Jolie came into our life at the end of September and we have loved her from day one! She is a quiet little one but over the last few months she has blossomed both in spirit and in size! She is getting fluffier by the day and more playful. Her most recent 'game' involves dipping her paw into a glass of water. She slowly dips in one paw - withdraws it and then dips in the other! This keeps her amused for a very long time! She continues to enjoy sitting at our feet and playing with her favorite mouse toy and she is always thrilled when new people come to visit.
Even though we have only had her a few short months, we cannot imagine her not being in our lives. Thanks to Toni and Lynn for taking such good care of her in 'the early months' and to Brenda from the MEOW Foundation for working with us to find the perfect new addition to our family!
Amy and Byron
Myra
December 10, 2006
Hi to the MEOW Foundation
Myra has settled into her new home as if she was always here. Away from all those annoying cats, she is very gentle and sweet. She can be touched anywhere and is fine with being carried around. No more of the bitey stuff.
She is perfect. She has good manners so she is clean and even likes to scratch on her cardboard scratching post. She has already let me know that she likes to drink out of the bathroom sink. She sits on the vanity and calls me to turn on the tap. She is affectionate but not too much. She will sit on the recliner with me or follow me quitely from room to room just to see what I am up to. Right now she is on the spare bed because I am at the computer. She has her place staked out on the couch as well as her place on my bed. Just as I wished, she sleeps with me.
Myra
I cannot believe that this jewel was not snapped up the first day. ... Be assured that she is happy, well cared for and loved very much. She will remain safely indoors.
Thank you for letting me adopt Myra
Cheers
Debbie
Grace (left) and Cribber
December 10, 2006
Dear MEOW,
Well it’s now been official for some time - Grace (MEOW name Mynx) is ours, or rather we are hers! Earlier in 2006 we lost two of our special friends, OJ and Ziggy to old age (22 and 21 yrs) and it was a really hard adjustment for us, especially for our youngest cat Cribber. Cribber would cry each day, be very clingy and throw up more often than not. He was grieving along with Brian and I.
We knew that we would like to adopt another cat and then came a little bundle of shyness – Grace. Being the shyest of litter, as we were told, Grace was really freaked out the first day at our home. She hid under the covers and shook and trembled each time we came near. Then by the second night something changed - we let her out and she met Cribber, and let me tell you our house has not been the same since.
We have since seen a beautiful change in our Cribber, who is in love, like us, with beautiful Gracie May (a nickname we call her, also Gracie Mew). Just last night Cribber washed Grace from head to toe. She has taken our hearts, gladly by us, and changed our lives. Having a shy cat has been the best thing to ever happen to our family. She is precocious, cute, loves paper, and has given Brian and I many laughing sessions. Cribber is swept up as well and loves plays 'Indy 500' with Grace around the house.
Thank you to MEOW Foundation for matching us up with Grace. We wouldn’t want any other cat, she is our little girly mew. Enjoy the pictures of Cribber and Grace.
Yours truly,
Brian and Tammy
Samantha
December 8, 2006
Dear MEOW,
Thought I'd pass on this photo of Samantha (MEOW name Wendy), our MEOW cat (adopted in April of 2005) in her new(ish) home. She loves to play in the kids' toys as you can see here. Maybe she thinks she's the king of the castle (actually, I know she thinks that). She's enjoying her new home and we're enjoying her. Right now she's getting into trouble with the Christmas tree.
Thanks to the staff and volunteers at MEOW for their love and compassion.
Susan
Cashew and Peanut
December 4, 2006
Dear MEOW,
I just wanted to update you on how Cashew and Peanut (MEOW name Kibbles) are doing. I'm so glad that I adopted both of them; they are so much fun together. I am absolutely in love with my boys!!! I can't even imagine having any other two cats.
Cashew and Peanut
Cashew is a little cuddler. I can't lay on the couch or get on the computer without him sitting on my lap. Peanut is my "stealth" cuddler. He wants to curl around my head on my pillow only while I sleep. Cashew is extremely vocal and lets me know where he is at all times. Peanut only talks to me when I talk to him. They both love their toy mice, flipping them in the air and then leaping after them ... it can amuse them and me for hours!
Thank you MEOW for the new loves of my life!
Sincerely,
Jill, Cashew and Peanut
December 4, 2006
Dear MEOW,
Happy Holidays from Ben (MEOW name Tait). Hope you all have a wonderful holiday season.
Thank you so much for bringing this wonderful boy into our lives. He adapted to his new surroundings instantly - like this has always been his home. He loves lounging around the house in his kitty bed or on the chair in the living room that is now just known as "Ben's chair." He always looks absolutely adorable taking a nap while lying on his back with all 4 paws up in the air. This guy sure has a lot of character and we are so glad to now have him as a part of our family.
Take care,
Cheryl, Shane and Ben
Beauregarde
December 3, 2006
Dear MEOW,
Just dropping a line to let you know that Beauregarde is doing just lovely. As you can see he had no problem getting comfortable in our home. Kaos had a little bit of attitude, but now they are the best of buddies. They create quite the ruckus when they are charging through the house.
Beauregarde still likes to nuzzle in your neck. He also likes to jump on things to be close to you. Both cats like to sleep on our feet, but Beau also likes to be by our heads. So now we have two cats that rule the bedroom. (We need a bigger-than-king-size bed.)
Beau is absolutley adorable and were overjoyed to have him in our family. He was meant to be with us as we were meant to be with him. It’s amazing how quickly you find never-ending love within a precious cat. Hope all is well with the MEOW Foundation and staff, it was our pleasure to adopt Beau.
Thanks to Tina as well as she matched us up with the purrfect cat.
