Easy Like Sunday - Gracie :)

 Here's our own snuggly sweet Gracie,

getting in some final sunpuddle surfing before the new year. :)

Have an easy Sunday, everybody!

Celebrate Me Home

Christmas wishes DO come true.

Do you remember our beautiful, sweet and gentle friend Sheba?  If you do, you probably recall that the adjustment to living in the shelter was difficult and overwhelming for her.  For quite some time, she would face the back corner of her cage, not wanting to interact with anyone.  But with consistent affection and attention (and interactive cat videos!) from the PAWS volunteers and staff, this senior ladycat learned to trust and love humans once again.  It turns out Sheba is an unabashed lap cat.  And we all absolutely ADORE her. :)

As you can guess, there wasn't a dry eye in the house when Sheba's wish for a forever home finally came true this weekend.  Merry Christmas, our dear Sheba.  We love you, and are over the moon that you've found your very own happily ever after!

Also celebrating the holidays in their new forever homes are: Pauline, Tyson, Tinsel and Candy Cane (together), and Bubba!  Add these lucky kitties to those in our most recent FURever Friday post, and there's a whole lot to celebrate around here. :)

All of us here at Animal Shelter Volunteer Life wish you the happiest of holidays, and a new year filled with peace, love and joy.

Hugs and headbonks,

Kevin (meowmeowmans), Tracey, Moosey, Gracie and Zoe

Sisters Saturday (and Sunday)

Friendly, beautiful and adoptable sisters Bridget and Bjork are wishing for a home of their very own...

Bridget

Sharing the cat tree

Bjork

 Here's hoping Santa grants their wish...

A B-Day Shout Out To A Very Special Man!

Moosey, Gracie, Zoe and I would like to give a shout out to Kevin (aka Meowmeowmans) on this very special day ... his birthday!  On this day, MANY years ago (check out the candles on that cake..lol!), the doctor swatted him on his bottom and welcomed him into this crazy world. :)  We are so very happy to celebrate it with him. And we're very blessed to have so many anipals - and animal-loving friends - to share in it.

So, try to treat yourselves today in honor of this tremendously kind, caring, and giving man's birthday.

We love you!

Tracey, Moosey, Gracie and Zoe

FURever Home Friday :)

Don't you just love the phrase, "home for the holidays?"  We certainly do, especially when it's used to talk about PAWS kitties.  You've probably guessed by now that it's time for another edition of FURever Home Friday!  And you're sure to recognize some of our recent adoptees, since many of them have been featured here before.  So, without further ado, let's get this holiday party started! :)

Do you remember sweet brother and sister Rusty and Patches II?

They've found a forever home - together!

What about handsome, loveable Solomon?

Adopted and adored!

How about Archie and Tug - the gentle FIV+ mancats who met at the shelter and quickly became best friends?

Well, they're now going to be best friends FOREVER, because they've been adopted together.

What about beautiful Ella?

Adopted!

And what about playful and inseparable orange tabby brothers Lenny and Tony?

 Adopted together!

Check out the complete (so far!) list of kitties who've found families of their very own just in time for the holidays:

Archie and Tug (together)

Baroness and Binx (together)

Countess and Jessica (together)

Ella

Ghost and Ghoul (together)

Grim

Katie

Rusty and Patches II (together!)

Solomon

Tony and Lenny (together)

Wee Willie Winkie

Goodbye, sweet friends!  We'll love and remember you always.  ConCATulations to you and your new forever families. :)

Happy FURever Friday, everybody!  Have a great weekend!

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday - Snickers

This is our beautiful and adoptable friend, Snickers.  Aren't her eyes amazing?

The adjustment to living at the shelter has been a tough one for Snickers, especially because she prefers to be an only kitty.  But with attention from her human friends (PAWS volunteers and staff), she's starting to feel a little more confident, and has begun coming out of her shell.  We're pretty sure she'd do great in a home of her very own.  Snickers is about 9 years old, spayed, and up-to-date on her vaccinations.  She has tested negative for FIV and FeLV.  Won't you consider giving this ladycat the forever home she so deserves?

