted together. They are spayed/neutered, up to date on all their vaccinations, and have tested negative for FIV and FeLV. Come adopt them today! :)

A Weekend to Remember

2011-04-30T13:03:00.004-04:00

We're taking part in the Weekend of Remembrance hosted by Three Tabby Cats in Vienna to pay tribute to so many of our feline friends on the Cat Blogosphere who've recently run off to the Rainbow Bridge, and all of the cats who came before -- including our own Maggie, Graphite, Bitsy and Lady Madonna. We're also participating in Floof & Fur's inaugural Angel party.

Finally, we remember the PAWS cats who passed away this past year: Pharaoh, Minnie, Kiki, Hank, Snowball, Ginger, Prince, Swifty, Sylvia, Cory, Rastafa, Chloe, Mabel, Sammy, Katie, Boo and Anka.

We miss you all so very much, and look forward to the day we see you again.

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday; and why we volunteer

2011-04-27T00:01:00.008-04:00

Tracey and I love the silly antics of the PAWS cats like Bebe (below, playing a game of peek-a-boo).

We have so much fun interacting with amazing animals like Bebe and her brother Buddy. And though it's a big reason for why we spend so much time at the shelter, it's only part of the bigger picture of why we volunteer. That's why I was so pleased when I was recently asked by our friends at the always wonderful Responsible Pet Ownership blog to share about our experiences at PAWS! We've just been informed that our guest post is up, so if you've ever wondered about what it's like to volunteer at a no-kill shelter (or just want to know more about why Tracey and I do what we do), please click HERE.

Have a great day! :)

Happy Easter

2011-04-23T21:15:00.002-04:00

Hi! It's me, Moosey, wishing everybuddy a happy Eastfur
from Mom, Dad, Sammy, me and all the kitties at PAWS! :)

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday - Roger

2011-04-20T00:01:00.003-04:00

Roger is one of the newest cats at PAWS. After spending some time with him on Sunday, we can tell you that he's not just another handsome face ... he's also really nice. :)

Petunia, Looking for a Home

2011-04-15T00:01:00.002-04:00

If you’re looking for a lap cat, then Petunia is your girl! Petunia (aka “Toonsie”) first came to PAWS nearly a year ago after someone found her in a carrier by a dumpster. Why anyone would abandon this sweet and beautiful (just look at those bright green eyes and that cute pink nose!) cat is way is beyond us. But we’re glad she ended up at PAWS, where she will be loved until she finds her forever home.

As we mentioned, Toonsie is a big-time lap cat. She visibly perks up whenever any of her favorite volunteers go anywhere near the chair in Cat Room 2. And as soon as a lap becomes available, our buddy is quick to jump right up and settle in. She also really enjoys being pet and brushed.

Petunia isn’t very fond of being picked up. Nor does she like other cats. But we know that she would absolutely blossom in a quieter home without other pets or young children, and that she would make the purrfect best friend for a quiet couple (or single!), some empty nesters, or a retiree.

Toonsie is about 5 years old, and is spayed and current on all of her vaccinations. She has also tested negative for FIV and FeLV. Won’t you consider giving Petunia the forever home she deserves and so desires? You (and your lap) will be happy you did. :)

(Thank you to our friend (and fellow PAWS volunteer) Maggie for letting us use the second picture. Check out her great blog here. And BIG thanks to our friends at Pet Blogs United for featuring Petunia in today's "Foster Friday" post!)