Sincerely,
Dayna and Richard
Dax
November 30, 2006
Dear MEOW,
I wanted to thank you for introducing us to Dax (MEOW name Ice Cream) and for making our adoption of him smooth and great. He is the best little addition to our family. I wanted to share with you who he is growing up to be and I have also enclosed some pictures. Dax keeps us on our toes and brings smiles to our faces everyday. He loves cuddles and being petted and he dotes on Jade (our other cat) all the time. He loves her and loves being wherever she is.
Dax grooming Jade
Dax is a little shy when people come over but warms up fairly quickly. He's the one that gets into all sorts of trouble and makes us laugh, usually at him. He is getting to be a big kitty but we kind of figured that since he was a kitten from the size of his paws. He is such a great cat and we are so happy that he is part of our family.
Thank you very much,
Jennifer
Vegas
November 21, 2006
Dear MEOW,
Vegas (MEOW name Boyce) is absolutely perfect for us, and I like to think that we’re perfect for him. First off, he is a very healthy boy. Getting longer, gaining weight nicely, and boy, does he love to eat!! Have I mentioned that his tail is huge?! I swear it’s another animal on its own!! He’s lost all of his baby teeth. We’re still dealing with some ear mites though, so I’m going to have to bring him in to see the doc again. Those mites are stubborn. I’m cleaning his ears out every night, and it’s getting better, but still not gone. Rest assured, I will have that fixed up quick as a wink. Vegas is an absolute gem, doll and treasure, all rolled into one. He is so incredibly loving. He just loves his people so much – it’s too cute!! He’s so funny to watch, because he just doesn’t know what to do when we are in separate rooms. He is very fair though. He’ll spend a couple of minutes with me, and then a couple of minutes with Darren, and he keeps going back and forth. It really is so cute to watch!! He is definitely a people kitty. He just follows his person around, and for the most part, his favorite person is me. And he’s a flopper. If you’ve stopped moving for more than 5 seconds, he flops right down by your feet if you’re standing. If you’re sitting, he flops right down beside, between, or on top of you, depending on his mood.
Everyone gets along, though only Elmo will groom him. As I’ve said before, Elmo just wants a friend. I think Vegas is working his way up to that – he just needs to get the people love out of the way first. They will play wrestle too, which is way too cute, because Vegas is the aggressor. Have I mentioned that Elmo is a suck?! Funny thing is, Elmo and Zoey have actually curled up together twice in the last week. That was a head turner!! I had to look twice to make sure she was laying with him, and not trying to suffocate him. I’m hoping one day that all four of them will curl up together, and all we see are paws and tails.
He honestly is so perfect, and we marvel at his affection every day. We count our blessings every day for him as well, and know that we are an extremely lucky family to have Vegas in our lives. Thanks to you again for bringing us all together!!
Maureen and family
Reena and Thea
November 18, 2006
Dear MEOW,
I just wanted to thank MEOW and let you know how Reena and Thea are doing. I met these lovely girls at the Triwood Adoptathon and it was love at first lick! Yes I said lick ... Thea (Tia) loves to lick your face ... sometimes too much. I think she might be part dog, she loves the toilet and the shower! She is such a sweetheart and the Princess of the household. Reena is dainty Angel who loves and gives constant affection. She is inseparable from Tia, they are always cuddling and grooming each other, they are the best of friends and loving sisters. When they arrived at my home they settled right away; they weren't scared or timid; they knew they were home. Thank you MEOW, I love my new babies!
Kim
Coco (b/w) and Jasmine (tabby) - all grown up now
November 16, 2006
Dear MEOW:
It has been two years since we adopted Jasmine (MEOW name Jo Jo) and Coco (MEOW name Zelde). Although I wrote to you just a few months after we adopted them, I feel it necessary to send you another note. When our precious Dexter died, it was so heartbreaking. I didn't think I was ready to take on two new pets when we started investigating the MEOW Foundation, but my husband was ready so I gave in.
I have not regretted that decision once. These two little souls have filled our lives with so much fun and laughter and love. Coco is an absolute card! She loves to run and play ferociously, dragging Jasmine into her games whether she wants to participate or not sometimes. Jasmine is a cuddle-bum. So soft and warm. I've never seen a kitty with such beautiful fur as our Jasmine.
Anyway, just wanted to say thanks again. I was just registering our little munchkins for the cat license so I had out their paperwork from MEOW which triggered some warm memories of your wonderful shelter.
Keep up the good work.
Sincerely,
Deneen, Jim, Coco and Jasmine
Hobbes and Crookshanks in their favorite cuddle spot
November 14, 2006
Dear MEOW,
I would just like to say how happy I am these days in my new home. My big brother Crookshanks and I spend our days playing, cleaning each other, or curling up together on a chair for a nap. Our people play with us all the time and I just LOVE to jump. The other day, I must have jumped at least 5 feet, with a back flip!
Crook tells me he is so much happier with me around, since he doesn’t get as lonely during the day while our people are out. I would have to say that we are both happy kitties!
Thanks for all of your work!
Laddie (now Hobbes)
Bingo (top) and Indy
November 12, 2006
Dear MEOW,
My new name that my family gave me is Bingo (formerly Mr. Bill) and I wanted to write to you and tell you how happy I am in my new home with my new family - my human parents, my human brother and my big kitty-sister.
I was a shy cat. I would hide away so no one could come close to me. If anyone did manage to get too close for my comfort, I would make my very bestest scary face and hiss at them. Thankfully they would always give me the space I needed and not be upset at me. I think they knew I was just scared.
They were really nice and gave me my own room to stay in – my safe place they said. I had a brand-new litter box, lots of food and water, a little window where I could get some fresh air and watch the birds and squirrels outside. I had a kitty bed and tons of toys to play with. It helped me to adjust to all the sounds and smells of my new home, without getting too spooked.
My new family would come by and check on me and see if I wanted to play or socialize. My kitty-sister, Indy, came by to sniff at my door too, but mostly I just wanted to hide under the bed. I was even too scared to eat for the first day and a half. But then my hungry tummy overcame my fear and I finally ate a whole bunch of food. That and the fact I had used my litter box seemed to make my family really happy.