A Special Event for Auntie Kathy

Our Auntie Kathy, with two of her foster kitties

We rarely stray from focusing on the cats of PAWS here at Animal Shelter Volunteer Life, but this post will be an exception.  Those of you who have been following our blog for a while probably remember when our beloved and amazing Auntie Kathy lost her battle with cancer on September 2, 2012.  You may also recall we mentioned that she was a passionate animal advocate, who along with her daughters (our cousins Mari and Alysa) fostered countless kittens over the years for the Seattle (WA) Animal Shelter.

There's a special event being held this month by the Seattle Animal Shelter in honor of Auntie Kathy.  Now though December 22nd, the shelter is waiving all adoption fees for foster care animals.  The free adoption package includes initial vaccinations, de-worming, FeLV testing, a certificate for a free health exam at a local vet, spaying/neutering, and microchipping.  When considering the shelter's normal adoption fee for a kitty is $150, this is an amazing event, indeed.  To read more about the promotion, and Auntie Kathy's legacy, check out the official news release issued by the Seattle Animal Shelter.

If you are in (or near to) the Seattle area, and are looking for a new best friend, please consider adopting a foster cat (or two, or three) from the Seattle Animal Shelter.  We have no doubt that Auntie Kathy is smiling in Heaven at the possibility of so many kitties finding their very own happily-ever-afters.

The Seattle Animal Shelter, located at 2061 15th Ave. W., is open Wednesday through Sunday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. The phone number is (206) 386-7387. Foster animals available for adoption can be viewed online at http://www.seattle.gov/animal-shelter/adopt.

500 Posts on Thankful Thursday

Wow … 500 blog posts.  It always sort of surprises us whenever we reach a “milestone number” blog post. That’s because when Tracey first started Animal Shelter Volunteer Life, we never dared to imagine that our little blog would ever have such staying power or any kind of influence. Nor could we know that we would make so many amazing, animal-loving friends from around the globe.

Thank you, everyone. We wouldn’t have made it to 500 without you. Your love, support and encouragement are incredible sources of strength and joy, and we are so blessed to have you sharing in our journey, and in the stories about the amazing cats who pass through the doors of PAWS. And in the adventures of some “graduates” of the shelter - including our very own Moosey, Gracie and Zoe, and Angel Sammy (who made his trip to the Rainbow Bridge earlier this year).

We're also abundantly grateful for animal advocates everywhere, and compassionate and caring places like PAWS, where animals can wait until they find their very own forever homes.

With love and thanks, and headbonks for all,

Kevin (meowmeowmans) and Tracey, Moosey, Gracie and Zoe, and all the PAWS cats

Sunny on Sunday

This is our adoptable friend Sunny. Even though this beautiful medium-haired ladycat is still pretty new to PAWS, she's already proven herself to be sweet, friendly and playful.  Sunny is about 5 years old, spayed, micro-chipped, and current on her vaccinations.  She's also tested negative for FIV and FeLV.

Have a SUNNY Sunday, everybody! :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Gracie, Zoe and Moosey are thankful for turkey

We are thankful for so many things.

We are thankful for those who adopt shelter animals and/or take in homeless pets ... you recognize just how special these wonderful creatures are, and you've opened up your hearts and homes to them.  Thank you also to those who help shelter animals, donate time and resources, serve as fosters, care for feral cats, and/or participate in trap-neuter-return programs.  You are all saving lives.

We're also incredibly thankful for the many friends -- around the globe -- we've made through blogging.  Thank you for sharing your lives and your animals with us, for your constant support, and for sharing in our joys (and even in our sorrows when stories have less than happy endings).

There are, of course, many other things in our lives for which we are grateful. But because we love animals so much, the things above are high on our list.

Thank you all again, and for everyone who celebrates Thanksgiving ... we hope yours is happy.

Hugs and headbonks,

Moosey, Gracie and Zoe, and Tracey and Kevin (meowmeowmans)

Easy Like SUNday - Moosey :)

Here's our sweet boy Moosey, taking it easy and enjoying a Sunday sunpuddle. 

