Sweet and Gentle Teal

Tracey and I often wonder what leads someone to abandon a pet. We just can't imagine ever giving up our own furry children. And that's why we can't for the life of us understand why someone abandoned sweet Teal in PAWS' parking lot back in October.

This beautiful and petite grey and white tuxedo girl had obviously belonged to someone, so we're sure it was overwhelming for her to be left outside, then thrust into a shelter situation with so many unfamiliar sights, sounds and smells.

At first, Teal was extremely scared. In the "open" cat room in which she was placed, she would hide behind the couch, never making eye contact, and venturing out only to eat or to use the litter box. Despite this, it was pretty clear to us that she was an extremely gentle kitty, and we discovered that if we reached behind the couch, she'd let us pet her, and would eventually purr softly. :)

As the weeks and months have passed, Teal's confidence has grown. She still has a ways to go, but now she can often be found lounging on the couch with her roommates -- or a volunteer. She loves being pet and talked to softly. And we can always tell when she's especially content, because when she is, her little pink tongue sticks out! :)