The first couple of nights my family would come into my room quietly, and while I was hiding under the bed they would take turns softly reading stories, they said it was so I could get used to their voices.
Bingo with wand toy
A couple of nights after I arrived they left my door open. I could hear them talking quietly downstairs and I was really curious about this new place. I managed to work up the courage to venture out of my safe place. I started by peeking through the banisters to see what I could see and they just kept their distance and smiled and talked sweetly to me. Then they brought out colourful wand toys, which I couldn’t resist playing with. They would also reach out their hands to me and let me come to them, so I could see that they were gentle and weren’t going to force anything on me.
Slowly I started to explore my new home. I was still really nervous and the house seemed very big to me. They were careful not to startle me when they walked and to not make loud sudden noises. I was more comfortable playing with them now, I would chase strings and toy mice and wand toys.
One day my mom and I were playing with a string and she was running it up and down a scratching post and when I wasn’t looking she would lightly pet my back. I was kind of freaked out at first, but I was so fascinated with the string game that I wanted to keep playing. I would stop playing, not sure if I should allow it, then I kinda of enjoyed it, so I would start playing again, and she’d start petting my back once more and before I knew it I found that I really liked it a lot!! Now I can’t get enough!!
Since then, I have become a super affectionate kitty. I love being petted, having an ‘ear scritch’, and I especially love kneading my human family, and sleeping on top of them, or touching them. I love cuddling and nuzzling and playing. My mom says I am the most affectionate kitty she’s ever come across, which makes me happy because I wasn’t sure if I could be comfortable with humans. But I surprised everyone, and it only took me a little more than a week to become a lap cat!
Now, my big kitty-sister and I chase each other around the house all the time, we wrestle and sneak up on one another. It’s great fun and we wear ourselves out! We especially love climbing and jumping and playing on our great big cat tree. I love to nuzzle and snuggle with my human dad and big brother, too. They are all so kind and gentle and patient with me and they give me lots and lots of love and affection and they play with me all the time.
I am so grateful I was given a chance to be a part of a loving home, even though I was very shy at first. My new family had faith in me and now I am a happy, secure, safe and much-loved and adored kitty. Thank-you MEOW Foundation!!
Bingo
Cassie
November 11, 2006
Dear MEOW Foster Mom:
I just wanted to check in and say hello. I am comfy and cozy here in my New Place. I am still a fraideycat but I am starting to come out of my shell a bit. I'll even come out and headbutt New Mom a bit, but if she stands up or moves around, then I still get a little spooked and go back to my hidey hole.
I switched food brands without the slightest bit of tummy trouble, and I make all sorts of racket with my rattle ball and my mice with bells on their tails. I don't talk much though - only when I'm a little apprehensive about what's going on - although my purr does have a bit of "voice" in it. New Mom made a poster of me for MEOW and so I'm sending you a copy. I like it; I hope you do too.
Thank you for all the great care you gave me and for getting me ready for a loving home. I hope that you and Cerise are doing well. Please give her some pets for me.
Love, Cassie
Pansy
November 11, 2006
Dear MEOW Foundation,
I just wanted to update you on the kittens we adopted on May 31/ 04 named Pansy and Jimima (now Luna). The girls are doing great and have a new little brother now - Seth. We adopted the kittens after losing our daughter’s cat, Ariel. She was devastated when Ariel died and wanted a new kitten that didn’t look like her but when she saw Pansy it was love at first sight. And with two old cats already in the home, we felt that this would be a better adoption of a pair so they would play with each other and hopefully be bored with two old ladies.
I wanted to show everyone what happens when a kitten is loved and cared for - how dramatic the transformation can be. When we adopted the twins I couldn’t help but laugh at Luna. I have never seen such an ugly baby photo! But look at how beautiful she has become.
Luna's ugly baby photo
Luna
When we first adopted the girls, they were very shy but had each other to lean on for comfort. They spent the first 4 months of their life with us in the master bedroom and ensuite as we adjusted the rest of the family to two new babies. We had two older cats named Nala (then 9) and Mira (then 15) who needed a bit of time to adjust to frisky kittens. Those first few months with the twins were wonderful – they were so full of energy and into everything. I swear we had to put pillows everywhere for them to land on. How many times can you fall off a bed!?
After a few months the hissing stopped between all and the twins were allowed to venture out into the house but, being twins, they learned quickly that two are better than one when playing and quickly ganged up on the old girls. We couldn’t let them out at all at night as they got into sooo much trouble with plants, birds, cupboards, toilets, etc. etc. etc. One would serve as the lookout while the other one would get into stuff and then they both would high tail it out of the room hopefully before they were discovered. And forget the water treatment – they love water. After 2.5 years with them, we still need to keep all the water dishes in the bathroom sinks or they will be flipped and danced in! And don’t dare leave a glass full on the table ... or the toilet seat up or they will swim in there. You get the picture!
We lost Mira 6 months after the adoption but she loved the kittens from the second week and her last few months were snuggled with a baby. We got a new baby brother for the twins this summer and they love him to pieces. He was at the Humane Society because he was too much work for his previous owner but with three big sisters to care for him now, life is good!! Luna likes to share the loveseat in front of the fire with him and groom him. The newest game is to drag around a toy on a string so that he will chase them. I have never seen a cat play with another cat by wiggling a string! Or they drop a ball down the stairs for him to fetch.
My daughters are 16 and 14 and are virtual schooled and if you can picture their “school room” with desks, computers - and pillows on each desk for kitties and a cat in each lap. Now that is how to go to school! Thank you for all the joy you have provided for our home.