Here's hoping happiness finds you today, too. :)

Photobomb Friday :)

It's time for a Friday Photo Shoot with our pretty calico friend, Patches...

Patches: Okay, I'm ready!  How's this pose?

Patches: Hey!

Patches: Excuse YOU, Snow White!

Snow White: WHAT?

Beautiful Patches and silly Snow White are both waiting at PAWS for forever homes.  Wouldn't it be great if these wonderful girls could find their own happily ever afters in time for the upcoming holidays? :)

Truffle on Tuesday

We always enjoy visiting our pal Truffle, but she's been at PAWS for way too long.  We first posted about her in January of 2009, so you can do the math.  Like we said, she's been waiting (patiently) for way too long.

Truffle isn't exactly a lapcat, but she IS affectionate.  All of the volunteers and staff have to be careful not to trip as she weaves happily in and out of our legs.  She also enjoys being pet on the head and behind her ears, but will let you know when she's had enough.  Her coloring and markings are strikingly unique, and her fur is extra downy soft.  And she enjoys sunpuddles and playing! 

We'd be remiss if we didn't mention that Truffle does have a condition called stomatitis - inflammation in her gums that flares up every so often.  But she hasn't been on medication for a while, and is doing very well.  She is also on a wet food only diet (but that's a good thing, as it helps her maintain her girlish figure ... MOL).  Truffle is 10 years old, up to date on vaccinations, and has tested negative for FIV and FeLV.  She's also microchipped.

Won't you please give Truffle the happily ever after she's been waiting for?  And even if you can't, perhaps you can help us find her a forever home by sharing her story on Facebook, Twitter and/or other social media?  Thanks (from Truffle and all of her pals)!

FURever Home Friday! :)

We don't know about you, but it's been a long week for all of us at Animal Shelter Volunteer Life, and we're glad it's finally Friday.  What makes it even better is that it's time for another installment of FURever Friday, when we celebrate the lucky PAWS cats who have recently found their very own happily ever afters!

Do you remember handsome, playful Igor?  How about beautiful calico Kit-E?  And who could forget pretty Pewter?  They've all been adopted!

Clockwise from upper left: Pewter, Igor and Kit-E

And that's not all.  Here's the full list of PAWS cat graduates since our last adoption update:

Gladys

Gordon

Igor

Inga

Justin

Kit-E

Oliver

Oona and Kip (together)

Ooshie Ooshie

Oui Oui

Patrick and Bunny (together)

Pewter

Seth

Simba II

Willow

ConCATulations to all of these kitties and their new forever families!

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And just to make you smile even more, here's a terrific "happy tail" from PAWS alumni Peanut and her family:

Peanut has adjusted extremely well and we could not have chosen a more loving cat. Below is a photo of her right now curled up on a blanket snoozing the day away! She uses the kitty litter with no problem. Although she loves to eat and she tends to be my alarm clock in the am! Thanks for checking in on her. She is loved by all who enters our home.

Have a great weekend, everybody! :)

Easy Like Sunday - Lt. Uhura

Here's beautiful and adoptable Lt. Uhura, enjoying an easy Sunday and dreaming of exploring the frontiers of a forever home. :)

Three (Friends) on Thankful Thursday

Each and every cat - like Wee Willie Winky, Pewter and Marcy - has its own unique look, personality and story.  But every shelter cat also has a common wish ... to find a forever family of their very own.

Wee Willie Winky

Pewter

Marcy

We're thankful that there are places like PAWS, where cats and dogs are given as long as it takes to find their own happily ever afters. And where they can be loved and cared for while they're waiting.

We're also thankful for our friends The Florida Furkids at the awesome Friends FurEver blog! A few weeks ago, they had a commentathon to celebrate Mom Sharon's birthday. And guess what? OUR comment was randomly selected, so the proceeds from the commentathon went to the rescue of our choice! As you would imagine, we chose PAWS. So the Florida Furkids made a donation to the PAWS Cosmo Fund, which helps pay for medical expenses for very sick or injured pets in the shelter's care. How cool is that?  Thank you Allie, Ellie, Raz and Cubby, for being such great friends (and Mom Sharon, for having a birthday).  We love you, pals! :)

Dona Nobis Pacem

Today, we’re taking part in “BlogBlast for Peace.” Since Mimi Lenox started it in 2006, this day of peace has grown to include tens of thousands of bloggers in more than 200 countries on six continents.   Our globe features our beautiful friend Holly.  Her spirit is one of the gentlest, most peaceful ones we've ever beheld. 

