Update on Bootz and Houdini...

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to give you an update on two kitties previously mentioned in my blog - Bootz and Houdini:

Kevin and I visited the room of Bootz and Houdini today and were delighted to see they are making further strides in getting acclimated to shelter life. Kevin sat on the couch and Bootz hopped up next to him and laid down to be petted and scratched under his chin! Talk about a huge breakthrough ... Bootz is learning to trust the volunteers enough put himself out there in a vulnerable way. You go, Bootz!

And through the window of the room, we've observed Houdini lounging on various pieces of furniture. This is a big step for this little guy. When he first came to PAWS, Houdini wouldn't come out from behind the cat condo in his room. Then, one day he mustered up the courage to sniff some dry cat food in Kevin's hand. His next breakthrough was to reach out from behind the cat condo to touch my hand with his paw. And NOW he is coming out *even when people are present* and laying down in the center of the room. Way to go, Houdini!

In no time, both of you will be placed into very loving homes...(:

Previous post about Bootz and Houdini:

Bootz and Houdini

A dose of kitty therapy...

Okay ... I probably haven't announced the following yet in my blog, but as of March 31st I have joined the ranks of the unemployed. Although I firmly believe everything happens for a reason, there are times during my search for a job when I feel the need for little "kitty therapy." I recently had one of those days.

With my copy of the job search book What Color is Your Parachute in hand, I visited each of the cat rooms, sat on the floor with various cats, and got to know some interesting things about their behavior when a human is quiet and "just reading." For example, Kessa (mentioned in a previous blog entry) hopped up on my lap and started to lick my face. Boy, her tongue feels just like sandpaper! But she's just so lovable with those cute little fangs! Some of the more shy cats like Mercedes (see picture, taken immediately after she finished rolling around on the floor during a really fun play session), sat just a few feet away looking very pleased to have human companionship.

This is the life!

If you've ever considered doing something like volunteer work, and like animals, you may want to consider giving your time at a local animal shelter. Words cannot express how much Kevin and I get from it. And to see how much of an impact we make on these animals' lives is so worth the time we dedicate to it.

Check out little Olivia!

Olivia came to PAWS not too long ago and has already made a huge impression on all of the cat volunteers! Less than a year old, this cute-faced little girl has a super sweet and gentle personality and seems to get along with all the other cats in her room.

Bootz and Houdini

These two boys (Bootz is the black and white kitty, and Houdini is the handsome boy bedecked in orange and white) are perfect examples of cats who find the shelter to be a scary place ... at first. We're happy to report that both of these guys are making big strides and gaining courage with each passing day. It's said that "slow but steady sometimes wins the race," and despite being in a room with lots of other cats and many people coming in and out, these guys are really starting to come out of their shells. It's a testimony to the dedication of the volunteers who work with these shy cats day in and day out. It's amazing how many cats blossom with patient, gentle love and attention. In our years volunteering at PAWS, we've seen many cats who came in utterly afraid metamorphose into loving kitties whose stories have the happiest of endings -- adoptions and homes to call their very own.

Claire

Oh, how I adore this cute little black butterball of love! From the minute Claire came to PAWS, she stole my heart ... she climbed right up on my chest and gave me kisses and wanted to be pet.  Always up for a good brushing, Claire purrs from the moment the cat brush touches her fur.  She also likes a good cat bed.  This sweet, easygoing girl always makes herself right at home.  If you're looking for love, Claire's got it in abundance!

Morgan and Chandler

These very sweet litter mates came back to PAWS when their owner could no longer keep them. Morgan (the all black kitty) greets Kevin and me at the door when we come to visit him and his furry buddies in their room.  He is  also the first to lie down with us on the futon in the room.  Chandler (the black and white kitty) is the more cerebral kitty of the two, and as such, is more content to "take it all in."  He's the type of guy who likes to hang out and scope out what's going on in the world around him.  It's clear from their interactions that these gentle brothers love each other very much.

Artie

Artie - This cute 2 year old orange and white tabby is a really nice boy who came in with his sibling Ari (who looks almost identical to him). When they first came to PAWS they were very afraid but they have since settled in fine. Artie gets along with all the many cats in his room, is very gentle, and loves to play with his brother. He also thoroughly enjoys watching "Cat TV" and, as you can see from his picture, lounging on the giant bean bag-like chair.

Thurman and Kerry

 When Thurman -- an adorable white and black kitty -- first came to PAWS, he had a leg injury that required a cast.  This poor little guy had to be confined to a cage so that his leg could heal.  He could only come out under supervision, but when he did, he did so fearlessly ... exploring his room and using the cat scratcher with total abandon.  And despite the cast on his leg, he still loved to climb the lower levels of the cat tree ... he's such a little kitten! This total lovebug is now enjoying life without his cast - hanging out with all the other kitties (he loves this, by the way!) in his new room.  And unhindered by that pesky cast ... Thurman loves to explore the higher levels of the "community" cat tree!

When Kerry first came to PAWS, he had some serious eye problems and we did the best we could to fix things up.  This cute, year-old tabby has no vision out of his left eye limited vision in his other eye, but you'd never know it.  Kerry LOVES other kitties and is very playful ... he's especially fond of toy mice!  And while he can be a little shy at first, once he's gotten to know you, he's a little snuggler!  That's certainly the case with Kevin and me ... when we visit the room he shares with his kitty pals, Kerry is one of the first to greet us at the door.

Nemo and Valentino

Nemo is an adorable orange tabby with plenty of energy. He's about 8+ months old.  Although he has a neurological disorder and is a little wobbly on his feet, Nemo doesn't let it stop him!  Because of his unsteady nature, he would probably do best in a house with no other animals AND lots of carpeting and a covered litter box.  Oh yeah ... Nemo has never met a toy he didn't like ... string toys, toy mice, balls, the cat tree, and even wadded up pieces of paper ... they're all good to this guy!
Valentino - This gorgeous black and white kitty was left on the doorstep of PAWS and we can't understand why.  After all, he's an extremely sweet, gentle and loving kitty. That's why we named him Valentino.  He's about 7 years old, gets along with other cats and loves people.  He's an established lounger who is always working to perfect his relaxation techniques in warmest and comfiest spots. 

Sophia and Squeak

Sophia -- a beautiful and formerly stray cat -- is polydactyl, which means she has lots more toes than a regular kitty.  She looks like she's wearing big, fluffy mittens on her front feet!  Sophia is approximately 7 years old, and has a really sweet temperament.  Sadly, she's getting a little too accustomed to her cage at PAWS.  This gentle girl needs a home where she'll have a little extra room to move around AND lots of love!

Squeak is a unique-looking black and white kitty, who had been wandering the streets for quite a while until a kind man took her in.  Sadly, though, he was unable to keep her and brought her to PAWS.  He was devastated to have to give Squeak up, and after getting to know her, we can certainly understand why.  She an absolute sweetie who loves being pet and having her chin scratched gently.  Her rescuer told us that she loved to curl up on the couch and look out the window to watch the birdies fly by.  She's approximately two years old and has a very distinctive meow.  As you can guess from her name ... her meow sounds just like a squeak!