Shelley
Blossom (on bottom) and Halo
November 11, 2006
Dear MEOW,
We adopted Blossom (we kept her MEOW name) this past year, as a shy kitten. We wanted to update you on her progress and let you know that she is doing great. Her best friend is Halo, our 6-year-old male cat. They love to chase each other, play with their toys together and then most of all they love to cuddle up on our living room chair or in one of their MEOW beds. Blossom still does not like to let anyone close to her for pats, unless you are laying down then she feels brave enough to come to you. She loves to talk and she can get quite loud when she wants something, which we find comical. Blossom is still not sure what our rabbit, Clover, is exactly, and she tends to be curious about our dog, River, but not curious enough to play with her. Blossom purrs louder than any cat we have ever owned and she is with us each night purring away on the foot of our bed as we fall asleep. We wanted to say thank you MEOW for bringing her into our lives.
From Renae and Phil
Milo and Bailey
November 7, 2006
Dear MEOW,
After my beloved Beeg passed away July 26 at 13 years of age, I was devastated. As well, I realized that my home was not a home unless it had a feline in it. Since I had two cats before, I decided that the best place to find two more would be the MEOW Foundation as I had volunteered there and saw how the right cats found the right homes.
I was told by a wise soul before going to the MEOW shelter that the cat picks you and that was so true. Bailey (MEOW name Scampy) managed to wrap himself inconspicuously around my legs as I was looking at other cats, staring up at me with those smart eyes. I was looking for a shy cat as I had worked with cats at the shelter. I saw how they are so full of love and just want love in return. I knew I had a lot to give back so Milo (MEOW name Marcellus) fit the bill.
After I knew Milo was coming home with me I knew I needed a companion for him. After searching the shelter again Bailey just popped into my head, those smart eyes. Bailey (6 months), Milo (2 1/2 years old) and I started our journey on October 2, 2006.
The first month Milo was under the bed, swatting if I got too close, not sure who or what I was. Treats were his testament to the fact that I wouldn't hurt him. Some pets with a fuzzy object, play toys and soon he was coming out from under the bed in fits and starts. After one month of staying under the bed Milo is now out from under the bed, loves giving kisses, loves giving rubs and getting them, is a great companion to Bailey and proves again that he always had it in him. He just needed some patience and love and he would feel safe.
I want to thank the MEOW Foundation for being the great source of happiness to so many cats, kittens, and people like myself. Each day I look at my babies I am grateful for the life they are giving me and that they are at last happy and content.
Take care!
Laurie, Milo and Bailey
Note: Milo was a very difficult, fearful and aggressive cat when he first came to MEOW. MEOW volunteer Karen worked with him extensively to socialize him for his new happy life.
October 31, 2006
Dear MEOW,
Just wanted to tell you that Fudgie is so happy to have BlackJack as a big brother. He spends his days following BlackJack around and copying everything he does. He cries when BlackJack goes outside on his harness and leash, and BlackJack hates it that Fudge won't go with him - so much so that he'd rather stay inside most days!
He still has a problem with being a scavenger and we have put baby locks on the cupboards so he doesn't get into our food (like cereal). He still goes totally bonkers every time we feed him.
He likes to dump out his toy box as soon as I fill it up and he loves to drag string all over the house. We made him a little house out of cardboard boxes and the two of them somehow cram themselves inside and play "run in and out of the cat house" at top speeds.
They have decided that night time is for sleep so no more late nights of tag are going on here (just all day).
He hasn't grown too much bigger - he has filled out though and is a very solid little guy.
He doesn't run and hide from strangers (once I tell them to be quiet and bribe him with treats).
Two weeks ago, he finally started purring when I pet him. He always purred in the kitchen (before I fed him) but now he will purr whenever I give him a a good scratch. It's a breakthrough! He is finally totally comfortable with us!
We love him so much!
Marnie
Cooper's first day
October 30, 2006
Dear MEOW,
When we adopted Cooper (MEOW name Soren) just over a year ago we had no idea what a wonderful gift we'd been given. My cat Rusty had gone missing and months of searching for him went in vain. Shortly after that my other cat Magnum passed away from old age. To ease the pain my husband brought me a beautiful abandoned little kitten we named Spencer and we thought it was very important that he grow up with a brother as my other two cats had. Shortly after we adopted Cooper someone with a very big heart returned Rusty to us and our family became even bigger but with more than enough love to go around. Cooper was more than happy to play big brother to Spencer who was much smaller in stature than him. He had no problem letting Spencer practice-wrestle with him, but was always ready to let him know who was boss.
Cooper and Spencer
Cooper has such a gentle nature about him. He never misses a chance to let Rusty, our oldest, know he loves him - whether it's a gentle nudge, a bath or just a nap nearby. He also shows his playful nature when chasing our greyhound Rommie's tail and shows no fear when confronted with a playful growl from him ... in fact, I think it eggs him on even more as they chase each other back and forth across the room.
The relationship he's formed with his little brother is amazing - two peas in a pod and hardly ever separated from one another. He took Spencer under his wing, showering him with love and affection and even trying to keep him out of trouble as little kittens are in the habit of getting into (the introduction of the Christmas tree was a real adventure). He loves to cuddle and constantly chases us around the house looking for a lap to drape himself over. The minute you sit he's on top of you looking for a little love and attention. He's also very vocal and constantly chats with everyone and anyone who is willing to listen, no matter how late or early it is.
Cooper has grown in to a giant cuddly marshmallow, thank you so much MEOW for giving us the opportunity to shower our little man with love and affection.
Thanks,
Phaedra, Bruce, Rommie, Rusty, Cooper and Spencer
Cooper exhausted after Christmas
Cooper and pals enjoying their MEOW beds
Harbl
October 23, 2006
Dear MEOW:
It's been around 2 months since I've adopted Harbl (MEOW name Chatelaine) and I thought I'd share some of our exploits.