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday - Brothers

2011-04-13T00:01:00.007-04:00

We absolutely adore sweet Persian brothers Derek and Andy. Gentle and sensitive, these guys enjoy hanging out with their human pals, and love being brushed. Derek is the more playful of the two (his favorite toy is a felt catnip snake). Derek and Andy are about 10 years young, neutered, up to date on all their shots, and have tested negative for FIV and FeLV. They must be adopted together, and would do best in a quiet home, without young children or other pets. Come visit them today! :)

(note: click on the picture to "biggify" it ... you'll be better able to see Andy's tongue, which sticks out when he is happy)

FURever Home Friday :)

2011-04-08T00:01:00.004-04:00

Woohoo! Our handsome and friendly, newspaper-reading pal Conrad has found his forever home! Tracey and I were lucky enough to be at PAWS the day he went home with his new mom and dad. It was nice to be able to say goodbye to our buddy. :)

And if you're looking for even more good to news to get your weekend started, well ... we've got it: there have been a lot of other great adoptions since our last big update! Joining Conrad on the official roll of recent PAWS graduates:

Adelphia
Ava
Barney
Billie
Blizzard
Cameron
Cuddy & House (together)
Eleanor
Evan & Ethan (together)
Finn & Lucas (together)
Gardiner
Grasshopper (picture at our friend Maggie's awesome blog "Sundays at the Shelter")
Jacob
Jordin & Kelly (together)
Karina
Lava
Lucia & Brittany (together)
Lynne
Misty
Norman
Paco
Phil
Pip (from foster)
Randy
Ryan & Carrier (together)
Sable & Skittles (from foster)
Smith & Thompson (together)
Sophie
Sweetheart
Tallahassee
Triple H
William

We love you, kitties ... enjoy your new forever homes!

Have a great weekend, everybody. :)

Easy Like SUNday

2011-04-03T00:01:00.005-04:00

Hi, it's me, Sammy. :)

While mom and dad volunteer at PAWS, my brofur Moosey and I are going to do some sun puddle surfing.

We hope you have a great day!

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-30T00:01:00.004-04:00

Looking for a new best friend?
Here are just a few of the wonderful PAWS cats waiting for their forever homes...

Louie

Allie

Bella

FURever Home Friday - Pepper Edition

2011-03-25T00:01:00.008-04:00

We mentioned a couple of weeks ago that Pepper the Cat finally found the forever home for which she had been waiting more than two years. We're happy to report that she is doing fantastically, and already has her new mom and dad wrapped around her paw! Check out the e-mail and pictures her mom sent the day after they adopted our spicy pal...

Here are some pics from last night and today of our new baby grandma!!! We didn't have much time to take photos because we were too busy petting her!! Pep has adjusted pretty much immediately! By 3am she was following me into the bathroom (she already used her litter box) and just saying hi, then we just snuggled and had a bonding session then she went off to explore. Then this morning at 7 when I got up we spent the whole morning deciding which rug she liked the best! She spent the whole evening with us in the living room talking and hanging out and we pretty much could not stop loving her!

Now she is snuggled, next to the radiator just purring and we are in bed. She is just so amazing and I love just hearing her talking to us. And as soon as we say Pep Pep she comes waddling in! And as soon as she hears my voice or Chris's voice she just gets up from wherever she is and comes in for a head dive. We have pillows and blankets everywhere but she seems to like the soft rugs the best. And of course it's just so quiet here I don't think she even knows what to think!

She seems to be enjoying full body rub downs with no complaints and is beyond friendly and lovable. She hasn't shown any signs of attitude whatsoever! I actually can't believe how funny she is - she just always wants to be wherever we are! It's hilarious! We think she wants her space and time to explore- but then there she is...those little legs come running in "Hey guys! Don't forget about me!" How could we EVER forget about you Pepper!!!!?! You are our family now!!! - Mariclare and Chris

Thank you, Mariclare and Chris, for adopting our spicy senior Pepper. We are so happy for you all!

Easy Like Sunday - Tiger and Shadow

2011-03-20T00:01:00.003-04:00

Sweet sisters Tiger and Shadow, taking it easy in the PAWS kitchen. :)

Wordy Wednesday Challenge 2011 - Kessa is READY

2011-03-16T00:01:00.003-04:00

After more than two years at PAWS, our pal Kessa is READY. Ready to be adopted into a loving, forever home. Ready to give you kitty kisses on your hand (or your arm, face or head) like there's no tomorrow. Ready to curl up in your lap and claim it as hers alone.

