A Village of Good Samaritans

Candy

They were found, along with another sister and their mother, when they were barely newborns.

Mom and babies were outside, battling the elements that only an area like Chicago metropolis in winter can offer. 

Mom had been someone’s pet, a person who had not spayed their feline beauty.

There would be no doubt that a cat outdoors during peak mating season would end up with a litter.  With no tag or microchip, there was no way to return Mom to her owner.

Then there was the weather to endure.  The girls were fortunate, they had a great mama who nourished them and protected them from the harsh weather as best she could.  Just the same, they were sick with the usual upper respiratory illnesses common in kittens from outdoors.  There was a kind Samaritan who found them and notified the local rescue group.  Then there was a kind Samaritan Couple, who took them into their home to foster.  The rescue group, Almost Home Foundation, covered all the expenses of spaying Mom and the vetting of all of them.  At this point, your average kitten would be adopted.

The first few months were difficult for them, however; illnesses seemed to plague them.  The poor babies just hadn’t had a chance to build up their immune systems.  Then the foster home was hit with a bout of ringworm, initially not showing in another foster they’d taken in and only recognized once it had a chance to spread – a typical scenario for this fungus.  The girls ended up in a vet’s office, where they were treated.  The foster home had to temporarily suspend fostering, to clear the possibilities of spreading this obnoxious, but generally not serious, germ.  Here came another kind Samaritan – the vet – who offered to hold the kittens at his office until they were fully well.  No other foster home need risk contracting what the first foster was now clearing their home of.

During these first months, many of the vaccinations the babies needed had to be suspended until they were healthy.  After the Good Samaritan Vet, they were finally up-to-date with all vaccinations, spaying and microchipping.    It had taken much longer than the standard schedule to bring them to this point.  And now brought yet another element for them to weather – finding a foster again.  They would spend a month entertaining the vet and his staff, bringing smiles to his office, before they would finally have a home again.  One sister, Licorice, found her forever home right where she had started, with her foster family.

Gumdrop

The other two, Candy and Gumdrop, came to my home when I heard about their circumstances.  There was no way I could turn my head, especially knowing they were living in an office – no matter how kind the vet and his staff, it was not a home.  And the vet had important work to do!  I’ve fostered many cats and kittens and been a proud “parent” to a few as well.  If there’s one thing I know about cats…black cats are, simply put, awesome.

Candy

If there’s one more thing I know, black cats have the cards stacked against them in this world.  If they are out on the street, they are least likely to be rescued.  If they are in a shelter, they are least likely to be adopted.  And if they are in a “high-kill  shelter”, well…guess who’s put in line first.  There are different reasons people have for not choosing a black cat, from misguided myths to the idea that the cat is “too plain”.  As for that last idea, have you ever seen the sheen of black fur as sunlight streams down upon it?

Just as with so many living things in nature, what lacks in color or “pop appeal” is made up for in other ways.  For black cats it is personality, hands down.  And so is the case with Candy and Gumdrop.

They practically ooze personalities that would melt your heart and bring endless joy to your days.   They are uber-snugglers who make your dreams at night so much happier.  They are sociable with all other pets – cats and dogs alike.  Yet, they have been in my home for a very long time…they are black, they are sisters who are so attached they must stay together, and of course now they are no longer “cute” little kittens.  Three big strikes against them for adoption.  This is what it has taken up to this point, how many kind and caring souls, for the sake of two kittens. One more Good Samaritan is needed, someone to give them a forever home.

You won’t hear me complain about fostering these sisters for their lengthy stay here, I’ve been blessed by them.  And I don’t say that just because Candy is sitting here, supervising.  Yes, she wants their story told, and explained completely.  And she wants you to know just how terrific she and her sister are, how wonderful black cats are, and how much headache you can save yourself and your home if you adopt a cat who is past adolescence!  I have to go now, she really wants some major snuggle time (or is it me?) – please spread the word that cats need to be neutered, kept indoors, and loved.  Please consider your pets’ safety and health today in the midst of holiday festivities.   Please spread the word to consider black cats and dogs. 

=^..^=  Happy Halloween!  =^..^=

And another pair of black siblings, also dreaming of their forever home…Crystal and Laser

Candy and Gumdrop, Crystal and Laser, are available through www.almosthomefoundation.org

Costumes by Whisker City @
Photography by Becky Sorrentino Studio