January this year, my cat of 15 years, Rina, died of diabetes. Determined not to let the same fate happen to Harbl, I've taken a more disciplined approach to raising her. She has a fairly regular and strict diet, no table scraps, and some time each day to work out. For a while we played a game I called "throw fluff balls at the cat" where I'd pitch a fluffy cat toy at her, and have her chase it around my apartment. After a while though, all my fluff toys were demolished as she is such a strong, powerful kitty - a mouser at heart. So now we play games of "catch the mice", as I throw mice toys around the apartment and get her to chase them.
She's an incredibly smart cat, picking up on what not to do as soon as the "Spray Bottle of Discipline" comes up; one spray is all it took and she's never clawed at the door, jumped on the stove, or scratched my furniture. Her intelligence is equally matched by her beauty, which all my family members and friends really admire with her.
Last, I want to share some advice with 1/3 of cat owners who have a cat but are allergic to them. When I first got Harbl, I had terrible allergies - sore throat and runny nose. When I interacted with her, my allergies would flare up right away; after the first night, I had to keep her out from my room, because the symptoms were so bad. After some research, I discovered that allergies are sometimes described as a "spill over" affect - whereby people have a tolerance to an allergy up to a certain point and beyond that, it's game over.
I had just moved into my apartment and lived there for 3 days before I got Harbl; but only after I got her did I have any symptoms. The lady who lived in my apartment before me had 2 long haired cats, and it was in the middle of summer. I tried doing a lot of stuff, but these are the things I think were the most effective:
I bought an Air Filter (non-HEPA type, but 99.4% effective) and ran it continuously
I kept her out from my room
I take a natural anti-histamine bioflavonoid called "Querciten"
I vacuumed the carpet in my apartment religiously
I waited.
My allergies to Harbl have almost completely subsided, and I play with her and let her sleep on my bed. I think I developed a tolerance to her, as I have no more problems; hopefully this story will help people with cat ownership.
Nicholas
Harley: "I've found my happy place!"
Bailey so content!
October 19, 2006
Dear MEOW:
We just wanted to update you on how Harley and Bailey are adjusting to their new home. They are such a treat!
Bailey (MEOW name Fez), of course, is totally at home. His favourite place to sleep at night is in bed with Ron and me. He is so sweet. He is a cuddly little guy who gets those "kitten mischievous eyes" right before he goes racing through the house with a ball firmly planted between his teeth.
Harley (MEOW name Bjornar) is not so shy - don't let those big eyes and that calm demeanour of his fool you. He loves to hang around us and keep us company. He wants to see what we're doing up close and personal. Right now, he's sitting on my desk watching me type this e-mail. He's even taken to curling up on Ron's lap for cuddles - can you believe that! He's also been known to jump into bed with us during the night.
The two of them together are awesome. They play like crazy and then cuddle up and give each other baths. They tear through the house like they own it - which they now do!
Thank you again for "the boys" - we love them to pieces!
Sincerely,
Tracey (and Ron!)
Hibou
October 14, 2006
Dear MEOW,
I am writing to thank you for bringing me together with the guy who is now my best friend. You were kind enough to introduce us back in February of this year. ‘Callebaut’ has been re-christened Hibou and has a nice new condo all to himself. Although we got on really well from the start, we’ve been really bonding since August. I think it took us both a little time to get used to each other and our new routine. Now I don’t know how I survived without him.
Hibou is a very easygoing guy, although very picky about his toys. The only things that will do are a string on a stick, or a peacock feather. He doesn’t like people food, but has been known to make a grab for the ice-cream if a bowl it is left out carelessly.
I’m sure you’ll be pleased to know that he is still a Houdini. He can open all the cupboards, closets and doors in the place, including the large sliding mirrored closet doors. The only thing that keeps him from walking out the front door is the deadbolt, which he can’t reach (thank goodness).
I know both he and I are much happier now that we are together. It’s great to know that I’ve got a reliable pal to head though the next decade or so with.
Thank you so much,
Keith and Hibou :)
Riley
October 13, 2006
Dear MEOW:
It’s hard to believe that it’s been a year since I adopted Riley (MEOW name Krity).
She is doing great and loves running around, bouncing off walls, hiding under my comforter and watching the birds fly by my 7th floor condo. She is very curious of most things, especially any groceries I bring home or anything in a bag for that matter.
Although she is still very timid of strangers, she is learning that not all humans are scary and to give them a chance. I’m not sure what kind of life she had before I adopted her but I know she is now happy and safe.
Each day when I come home from work, there she is at the door waiting for me. She runs into the living room, flops onto her back and waits for me to get her brush for her daily rub down, which she loves.
Riley pretty much runs the house, as she tells me when she’s hungry, when it’s time to play and when I’ve been at the computer for too long! (she jumps up beside me and nudges me with a meow).
Although I don’t believe she will ever be a lap cat or like being held (I still try every once in awhile) she is very affectionate but on her own terms of course.
I am very happy I adopted her as she has added a lot of happiness and laughter to my life.
Thanks, Susan and Riley
Asia - nicknamed AsiaBelly as she loves to have her tummy rubbed
October 11, 2006
Dear MEOW:
One year after my adoption I want to let you know how lucky I am to be adopted by my new family. I went camping all summer long and I loved it. Some pictures are attached of me outside and inside the trailer. My fur is beautiful as my mom spends alot of time grooming me. I haven't lost alot of weight even tho I am fed Science Diet but I guess I am just big boned as the Vet says I am very healthy. I adjusted well to my brother Muttley and we are the best of pals now. I still love to have my belly rubbed so have gotten the nickname of AsiaBelly. I have a scratching post at the front window which would get moved to the front door in the summer time so I can look out whenever I want to and I have another one in the bedroom that I can sit on and watch the birds in the tree. In return for all the love I get, I show my affection by cuddling and giving out kisses. Everyone that sees me falls in love with me, as I am not shy about visiting with people when they come to the house. Thank you MEOW for the wonderful home you placed me in and I hope all my feline friends are just as fortunate in their adoptions. You are a wonderful society and my mom recommends you alot. My mom will keep you updated with pictures now and then as lord knows she takes enough of them.
