Easy Like Sunday - Gem

Beautiful Gem is a real sweetheart, but she doesn't always show well to potential adopters because she's shy around new people.  She's taking it easy today, and dreaming of a nice, quiet forever home and a person of her very own.

Arrghhh! It be Meow Like a Pirate Day!

Shiver me-ow timbers, fine mateys!  Today be "Meow Like a Pirate Day" on Ye Olde Cat Blogosphere!  We (Captains Moosey, Gracie and Zoe) be taking to the high seas in search of a most wonderful treasure - real-life forever homes for all of our amazing and adoptable PAWS (where we learned all of our pirate skills) kitty friends.  There be friends a plenty and a wealth of provisions - tuna, shrimps, chick-hen, ham, cheese, catnip, cat milk, temptations, and lots of toys, cat scratchers, feathers and beds - for the journey, so join us as we set sail!

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday - Getting there

Despite their initial no-hiss, no growl introduction, the cats have let us know they still have a few issues to work out.  Zoe is timid when it come to interactions with Moosey.  This is an improvement, since she was scared before.  And Gracie is protective of her sister, so it seems that getting Zoe and Moosey to be okay with each other will be a key.  Moosey is fascinated by, and curious about, his new sisters.

Gracie and Moosey on the same bed!  Zoe was hiding in the other room...

Tonight, we all had another nice hour of together (in the same room) time.  We'll take it at the kitties' pace, and know we will get there eventually.  (Sorry for the quality of the second photo, which was taken at night.)

Sweet Girl Saturday - Biddy

Do you remember our beautiful friend Biddy?

 Biddy has made incredible and amazing progress since she's been at PAWS.  Now all she needs is a forever home.  As you can see from these pictures, she enjoys people and loves nothing better than a nice warm lap and some gentle pets.

She also likes treats and is very playful (laser toys are high up on her list of favorites).  Biddy would do better in a quieter home without young children or other pets.  She's spayed, up-to-date on all her vaccinations, and has tested negative for FeLV and FIV.  And whoever is lucky enough to adopt her is going to have a best friend and lap warmer for life. :)

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Moosey, Gracie and Zoe Update:  Moosey and his sisfurs met face-to-face tonight - with no baby gate!  Gracie seemed pretty unfazed by the whole thing. In fact, she and Moosey even touched noses briefly.  Moosey and Zoe were being a little more cautious, but there was no hissing or growling by any of the three.  At one point, all of us (the three cats, Tracey and me) were relaxing in the same room.  We'll do it again tomorrow (and try to get some pictures when we have better lighting). :)

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday - Solomon

Big, gentle and handsome Solomon is waiting patiently at PAWS to meet his forever family. He hopes they come soon.

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Gracie and Zoe update: Our beautiful new house panthers are doing wonderfully.  They have met brofur Moosey through the baby gates set up on the door to their room, and tonight, they explored the whole upstairs (while Moosey was downstairs).  They both like laying on top of us, love playing (especially Gracie), and enjoy sitting in the window and watching Bird and Squirrel TV.  For his part, our sweet Moosey seems pretty calm about his new sisfurs.  We're giving him lots of extra attention, so he knows we love him just as much as we always have. :)

The Big Reveal!

Here it is!  The big announcement you've all (especially Moosey) been waiting for...

We're excited to welcome not just one, but TWO new kitties - Zoe and Gracie - into our loving home!  You've seen these sweet and beautiful sisters here on our blog before, as they've been waiting patiently at PAWS for nearly three years.  Why so long?  Maybe it's because they're older (about 12 years old).  Or maybe because they're black.  Or maybe because they don't always "show well" to potential adopters (they can be sort of reserved around people they don't know).  Or maybe because they needed to be placed together.  We're not really sure, but we know they are wonderful cats, who are greatly loved by the shelter staff and volunteers alike.

We also know they sang a MIGHTY kitty song the whole ride home.  And that they are adjusting brilliantly to living here after just one day - especially Gracie, who confidently walked out of the carrier like she's been here her whole life:

Moosey, Gracie and Zoe have already seen each other through the cat door window we have on the guest bedroom door.  In fact, you can see Moosey's cute face as he peeks at his new sisfurs through said cat door at the beginning of the video.  Their collective reactions have ranged from "meh" to "hmm, that's a cat ... sort of interesting."  We think this bodes well...