Wishing peace for all beings, today and every day,

Kevin, Tracey, Moosey, Gracie and Zoe

Easy Like Sunday - Tug

Here's everybody's buddy Tug, leading the Sunday snooze-fest in Cat Room 5.

Happy Sunday, everyone! :)

Happy MEOW-lo-ween!

(L to R) Hello Kitty Zoe, Engineer Moosey and Queen Zoe

Happy MEOW-lo-ween from (PAWS graduates) Moosey, Gracie and Zoe, and all of us here at Animal Shelter Volunteer Life!

We hope everybody gets more treats than tricks this Halloween.  And that lots of homeless animals everywhere get the sweetest treat of all ... a forever home of their very own. :)

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday: Kit E

Pretty Kit E's information card does not say so, but she also happens to like human laps.  She's up to date on all her shots, negative for FeLV and FIV, and ready for her very own forever family. :)

Some Saturday (& Sunday) Sparkle

This is our adoptable and oh-so-handsome buddy, Sparkle 2.  This mellow, long-haired fellow really enjoys hanging out whenever we visit his room at PAWS.  He's friendly, sweet and good with children, but he asked us to tell you all that HE'S NOT PICKY ... he'd be just as happy in a home that only has grown up humans. :)

Even though Sparkle 2 is on a special diet because of allergies, he's got an otherwise clean bill of health. He's about 8 years old, neutered, and up-to-date on all his vaccinations.  He has also tested negative for FIV and FeLV.  Come meet him and fall in love today. :)

Wordless Wednesday - What's Up?

What do you see, sweet and pretty Patches II?

In case you're wondering, Patches II is checking out her brother Rusty on a higher level of the cat tree (before she flipped over, leaped off the tree, and raced top-speed around the room ... ha ha).  This wonderful bonded pair is still waiting for a forever home.  Need a pair of bed warmers? :)

(note: yes, there are TWO cats named "Patches" at PAWS.  Go figure!)

Easy Like Sunday - Patches

Here's our friend, Patches, wishing everyone an easy Sunday with a smile. :)

 

Pretty Patches is still waiting at PAWS for her forever home.  Come meet her today!

A Special Message from Angel Sammy :)

Hi everybuddy! It’s ME, Angel Sammy, visiting from Rainbow Bridge with a special and important message!

Did you know that today, October 16th, is National Feral Cat Day?

I happen to know LOTS about ferals, since I used to live in a feral cat colony (before I came to PAWS, where my mom and dad adopterated me from).

National Feral Cat Day was started in 2001 by Alley Cat Allies -- the amazing group dedicated to helping feral and stray cats across the nation. The people at Alley Cat Allies are also experts about Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR), where cats who live outdoors are humanely trapped and checked out medically, spayed or neutered and given their shots. Some of those cats are found to be friendly (like me!), and are put up for adoption.

Cats who are truly feral and unadoptable are released back into the areas from which they came, or into managed feral cat colonies, and nice humans feed them every day and take care of any who are sick or get hurt. And because they are spayed and neutered, the cats are less apt to fight, and don't have to deal with stresses like mating, pregnancy, and kittens being born.

I sure hope you liked my message for today!  Please consider helping the feral and strays in your neighborhood.  And tell them your pal Sammy sent you!

Hugs and headbonks,

Sammy

Easy Like Sunday - Sweet Moosey

Here's our own sweet Moosey, enjoying a peaceful, easy Sunday on his favorite ottoman.