Regards: Asia
Asia in the trailer on a camping trip
Asia on her leash outside
Smitty with his captured
mouse and snake.
October 6, 2006
Dear MEOW,
Well it's been over a month now since we've adopted Schatzi who we've renamed Smitty and what a wonderful addition to our family he is!
I don't know how we got so lucky to get such a wonderful pet. Smitty started showing love almost immediately from the time he was delivered to us. The crate was opened, he looked around, went under the bed for about 30 seconds and then came out and decided he was going to start working his magic.
It's amazing to me how affectionate he was so quickly. He didn't even know us! He wanted to make friends right away. We slowly integrated him with our other cat Antonio (formerly Drifter from MEOW). We wanted Antonio to have a companion since we're at work and school during the day. For the first week we kept Smitty in our bedroom and then we started letting the cats have short, supervised visits. Antonio, who is a very smart cat, wasn't very welcoming at first. He wasn't sure when Smitty wanted to play, if Smitty was a threat or not. Smitty was totally oblivious. As far as he was concerned, Antonio was there to play with, it didn't even cross his mind that Antonio might not like him. They would wrestle and roll around, and at first we weren't sure if they were fighting or playing but as soon as we saw Smitty take a break, mid-wrestle, to wash Antonio's face and groom him all over (much to the sheer delight of Antonio), then we knew they were brothers.
Antonio
It's so cute to watch them groom each other. Antonio closes his eyes and looks like his in complete cat heaven while Smitty licks his face and ears. As for the affection that Smitty bestows upon us, when you lay down, he goes straight to your neck and buries his head behind your ear and kneads contently and purrs loudly (so much that you have to turn up the volume on the TV!). Sometimes he'll lay crosswise over your neck like a fur stole (a la Flintstones) and other times he curls around your head like a furry halo. He loves being on the pillow. He likes to be picked up like a baby, under the armpits and then he puts his arms straight in the air ready to put around your neck. Even if you try to scoop him up from the side, he'll shift his body around so that he can hug you. I feel so honoured to have gained his trust and love after the difficult life he has had. (For his full story, see page 1 of MEOW's October 2006 Mews newsletter.) I told him that he'll never have to be alone in the world again. For the next 20 years, he will have a family that loves him, a warm place to sleep and food in his dish. All I ask in return is a hug here and there!
Thank you to everyone at Chinook Animal Hospital, MEOW and Margaret (Smitty's foster mom during his healing process) for taking such good care of our little boy. To anyone reading this, who is thinking of adopting a cat, I can tell you that our cats have really made our house a home. It is a wonderful feeling to come home to two furry faces, who are so grateful to live in a home instead of the stress and uncertainty of the streets and who love you unconditionally. Being a cat parent is very rewarding.
I've attached a picture of Smitty with his captured mouse and snake.
Leah
Amos - all tuckered out after retrieving his mice.
October 2, 2006
Dear MEOW,
It is so hard to believe that 1 year ago today I arrived at my new home. I remember when my new Mom opened up the box. All I did was purr and purr and purr. They did not leave me alone; they must've thought I was cute or something. Well I am!!! I have a new sister and her name is Sabrina. She did not like me at first, but after only 6 days she must've thought I would be OK, as she stopped hissing at me. Now I am all grown up and a purrfect little boy, and hardly ever get into trouble. My sister and I have fun chasing each other around the house, and that usually happens very late at night or early in the morning. Sometimes I let her win, but most of the time I do. The truth is ... I am now bigger than she is. Mom and I have fun with my mouse toys. Mom will throw it for me and I will run and get it and bring it back to her, so that she will do it again. Mom says that I am a retriever, "what ever that is". All I know is that I have a lot of fun! Speaking of my mouse toys, I better go find one of them so that I can have my time with my Mom.
Take care,
Amos and Family
Lily
September 16, 2006
Dear MEOW,
Thank you so very much to everyone at MEOW, but a special thank you to Brenda and Lori for the special care and attention given to Lily (MEOW name Calia) and me during our adoption process!
To provide a companion cat for my beautiful Jemma (an SPCA rescue) I went to MEOW’s website. As soon as I saw Calia, I figured she was the one. Although I hadn’t had a kitten since I was 11 years old (I’d always had older strays), I figured that a younger cat would be the best fit for Jemma who needed someone to play with. As it turns out, it was a match made in heaven! Lily adored the mothering given to her by Jemma and in turn Jemma instantly thrived in her new role as mother/friend. Their bond continues to grow. They love to play together and wrestle and take care of each other through grooming. Jemma has extremely dense, long fur so it’s rather funny to watch Lily try to bath Jems and get Jemma’s fur all tangled up in her mouth. Lily has wisely decided to primarily stick to grooming Jemma’s eyes. As well, as often happens, when they get grooming each other they can’t seem to figure out to take turns so they end up "kissing" a lot. I tell you, I laugh out loud every day! Then there is the sleeping together. I’m like a new parent, I love to watch them sleep. They are soooo adorable! Sometimes you can’t tell where one of them ends and the other begins! As it is, you do have to kind of squint to figure them out (find the ears, find the cat!).
Anyway, I wanted to pass on this update and an enormous THANK YOU for my Lily. She is such a blessing to me and to Jemma. She completes us! Keep up the great work!
Sincerely,
Jean
By Sunday, Flavius was grooming The Fish. It's all good.
This MEOW cat has a web page devoted to his introduction to his new home and new companions. Click either link to visit.
Tigwah is our Mr. Independent
September 5, 2006
Dear MEOW Foundation:
We wanted to send an update of the three cats we adopted from the MEOW Foundation. The first two babies we got 3 years ago - Tigwah our big orange cat (MEOW name Tickle) and Sadie our little siamese (MEOW name Iceberg). They are brother and sister.