Here are some pictures of the girls, taken this morning. They look pretty relaxed, don't they?

Gracie

Gracie relaxing while Zoe looks outside

Zoe, sporting her new pink zebra collar :)

So now you know ... the surprise behind door number one is DOUBLY wonderful!  And when you combine that with yesterday's Petties announcement, it's been a very exciting weekend around here so far.  We hope you're having a good one, too. :)

An Unexpected Honor

Okay, we KNOW everyone is waiting to find out what exactly is behind door number one.  And we PROMISE we'll reveal THAT big surprise sometime this weekend!

In the meantime, Tracey and I have some other exciting news to share with you.  We found out this afternoon that Animal Shelter Volunteer Life was selected as the winner of the "Best Cause-Related Blog" category of the 2013 Petties Awards!

It was truly an honor for us just to be in the finals with three really amazing blogs about three really amazing causes -- Black & Orange Cats; Riverfront Cats; and Col. Potter Cairn Rescue Network.  And although Tracey and I really wanted to win, we certainly didn't want to get our hopes up.  So you can imagine our surprise when our little blog -- which then-unemployed Tracey started in December of 2008 -- was announced as the winner!  And our excitement over PAWS getting a $1,000 donation from DogTime Media as part of our prize.  That will help lots of cats and dogs as they wait for their forever homes!

To our friends (in person and online alike), families, and everyone who believed in us, nominated us, shared about us, faithfully voted for us, and encouraged others to do likewise -- THANK YOU.  It's no exaggeration to say this would not have been possible without you all.

Hugs, headbonks, and much gratitude,

Tracey and Kevin, Moosey, Angels Sammy, Maggie, Graphite, Bitsy and Lady Madonna, and all the cats and dogs of PAWS (And whoever is behind door number one, too. MOL!)

What's behind door number one?

Don't worry, sweet Moosey!  You'll get to see what (actually, WHO) is in that room soon enough.  And for the rest of you, we hope to give you a proper introduction - complete with pictures - sometime this weekend.  Stay tuned! :)

Easy LIke Sunday / A Short Break

As you can see, our pals Mindy, Warner and Mercedes are taking it easy today.  Kitty piles are the best, aren't they? :)

And speaking of easy, we're currently taking a short break.  See you later this week! :) 

FURever Home Friday

Guess what today is?  It's FURever Home Friday! :)

Like rescues everywhere during the warmer months (often referred to as "kitten season"), PAWS has been practically bursting at the seams with kittens.  Thankfully, several of these babies have found forever families since our last adoption update, including: Captain Kirk, Geronimo, Gunnar, Happiness and Janeway (together), Humpty Dumpty, Kent and Kenny (together), Neon, Sitting Bull and Xenon (pictured above).

And check THIS out!  Two adult cats also got in on the adoption parade!  Tilly, a sweet 10 year-old Persian who came to PAWS from a hoarding situation, was adopted just this past weekend.  And Furby, her adorable 3 year-old daughter (rescued from the same situation), also found her very own forever home recently.  To see some beautiful pictures of Tilly and Furby, check out our pal (and fellow PAWS volunteer) Maggie's awesome blog, Shelter Cats!

Be sure to TUNE IN NEXT FRIDAY (August 6), when WE will unveil a wonderful SURPRISE. We just KNOW you'll be as excited as we are! :)

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday - Pauline

This is our adoptable friend Pauline.  Isn't she beautiful?

Pauline used to be very timid, but she's made incredible progress with consistent love and attention (and TREATS) from her volunteer pals.  She gets along well with other kitties, and would do well in a quieter home.  Pauline is about 4 years old, spayed, microchipped, up-to-date on all her vaccinations, and has tested negative for FeLV and FIV.  Come meet this sweetheart today! :)

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Moosey is taking part in the annual Cat Blogosphere Trip (hosted by our friend Gracie, and going on now)!  This year's destination is PARIS!  Click here to see the adventures that Moosey and his pals from Twinkletoe Tails and his honorary family, the Cherry City Kitties are having! 

Easy Like SUNday - Moosey

Our sweet Moosey loves relaxing in our upstairs window.  The view is great, and the sunpuddles are pretty good, too! :)

Have an easy Sunday, everyone.

A Kitten Shower!

