A mother, her babies, a busy season. J Lo gave birth to her sweet babies, nursed them, then everyone found a home eventually – except Mom. No surprise there. Mothers often languish behind in foster homes or shelters, long after they’ve seen their beloved babies off to their own forever homes. No one seems interested in adopting an adult (even if she’s only one year old!), no one seems interested in adopting a former mother, and as in J Lo’s case – no one especially seems interested in adopting a black short-haired cat. Period.
J Lo eventually came to live with us, joining our other fosters and probably really wishing she’d found a home before it came to that. She was a gentle, sweet, loving girl – with a personality that included a headstrong preference for her own choices, and a desire to live without vying for attention or territory with any other animals. Boy was she in the wrong house. But it did help her adjust a bit, widen the horizons so to speak, and she learned to tolerate the “others”‘. She was also a shy girl; very wary of anything new, hesitant about people and slow to warm up. I seriously wondered if there was any possibility of a home out there for her.
Then one day a woman walked into the adoption show, asking about J Lo. She’d read her story on the rescue group’s website, viewed her photos over and over, and wanted nothing more than to adopt her and take her home. I about hit the floor. Here was this woman, presumably of sound mind, intentionally wanting to adopt a black, short-haired, former mother, adult female. And one who was shy and not very comfortable with other pets as well! After drilling her with a million questions, it was verified that this woman was a.) sane, b.) cat-savvy and experienced, c.) fully aware of J Lo’s background, personality, and behavior…and d.) without question, seriously wanting to adopt this “seriously-adoptable” less-adoptable kitty!!
Gail completed the adoption process, purchased supplies, then took her new pet home where there were no other cats and no dogs. She named her Ethel Rose, celebrating a completely new start in life, and emailed me regularly with photos and updates. And a success story was created. Ethel Rose has flourished in her forever home, where her mom dotes on her, provides every possible source of entertainment and attention a kitty could ever dream of. Gail respects Ethel Rose’s unique and endearing personality, and has helped her overcome her timid tendencies. She seems to thoroughly enjoy the companionship and joy of living with this kitty. And it seems Ethel Rose appreciates that Gail looked beyond the details that caused others to dismiss her, and loves the wonderful life her mom is giving her.
There is a saying, mentioned often about pet adoption, one that is hard to truly understand until you witness this. There is a home for every pet – sometimes it takes awhile before it comes along, but given the chance it will. Whether it is a high-demand purebred specialty, or one who falls into the category of those that are not quickly adopted, there is a home (and a family) for every pet.
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| Ethel Rose |
Just ask Ethel Rose – I’m sure if she feels like having a conversation with you, she’ll tell you that’s absolutely the truth. She is living proof. Just don’t ask her to sing.
CindyLu says: Gail is one very smart lady! She knows us black-furred pets really rock! ^’..’^
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