Sadie is our Ms. Cuddle Bug
Tigwah liked to play lots and ended up making Sadie mad because she just wanted to sit around and cuddle with mom. If Tigwah wasn't playing fetch, or bugging Sadie, he was cuddling with dad. To ease some of Sadie's frustration with Tigwah we decided 2.5 years ago to adopt Maxx our tall grey tabby (MEOW name Splash).
Well, Maxx has been the pet we all wanted. He loves to talk to you, get lots of belly rubs and has ended up being more playful than Tigwah and now Maxx makes both Tigwah and Sadie mad because he wants to play all the time.
Maxx is our Mr. Personality
Their favorate thing to do at the same time is lay on dad while he watches TV or at night sleep in bed with mom and dad (thank goodness we have a king size to fit all 5 of us).
Sadie is our Ms. Cuddle Bug, Tigwah is our Mr. Independent and Maxx is our Mr. Personality. We enjoy all three of the cats so much and they really are our babies.
Thanks MEOW Foundation for all your help.
Chuck and Carol
YuuShou
September 3, 2006
Dear MEOW,
A little more than two years ago I made an appointment at MEOW in the hope of adopting a cat. A recent stint fostering a rescued cat reminded me how long it had been since I last shared my home with felines, so off I went to get acquainted with the MEOW shelter residents.
I was open to almost any proposal from the expert team of staff and volunteers. While I was connecting with various possible matches, I was cautiously approached by one of the shy cats. In fact, she turned out to be a very shy cat who had been at MEOW for two years. That launched a conversation with one of the volunteers that had me hooked right from the start. Knowing practically nothing about feral cats (but having a fair bit of life experience around shy and private friends) I decided upon a bonded pair, Rainbow and Maxie, both long-time shelter residents and both extremely wary of people.
My days with these girls, re-named YuuShou (Japanese for "little champion") and An'Ya (meaning "dark night"), are never dull. It’s a little like living inside a televised nature program, since they both remain stubbornly undomesticated. Oh, don’t get me wrong, they are not the same cats who first arrived from the shelter and poured themselves silently into my closet for two mysterious months during which time food bowls inexplicably emptied and litterboxes were used, though there was never a cat to be seen! No, these days they are very different cats. Now they confidently occupy every prominent, visible surface in the house. At least, at a glance they are confident. But watch for awhile and it’s easy to see they are shy and feral still.
For one thing, I have yet to touch either cat. Of course, I was prepared for this possibility when I adopted the girls, though I optimistically hoped they’d find me such an agreeable housemate that they’d happily yield their furry selves up to caresses and cuddles. Not so. Though I have enjoyed the brush of An’Ya’s soft muzzle when she takes tuna from my fingertips. And YuuShou, who does not appreciate being woken from a sleep and takes several minutes to reach an “alert” state, will sometimes groggily allow me to touch the very tip of her plumed tail.
The changes have been gradual for both girls, as for me. The process of watching for signs and cues has honed my powers of observation unbelievably. When there is no petting permitted, no chins to rub or ears to scratch, watching can become a way of life and a form of warm and intimate connection. Of course, feral cat-watching is an art of its own. There’s not much that a nervous cat enjoys less than being closely observed. So watching happens in glimpses, while feigning some other interest or while yawning and assuming a relaxed and inattentive stance. A glance from the corner of an eye as they slip into the room. Peeks over the top of my book while they are distracted, playing on the couch.
An'Ya
There are always small victories to celebrate. The first time An’Ya passed me in the stairway, rather than turning tail and bolting back from whence she’d come. A few cold days when YuuShou snuggled between my knees in bed while (she thought) I slept. The first time a visitor sighted the girls. The first time they approached to check out the company and inspect an unfamiliar socked foot under the table. The first time An’Ya took tuna from my hand. The first time they started their dinner without waiting for me to leave the room. And then there are some bigger moments too. The day that YuuShou decided that my stealthy spying round the corner was an invitation to play hide and seek (or rather, to exercise her stalking skills).
One of the most interesting choices I’ve made is choreographic. My movement through the house is not unlike a dance with the girls. I am conscious of approaches that will spook them by blocking a favourite escape route. I know that if I stay to one side of the stairs, YuuShou will pass without any scrambling or alarm. I have created spaces for them to hide, and have noticed they are more willing to hold their ground when safety is in sight. There are sometimes leaps from great heights, as they take the route that maintains the greatest buffer of space. And the aerial leaps that follow any unexpected loud noise are, well, ones I go to great lengths to avoid.
YuuShou is a vocal, chirpy little cat. She’s the one who plays, and the one who chews. If I’m careless, she’ll go through power cords, envelopes, the spines of books, even the spout of my plastic watering can. You might wonder who could tolerate such a cat. I can, and easily, as it turns out. Her quirks are much less challenging and not nearly as time-consuming as parenting children. Now that my home is YuuShou-proof, you could never tell her from a perfectly well-mannered gem of a cat with no particular penchant for literature.
An’Ya is a more soulful cat. That is, she’s very in tune to the emotional happenings in the house. The last time I had the blues An’Ya kept vigil at the end of my bed for hours. An’Ya doesn’t eat until YuuShou has had her fill. Ever. I have no idea how YuuShou made this bargain, but it seems to be non-negotiable. Sometimes An’Ya will try to round-up YuuShou at dinnertime so that eating can begin. But however interested she seems in the meal, she’ll wait patiently until YuuShou decides to dine.
Mostly, it is subtlety that I am learning from these two cats. A recent MEOW-hosted workshop on T-touch for cats has given me some marvelous ideas for expanding their boundaries a little more, with a style of touch particularly agreeable to cats. While I never expect them to transform into lap cats, it would be reassuring to know that I could catch them for a visit to the vet without suiting-up for a panicked confrontation. I am also aware of other programs that recommend more vigorous de-sensitization with inescapable forced (though gentle) contact. I don’t think this would suit me, and even wonder if such a gamble might break any hope of living together in trust. I have the notion that it’s not for me to insist, but to encourage and wait. Will they ever tolerate more contact? I have no reason to suspect they won’t. Last week I played a new string game with YuuShou. She changed the terms and for the first time swatted at my hand as I held the string. No-claws, paw-to-hand, playful contact. As I said, the changes are gradual, often small, but constant.