It's raining kittens!  It's been a very busy "kitten season" around these parts, so PAWS is holding a week-long Kitten Shower to help some of these babies to find forever homes.  And you're all invited!  During the event, there will be lower adoption fees, prizes, refreshments and goody bags.  Oh, and LOTS of sweet, silly and beautiful KITTENS of every size, shape and color! :)

The Kitten Shower runs from Saturday, August 23rd through Saturday, August 30th.  Click here for all the details!

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday - Patch :)

Sweet and gentle Patch is still waiting for his forever home.  Won't you give this handsome boy the chance he wants and deserves?

Black Cat Appreciation Day 2013

Today, August 17, is Black Cat Appreciation Day!

You may be asking yourself, "why do black cats even need a special day?"  Sadly, the myths, stereotypes and superstitions about black cats being unlucky or "bad" persist for many people.  Statistics certainly seem to bear this out.  Black cats are only half as likely to be adopted as cats of other colors.  And even black cats lucky enough to end up in no-kill rescues stay several months longer than their other-colored counterparts.  What a shame, because there are so many black kitties (including a bunch at PAWS) who are lucky, sweet, lovable and full of personality!  Oh, and sleek and beautiful, too, like sisters Zoe and Gracie:

 Gracie

 Zoe

We LOVE these two sisters so much.  And they love us, too (and everyone they meet)! :)

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday - Igor

Adorable Igor is the PAWS "Cat of the Week!"  He first came to PAWS from a hoarding situation, and he's finally learning that humans are okay.  Igor likes treats and catnip, and LOVES to play (he's a GREAT jumper), and the volunteers have been using these tools to help this little guy come out of his shell.  Igor gets along well with other cats, and would do better in a quiet home.  He is about 1 1/2 years old, neutered, micro-chipped, up to date on his vaccinations, and has tested negative for FIV and FeLV.  Come play with Igor today! :)

Easy Like Sunday - Moosey

Here's our own sweet Moosey, basking in a sunpuddle and taking it easy.  Have a great Sunday, everybody. :) 

World Cat Day - Colorful Kitties

Happy World Cat Day! We think EVERY day is made to celebrate the cats at PAWS, our feline friends, and kitties everywhere.  But we still like that there is an official day for doing so.

When we saw that this year's World Cat Day badge (designed by our good friend Ann at Zoolatry) says to "celebrate the COLORFUL world of cats," we got to thinking about how cats come in so many amazing colors (and shapes, sizes and personalities, too).  The beautiful and adoptable PAWS kitties are certainly no exception to this rule, as shown in this collage of just a few of them...

Aren't they all beautiful? :)

HAPPY WORLD CAT DAY, EVERYBODY!

Tai's Spa Day

This is our friend Tai.  Just look at those baby blue eyes, and that long silky white fur.  But Tai isn't just another pretty face.  She also happens to be sweet, affectionate and playful like a kitten!

And she loves being brushed, as you can see in this fun video ("Tai's Day at the Spa") we shot over the weekend:

Now that Tai is done with her spa treatment, she's ready to meet you at PAWS.  What are you waiting for? :)

Tai is about 9 years old, spayed, and current on all of her vaccinations.  She has tested negative for FIV and FeLV.

Friday Fun with Sheba!

We love seeing the transformational effects of patience and love on kitties having a hard time adjusting to life at the shelter. We recently posted about sweet Sheba, who has become a totally different kitty than the one who used to shun attention by facing the back corner of her cage.  Sheba now seeks out pets and affection whenever her favorite humans visit.  And we just discovered she LOVES interactive video games.  Check out this clip of her playing "Crazy Cat," on our Kindle Fire!

  

Sheba's high score is 851,300.  She's hoping to beat it this weekend.

Wishing you a weekend that's as fun as Sheba's! :)

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday - Ella

Here's beautiful "tree dwelling" kitty Ella,

helping show off the newly painted walls in PAWS' Cat Room One.

   

This sweet and adoptable ladycat is about 6 years old, friendly, and good with other gentle kitties.  She is spayed, microchipped, current on all of her vaccinations, and has tested negative for FeLV and FIV.

Ella is waiting ever-so patiently for her forever home.  Is that home yours? :)

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TODAY (July 31) is the FINAL DAY to VOTE for Animal Shelter Volunteer Life in the "Best Cause Related Blog" category of the 2013 Petties Awards!  Thank you to everyone who has been voting faithfully for us, encouraging others to do the same, and rooting for us in general.  PLEASE VOTE NOW for us (and your other favorite pet blogs), and invite anyone and everyone you know to do the same.  Especially since PAWS will win $1000 (which will go a long way in helping the cats and dogs who are there)! You can VOTE HERE (or click the Petties link in our sidebar). Thank you! (Note: winners will be announced by Dogtime Media in September.)