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Moosey and his new sisters Gracie and Zoe are still getting used to each other, but definite progress is being made.  This week's face-to-face meetings have been going well, aided greatly by yummy chicken and lots of petting and praise. :)

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We're featured this week over at the awesome Pet Parade!  Thank you, Rascal and Rocco (and Mom Leah)!  Check out all of the fun here!

Happy Sunday, everyone!

Catching up on Awards (Finally!)

We're always incredibly honored whenever our blogging friends give us an award.  Which is why we feel terrible about being so far behind in posting about the ones we've received in 2013.  We're so far behind, in fact, that we've created this collage so that we can express our gratitude to those who were kind enough to bestow us with these awards.

(biggify to better see the awards)

Here are the awards we've received this year, along with a little something about each of our friends who gave them to us (clockwise, from the upper left hand corner):

The Reality Blog Award and the Very Inspiring Blogger Award, both from Oz the Terrier.  Oz is a Cairn terrier from South Florida, who was rescued from a puppy mill. He is a good pal, and a master at crafting limericks.  He was also a finalist for "Funniest Blog" in this year's Petties Awards!

The Illuminating Blogger Award, from Purr-sonally Speaking and The Kitties' Blog.  Purr-sonally Speaking is written by our friends Trixie and Caspurr, a wonderful pair of kitties who live with their mummy in Jerusalem, Israel.  We were also friends with their angel brother and sister, Possum and Pixie.  The Kitties' Blog is about our pals Rudy, Buster and Sam from Ohio.  We first met them through their mom, Cindy, and her beautiful blog called Art, Books, Tea.

The Super Sweet Blogger Award and the Dragon's Loyalty Award, both from the super sweet and loyal Kitties Blue (their terrific blog is called The Cat on My Head).  They live in Roanoke, Virginia, and there are EIGHT of them: Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo!

The Copper Sun Team Readership Award, from both Twinkletoe Tails and Thoughts and Mewsings of the Cat from Hell.  These are two of our bestest blogging buddies.  Twinkletoe Tails is all about the fun adventures Oui Oui, Mica Minnie Moo, Julie and Carl have at their house in Maryland, with occasional appearances by The Girl and The Mom (who we got to meet in person at BlogPaws!).  And beauteous Siamese cat Nellie (aka the Cat from Hell), is a former rescue cat from Canada.  We think she is actually NOT so hellish.  Nellie is always so kind and thoughtful, and we love her, her brother Kozmo and sister Jo-Jo, and their hairy, slobbery (dog) sisters Cinnamon and Bob.  

The Why I Love Thee Award, from Mewsings of Garden Cottage Cats.  These kitties - Sunny, Angel Penelope, Gabriel, Lorelei Avalon, Larry, Ana, and Aurora Rose Avalon - live with their Mom and Dad, who have the most beautiful and enchanting garden!  They are wonderful friends who visit our blog often, and always with such kind words.

The Shine On Award, especially for Gracie and Zoe, from their honorary sister Willow at the Cherry City Kitties.  Willow and her brothers Harry, Dexter and Tipp live in Traverse City, Michigan, and are Moosey, Gracie and Zoe's official honorary sister and brothers!  When our Angel Sammy went to the Rainbow Bridge, Harry, Dex and Tipp didn't want Moosey to be lonely, so they asked if they could be his honorary brothers.  And then, their mom and dad adopted Willow, and Gracie and Zoe came to live with us.  So now all the kitties have LOTS of honorary brothers and sisters! Dexter and Willow are also in the Tabby Cat Club with Moosey. :)

Thank you again to our thoughtful friends who gave us these awards.  We are sorry it took us so long to post about them, and hope you will forgive us!

Have a great weekend, everybody. :)

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday - Buddy

Buddy is another of our friends for whom the transition to shelter life has been difficult. But love and kindness are powerful tools, and this mancat is gaining confidence and learning that the PAWS volunteers and staff are A-okay.  He and I had a real nice time hanging out last weekend!

We have no doubt that Buddy would absolutely blossom in a forever home.  This handsome dude is about 9 years old, neutered and up to date on all his vaccinations, and has tested negative for FIV and FeLV.  He'd do best in an adult-only home, and could be perfect for a retiree. :)