This sweet girl was found outside in a feral cat colony by a dedicated PAWS volunteer. She's got tons of personality, and she's come really close to being adopted a few times. But it's never quite worked out for our buddy. And while the shelter may be nice, it's not a real forever home. And though Kessa's a patient girl, she's definitely READY to be adopted.

Kessa is 4 years old, spayed, up-to-date on vaccinations and has tested negative for FIV and FeLV. Won't you please consider giving this wonderful kitty the forever home she so deserves?

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Thank you to Sammy, Andy, Shelly and Mom Judi from SAS; Maggy, Zoey and Mom Ann from Zoolatry; and the Cat Blogosphere for putting on the Wordy Wednesday Challenge 2011. And special thanks to Judi for making the awesome graphic above for Kessa! :)

Our New Angel Maggie Pulls Some Strings

2011-03-11T00:01:00.006-05:00

Thank you all for showering us with so much kindness, love and support as we continue to mourn the loss of our Maggie. We've been totally amazed and overwhelmed (in a good way) by the many thoughtful comments, purrs and prayers of friends both old and new. We're sure that our Angel Maggie, whose antics always made us smile and laugh, would approve. And maybe, just maybe our sweet girl is pulling a few strings to give us all a little happiness. Because on the very same day that Maggie went to the Bridge...

...Pepper (that's her in the picture above), the spicy senior PAWS kitty who won "Best Picture" in the 2010 Petfinder "Whiskers Awards," finally found her forever home! After two years of waiting, Miss Pepper was adopted by a nice young couple who we're sure will spoil her rotten. According to our friend (and PAWS staff member) Matt, it was love at first sight. Maybe it's just a coincidence that it happened on the same day as Maggie's passing. But maybe not. After all, our Maggie always knew how to make us smile. :)

Goodbye for now, Sweet Maggie

2011-03-05T17:58:00.000-05:00

Thank you all for your love, support, purrs and prayers, which have meant so much to us.

After this week's cancer diagnosis, two very rough nights, and episodes that were becoming all-too-common, we made the agonizing decision to have our beautiful Maggie gently helped to the Rainbow Bridge this afternoon. We knew it was time -- and the look in Maggie's eyes told us she was exhausted and tired from her constant and ongoing battle. Tracey and I were with her as she passed into eternal slumber.

Maggie's absence in our house is palpable, and we are all absolutely devastated. Although we adopted our girl just a year and a half ago, we loved her so much that we can hardly remember a time when she was not here with us.

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Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here,
that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.

There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. Her bright eyes are intent; Her eager body quivers. Suddenly she begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, her legs carrying her faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together...
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Fly free, angel Maggie. We miss and love you, sweet girl, and look forward to seeing you when we get to the Bridge.

Hugs, kisses and snuggles,

Dad Kevin, Mom Tracey, and brofurs Sammy and Moosey

Not the news we wanted :(

2011-03-01T22:01:00.001-05:00

We heard from the vet this afternoon, and sadly, our sweet Maggie's tumor is malignant. This kind of cancer -- called a mast cell tumor -- is apparently not commonly found internally in cats (it is actually most often found in the skin of dogs). In the coming days, we'll be consulting with an oncologist and our wonderful vet about possible options. As we've said all along, any decisions we make will be based on what is best for Maggie, her comfort, and her overall quality of life. In the meantime, we'll all just keep loving her as always. Thank you all, and please keep those purrs, prayers and good thoughts coming.

Quick Maggie Update

2011-02-28T22:03:00.004-05:00

We spoke with the vet's office this afternoon, only to learn that Maggie's biopsy results have still not come back from the lab. Hopefully we'll have some more answers tomorrow. In the meantime, our Maggie seems to be comfortable. She's eating (and thankfully, keeping it down), and generally being her normal, loving self.