Easy (and Snuggly) Like Sunday

You don't need any milk with this Oreo!  Check out these special moments captured between Tracey and our super sweet (and adoptable) friend, Oreo, in the PAWS meeting room.

The sofa you see Tracey laying on is great, because it helps the kitties to get a feel for the kind of furniture they are sure to encounter in their eventual forever homes. :)

Come meet this sweet boy at PAWS today! :)

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PLEASE take a minute every day to help the PAWS animals!  We're a finalist in the "Best Cause Blog" category of the 2013 Petties! PLEASE VOTE DAILY for us (and your other favorite pet blogs) now through July 31 (and invite anyone and everyone you know to do the same).  Especially since PAWS will win $1000 (which will go a long way in helping the cats and dogs who are there)! You can VOTE HERE (or click the Petties link in our sidebar). Thank you!

FINALLY FURever Home Friday :)

Have you heard the mind-boggling statistic about black cats being only half as likely to be adopted than cats of other colors? And that on average, their stays in shelters are several months longer than those of other cats? We've certainly seen this time and again at PAWS with cats like super sweet Allie, who had been here since October of 2010. Allie had come very close to being adopted a few times, but until recently was still waiting and hoping for her very own happily-ever after.  Well, guess what?

BEAUTIFUL HOUSE PANTHER ALLIE HAS FINALLY FOUND HER FOREVER HOME! :)

Her new mommy (PAWS volunteer Laura) says: "Allie is doing well. She is a sweetie pie. We are so happy we got her! and so happy we are able to give her a loving home. She was introduced to the upstairs, next it will be our other 2 black kitties we have."

Much love to you and your forever family, Allie.  We are over the moon for you all!

Big congratulations are also in order for Crazy Horse, Gus, Oliver (from foster), and Peanut, who were also adopted!

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Please take a minute every day to help the PAWS animals!  We're a finalist in the "Best Cause Blog" category of the 2013 Petties! PLEASE VOTE DAILY for us (and your other favorite pet blogs) now through July 31 (and invite anyone and everyone you know to do the same).  Especially since PAWS will win $1000 (which will go a long way in helping the cats and dogs who are there)! You can VOTE HERE (or click the Petties link in our sidebar). Thank you!

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday - Mr. Daisy

OMC!  Who could possibly resist that face?  Playful, sweet and adoptable Mr. Daisy is waiting to meet YOU. :)  (Editor's note: we've received a few comments that confirm what we've already been thinking ... Mr. Daisy looks A LOT like our pal Katie at GLOGIRLY!)

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We're a finalist in the "Best Cause Blog" category of the 2013 Petties! PLEASE VOTE DAILY for us (and your other favorite pet blogs) now through July 31 (and invite anyone and everyone you know to do the same).  Especially since PAWS will benefit! You can VOTE HERE (or click the Petties link in our sidebar). Thank you! :)

Easy Like Sunday - Darcy

Friendly and outgoing (and adoptable) Darcy has found herself a nice spot for taking it easy.  All of us (including Darcy, of course) hope YOU have an easy Sunday, too. :) 

And Happy Gotcha Day at the Rainbow Bridge to our Angel Sammy.  We love and miss you always, sweet boy. xoxo
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We're a finalist in the "Best Cause Blog" category of the 2013 Petties! PLEASE VOTE DAILY for us (and your other favorite pet blogs) now through July 31 (and invite anyone and everyone you know to do the same).  Especially since PAWS will benefit! You can VOTE HERE (or click the Petties link in our sidebar). Thank you! :)

Hooray! Trouper Has Been Found!

Great news ... TROUPER HAS BEEN FOUND! :)

He's pretty dehydrated, as we are in the midst of a severe heat wave, so Cindy is on her way to the vet with him now.  Please keep those purrs, prayers and good thoughts coming, as Trouper and Cindy can still certainly use them.

To all who helped with the effort to find him -- searching, posting, sharing, purring and praying, sending positive energy, and everything else -- THANK YOU.  You're great, and we all appreciate you so much.

Hugs,

Kevin, Tracey and Moosey