September 23, 2021 is Remember Me Thursday, an international event that shines a light on orphan pets, and the beauty and life-saving importance of pet adoption. And we want to share a story-in-progress about our amazing, adorable and adoptable friend Flash.
Can you imagine your life being completely uprooted in one fell swoop? Can you imagine the confusion and fear that comes from being taken from the place where you’ve known love, care and safety, and finding yourself in unfamiliar surroundings where you don’t know a soul? That’s exactly what happened to our friend Flash, after her owner suddenly passed away. For a confident cat, the adjustment would be challenging. For a shyer kitty like Flash, the challenge seemed daunting, to say the least.
It seemed daunting to all of us, too. Flash was never aggressive or angry, but it was clear she was overwhelmed and afraid. You could see she was wondering things like, “Where is my human? … Who are these other strange humans? … Who are all these other cats? … Why do I hear dogs barking?”
When Flash first arrived at PAWS, her name could have described her reaction whenever we interacted with her. As in, gone in a flash. Back in those days, this is what passed for a “good” photo of Flash. It’s not exactly terrible, but it was taken from across the room with a zoom lens, and you can clearly see she was still pretty wary. Right after this photo was taken, she ran and hid.
It seemed daunting to all of us, too. Flash was never aggressive or angry, but it was clear she was overwhelmed and afraid. You could see she was wondering things like, “Where is my human? … Who are these other strange humans? … Who are all these other cats? … Why do I hear dogs barking?”
When Flash first arrived at PAWS, her name could have described her reaction whenever we interacted with her. As in, gone in a flash. Back in those days, this is what passed for a “good” photo of Flash. It’s not exactly terrible, but it was taken from across the room with a zoom lens, and you can clearly see she was still pretty wary. Right after this photo was taken, she ran and hid.
Flash was grateful for high shelves, posts and other physical barriers, and would often peek around them at us. Physical touch was still a rarity. On a good day, she might allow us to gently touch her on the head. Anything more than that? Gone in a flash.
And that’s how it went for about 3 months. But then, in late 2020, it was like something clicked for this shy and gentle girl. It was as though she realized that the humans (volunteers and staff) here are sources of great things, like food, catnip (more on this later), playing, and even gentle brushing and petting. π
Now, when “Flashy” hears familiar voices at the door of her free-roaming cat room, she’s up and attentive. When people she knows walk in, she’s ready for some gentle petting and scritches. Got catnip? She’ll definitely be there! Had a bad day, and need something to make you smile? Yup, you guessed it … Flash is there in a flash. She also happens to get along well with other nice kitties, as you can see from this photo of her photobombing her (already adopted) friend Sunny.
Will Flash ever be a supremely confident cat? We don't know for sure. But with the amazing progress she’s made during her extended stay at PAWS, we can vouch that she is a sweet and gentle cat who is more than ready to find her true forever home. It may take a while for her to feel safe and secure, but we are certain that in a quiet home full of patience and love (and with a supply of catnip), she will be a steadfast companion for whoever is lucky enough to adopt her. Flash is about 9 years old, spayed, current on her vaccinations, and negative for FIV and FeLV. We do believe there’s a home for every cat, but that sometimes they just take a little longer to find. We look forward to the day Flash finds her happily ever after, but while she waits here at the shelter, she is loved and cherished.
There are so many wonderful and amazing pets waiting to be discovered at PAWS, and at shelters and rescue organizations everywhere. By adopting, you'll be saving TWO lives – the one of your new forever friend AND the life of the next one that can now be taken in. #SeeTheLight
We're taking part in the special Remember Me Thursday Blog Hop, hosted by our awesome friends at Lola the Rescued Cat. Be sure to visit their blog to see who else is hopping (and/or to hop along)!
Beautifully written, Kevin! And, as usual, beautiful photographs.
ReplyDeleteFlash has come a long way in her time at the shelter. She has watched cat after cat leave for their forever homes… with the help of your blog, I hope she will be next.
xxoo
Maggie
I too hope Flash finds her forever ever after. Just as Katie Isabella did with me the day she was brought out to my arms. It was as though she knew she had found her family right then and there- and she just poured out tons of love; and her having no doubt whatsoever that I was hers, made her mine Who could leave a precious cat there that showed unremitting love to you? Not me. I took one day to be sure in my mind and came back to get her. And we have lived happily and lovingly, ever after.
ReplyDeleteI am purring that Flash finds her forever home soon.
ReplyDeleteFlash reminds me of the cat I just lost - Sally Cookie . She was an owner surrender when I got her 10 years before and she was scared and needy. In the last few years she became lovey and assertive enough to stand up for herself. And a great cuddler. She is missed, but I am ol enough not to seek out another cat, as the kitty might have the same sad ending as Flash. So purrayers that Flash soon finds a furever home !
ReplyDeleteI hope this sweet girl gets her forever home soon. Thanks for shining the light on adoption. XO
ReplyDeleteSuch a precious girl, the shy ones always pull at my heart strings, my eyes are all wet and I'm sending prayres for a purrfect home for Flash.
ReplyDeleteAwww, the shy kitties always get to me, too. She reminds me of our shy little Spooky. Beautifully told story and marvelous pictures. The kitties and I hope Flash finds her forever home soon.
ReplyDeleteFlash is such a beautiful girl, and how sad her world was suddenly turned upside down. The humans at PAWS are all spectacular in working with all animals that come into your shelter. Paws crossed the purrfect human for Flash comes along soon. Thank you for joining our blog hop!
ReplyDeleteWe do pray that dear Flash gets her purrfect forever home soon, she is working so hard and surely deserves it. Good luck beautiful Flash. Thanks for joining our Thankful Thursday Blog Hop!
ReplyDeleteI hope Flash finds that perfect forever home really soon!
ReplyDeleteThis is an important day for all those in shelters, cats like Flash. We wish you were close by as we are looking for an Elder. Purrs you find your home soon
ReplyDeleteFlash has such a sweet face. I hope she soon gets her forever home.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely lady Flash is.
ReplyDeleteAnd yeah, once a kitty discovers the wonders of nip...
MOUSES!
PURRS
Great post! Flash is so lovely. We hope she finds her forever home soon.
ReplyDeleteWell done. What a precious kitty. You rock, Kevin.
ReplyDeleteHave a fabulous day. ♥
Aw, Flash, you've been there forever. Sending purrz that your big chance is coming up soon.
ReplyDeleteAwww, what a special little lady. Purrs that she finds her happily ever after very soon.
ReplyDeleteThese 3 former shelter kitties are purraying that Flash finds a furever home soon❣️
ReplyDeletePurrs & Head Bonks,
Alberto, Oliver & Lily
What a sweetheart Flash is.
ReplyDeleteFlash is on beautiful lady cat! And wow! Has she ever changed in the last months! I bet she has the bestest purrsonality! We are purraying that she finds a forever home soon and we are so furry happy that she was showcased on this special day!
ReplyDeleteWe're sending our best wishes that Flash finds her furever home soon. She is such a sweetie!
ReplyDeleteShe is gorgeous. Purrs for her :-D <3
ReplyDeleteIt's a heartbreaking story. So especially for you, sweet Flash, Extra double Pawkisses for Good Luck to find a furrever home soon✨πΎπ½π
ReplyDeleteFlash has been adopted!
ReplyDelete