Thank you all for your continued purrs, prayers and friendship, which are a source of great strength and encouragement. We appreciate you all, and promise to keep you posted as we learn more.

Sunday Six, PBU and Maggie Update

2011-02-27T00:01:00.022-05:00

Some of the rooms at the shelter are "open" ones, wherein the cats share one common space. It's great to see them all living in harmony, and sometimes we're even lucky enough to catch a bunch of them in one picture (like this one of the gang in Room 8)! Note: if there were any birds at that window-mounted feeder, you can bet not all the kitties would be sleeping. :)

We also wanted to share that we've been selected to be the "Featured Blog of the Week" at Pet Blogs United (PBU), a really cool blog about, by and for pets and animals, and the people who love them. Please be sure to check them out. And while you're there, you can also read their post about us, especially if you ever wanted to know a little more about us and/or about PAWS, the animal shelter at which we volunteer.

And finally, a quick interim update on Maggie. Thank you all so very much for your friendship, love, purrs and prayers. They (and all of you!) mean so much to us. We are still waiting for the biopsy results, which should come back tomorrow. In the meantime, our Maggie is home and comfortable. She is on an anti-nausea medication, and is eating well and being her normal, sweet self. We will keep you posted. In the meantime, PLEASE keep those purrs and prayers coming...

Maggie Needs Purrs and Prayers

2011-02-24T17:21:00.017-05:00

Please purr and pray for Maggie, one of the three kitties who own the people at Animal Shelter Volunteer Life (i.e. she is NOT a PAWS shelter cat).

After a visit to the V-E-T today (she has been throwing up lately, and last night/this morning was particularly bad), it was determined that our sweet and sassy girl has a tumor in her belly. Her doctors should have the biopsy results on Monday, at which time we'll know what our treatment options are. No matter what happens, we will make our decisions based on what is best for Maggie, and with concern for her comfort and quality of life.

We (Dad Kevin, Mom Tracey, and brofurs Sammy and Moosey) love Maggie so much, and are hoping, purring and praying for the best.

(As you can see, we've resurrected the wonderful badge KC and ML made for us the last time Maggie was sick...)

Easy Like Sunday, Coast to Coast

2011-02-20T00:01:00.006-05:00

The cats in our family know that Sundays are for taking it easy. :)

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T12:00:00.006-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone! To celebrate, we're re-posting a short video of Garth and Valerie. These two cats met at PAWS, fell in love (don't just take our word for it ... check out the video), and were adopted together in January 2010. They are now living happily ever after in their forever home. :)

A Very Stylish Award :)

2011-02-12T00:01:00.000-05:00

We won an award! Our friends at two blogs -- Gorogoro & Nikoniko and A Cat's Golden Years -- recently bestowed us with the "Stylish Blogger Award." Thank you Goro and Niko (and their Mom), and Miss Kitty and Dad Egmont! We are thankful for your friendship, and are honored to receive this award from you. :)

The rules for the award say we have to share 7 things. Since our blog is (mostly) about the cats of PAWS, we're going to be shelter-centric in our sharing. Oh, and just in case you're wondering ... all of the cats in things 1 through 6 are available for adoption! Here goes...

1. Bella loves to play with ball point pens

2. Petunia is a quintessential lap cat

3. Gardiner is one of the friendliest cats we know

4. Patch is a shy -- but very sweet -- mancat

5. Betsy loves being held by her best volunteer pals

6. Pepper is still looking for her forever home

7. PAWS is always looking for volunteers

Finally, we're supposed to pass the award on to seven friends.

We love ALL of our blogging pals, so choosing just seven was really difficult.

Here are our seven selections:

The Adventures of Space Paws

Brian's Home

Sammy and Andy's Place

Raymond and Busby: Cats by the Sea

The Monkeys

Whisker Messages from a Church Cat

Amy's House of Cats

That's it for now. Thanks for reading, and have a wonderful weekend! :)