For the past seven years now, I’ve had the privilege of fostering cats in my home. I say “privilege” intentionally – anyone who has fostered homeless pets knows the joy and fulfillment you experience as a surprise bonus. I’ve loved every single one of them, but there’s one boy who I can honestly say I’m incredibly proud to have known and fostered. If I’d had my druthers I would have adopted him. I. love. Thai.
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| Baby Thai |
Early on in our fostering experience, we took in a litter of kittens. They were barely old enough to be away from their mom; in fact, they really should have still been with her but she was nowhere around. Like most stray kitten litters, they were a combination of “breeds” – certainly not purebred, and most likely from more than one daddy. There was one little guy who was unique. He appeared to be at least partly Tonkinese. I thought it’d be cool to name him Thai.
True to Tonkinese or Siamese traits, Thai was a big talker. I’m a sucker for yappy cats. He was friendly, fun, conversational with you – and was so adorable to look at! I would have loved nothing more than to keep him with me forever. But each of the kids had fallen in love with this or that kitten (we were fostering two litters at that time) – so a moratorium on adopting any at all made the best and fairest sense.
When it came time for this litter to be up for adoption, the emails poured in for Thai. I have never had anywhere near as much interest in any other foster cat – and this may even be true for any in our rescue at all. Thai topped the charts. Everyone wanted to take him home with them. We took him to the adoption event, accepted applications, and explained to all that we would not choose the adopter until the end of the event that day. It was only fair to all who were interested.
There was one couple, out of all the applicants, that really stood out for me (in a gut-feeling kind of way). I talked with them personally; they had never had a cat but were willing to learn whatever they needed to know. Our organization requires the adoption of two kittens if they are under six months old – they walked through all available kittens, more than willing to adopt a second one. And they decided they would stay right there at PetSmart until the event was over, hours later.
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| Laura, Jeremy, Thai and Lina |
Needless to say, this couple was chosen as the adopters of Thai. I have never for one moment regretted that decision. Laura and Jeremy not only became (great) pet parents to Thai and Lina, they became friends of mine. And they, too, find Thai’s appearance something beyond incredible. They’ve entered him in contests here and there – and he’s won them, of course.
His latest trophy is Most Photogenic – in Tails Magazine. Not surprisingly. In the past, he’s graced calendars and magazines. He is an awesome-looking cat, and he has a personality to match. If you pick up a copy of Tails Magazine, you’ll find him in there this month. Cool. Go, Thai!
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| Tails Magazine, May 2012 |
With much love, proud former-foster-mom and forever fan xx
It wouldn’t be Saturday without the Saturday Pet Bloggers Hop, hosted by Life With Dogs, Two Little Cavaliers, and Nip and Bones – enjoy!
what a sweet little guy he is. and what a pleasure it must have been to have him stay with you for a while.
You guys are so special to foster all those kitties, I am afraid I would end up keeping everyone of them that came my way, then I would be called a hoarder and be arrested and then they would be fostered out again.
So bless you for your strength.
LOL That’s the funniest way I’ve heard that fear described – and it’s a legitimate one, for sure. What kept us from adopting them all was knowing how many MORE were in need of a place to stay, help finding a home. It bolsters you to say farewell when it’s hard to let go.
And he sure was a pleasure! Thank you 🙂
Thanks for watching him until we were ready 🙂
The pleasure was – and is – all mine 🙂 You guys rock! xoxo
oh this is lovely and Thai is adorable! I love to hear about Fosters finding their forever homes. My little Finn came from an amazing Foster Home. I am so grateful to them for taking such good care of him until he adopted me!
Concatulations to Thai for his recent photogenic award, it is no wonder! what a cutie.
Hi there,
Yes, tis I, Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet star, taking over my strange human’s keyboard.
Awe bless Thai and how nice to read about a ‘yappy’ ending to this tale. So pleased that Thai has gone to such a loving home. And oh my, another celebrity such as me! Arf! Arf!.
Also, before I go, my human has informed me that birthday wishes are in order for that lovely human, Kim 🙂
Pawsitive wishes and doggy kisses, Penny xx
Happy Cinco de Mayo! woo woo woo!
What a sweet little fluffikins! Oh, I can see why you fell in love, even here on the computer, I just want to pick him up and love him!
So many people talk about the sadness of saying goodbye to fosters. It’s so nice to hear a happy ending story. Thai was lucky to find such a great family.
What a cutie! I love a happy ending
What a beautiful kitty! You gave him a great start and then found him a wonderful forever home. Great job YOU did! And I’ll be sure to look for the most photogenic cat in the magazine.
Do you think it’s a coincidence that your Thai and my Ty are show-stoppers? =D
Thai is gorgeous! I am not at all surprised he has won so many contests. The magazine shot is awesome! Thanks for sharing such a happy story!
That’s great that Thai won in a lot of ways… Finding a good home, being selected for the magazine and being loved by everyone in your household. He’s a very cute kitten and he, like so many foster animals, deserve the best treatment and care. You did a tremendous job, Kim!