Yesterday, a wonderful and generous friend of mine completed work on a backyard cat enclosure for the girls. I was pretty confident it would be days before I’d see them outdoors, since they are so concerned with escape routes and having places to take cover. The enclosure has only one door and not much inside (yet) to offer a sense of concealment. Perhaps it was the sound of the birds or the smell of wet grass, but they came out to explore their new turf almost immediately. They explored every corner, cautiously and intently. They tested and re-tested their ramp. They sat in the grass and looked up at the sky. They spoke to each other, with a string of vocalizations I hadn’t heard before. Of course, more realistically, it wasn’t birds or grass that drew them out, but the prospect of escape.
Cat Run
Ramp
An'Ya
And there it is, the toughest challenge I’ve faced with these two cats. I know that their definition of contentment, comfort and relaxation specifically excludes ME. People, at least initially and sometimes for a very long time, are a source of fear and suspicion to feral cats. Imagine, then, being confined to a house from which you can’t escape, one that is also occupied by a much larger, louder species that happens to terrify you? The thought is a sad one. I console myself knowing that they would have a measure of stress living in the wild, as well. A great deal more stress, for many colony cats. And of course, the stress they demonstrated in those early days is light years from the levels I see in them today. I come and go throughout the house, and rarely even warrant an ear twitch or lazily turned head anymore. There are moments when their calm and ease make me forget that it’s still a fragile tolerance, and more a tribute to their resilience than to my own efforts.
YuuShou
If you are wondering if you might be suited to life with a shy cat or two, think of it this way: The fact that they may hold themselves aloof for years is simply a larger-than-usual expression of the quality that makes us all love cats. They are creatures unto themselves who always choose the terms of engagement. If we are patient, kind and lucky, they just might let us know, one spirit to another, that they understand our intentions are good.
Kate
Fergus (front) and Merlin laying around ... near the food?
August 23, 2006
Hello all at MEOW,
... My boyfriend Rob and I adopted Mulloy (now known as Fergus) at Easter time. ... We thought you would like to see him now as most of his fur is back ... and he's been eating well! He's doing super here and has come a long way ... following us around and loving to play. He keeps Merlin on his toes which is good as he's getting needed exercise!
Hope all is well and thank you so much for adopting us little ... er ... sort of big now ... Fergus!
Jan and Rob
(Editor’s note – wow, look at Mulloy now. No scowl, fluffy fur, meat on his bones and spoiled rotten! A far cry from his first days of being rescued at MEOW.)
Minnie
August 23, 2006
Dear MEOW,
We have just passed six months since adopting Minnie (MEOW name Gerri Lynne) and thought we should send in an update and some photos. We know that she had a rough time fitting in at the shelter, but when Minnie arrived at our house for the first time, she was right at home! Once she finished investigating every square foot, she was eager for some attention and readily approached us. We quickly discovered that she has many unique qualities, such as her jumping ability (she was on top of the china cabinet the first day, trying to reach the suspended bird cage!). If the sun is coming in a window and our shadow is on the floor, she will never fail to pounce on it! She chases shadows (even up the wall), flashlight beams and frequently her tail.
When we adopted Minnie, much of her fur was light grey due to the stress she was under during 8 months at the shelter. She doesn't like other cats, and the volunteers did the best they could by giving her the laundry room to herself.
Minnie at play
However, since she came to live with us Minnie's fur has grown in shiny and black, and she loves her MEOW beds for lounging around in. She makes a lot of trips up and down the stairs at our house, and as a result has lost her extra weight.
We love Minnie a lot, and we know she is very happy and content here. We look forward to many more years with her as a special member of our family.
Thank you MEOW for rescuing her and taking care of her, and thank you for such a great description on your web site. She has turned out to be just the cat that your volunteers knew she would be!
Mike, Nancy and Jessica
Lucky (the black cat) and Parker
August 20, 2006
Dear MEOW,
Here is an update on Whiz (MEOW name). Mark and I decided to rename Whiz, Lucky. We were both so excited to have him and knew he would be a great addition to our family. Lucky's first night, was spent alone with us in a room dedicated to him. He was extremely cuddly. In fact, within the hour, he was sitting on my lap and showing me "101 ways to look cute and cuddly". It was great. He was purring and just adorable.
Parker was not too excited to have him. For the first two days, they would hiss at each other through the door. Mark spent most of the days with Lucky and even slept with him for one night.
A few days later, the hissing stopped so we began the next steps of introduction, such as the "room switch" and putting Lucky in a carrier in the a room where Parker could smell him. It seemed to be getting "friendlier" between the two of them.
Saturday morning, the two would not stop "whining". I got up to get their food ready. As I was trying to slip into the room to give Lucky his food and water, the little guy slipped out without notice. Parker ran after him. I was nervous ...
We all ended up in the living room. I recalled reading about introducing them with an activity that they both enjoyed, like eating. They had eaten, so Mark and I started to throw around toys. Lucky was so excited that he didn't even notice Parker was in the room.
Lucky (the black cat) and Parker
We supervised them for the rest of the day. As the day progressed, they started to get closer to each other. They had a few wrestles - one incident left Lucky screaming (what sounded to me like) bloody murder so they were separated for 2 hours. Lucky wouldn't stop whining so we decided to let him out again. Lucky ran straight for Parker. Then tried wrestling with Parker and Parker let him "be the winner."
Now Lucky often follows Parker around. They groom each other and like to drink from the fountain together. My favorite observation is watching Parker put his arm around Lucky's neck, followed with continuous licking of his face. I'm so glad it's off to a good start.
Thanks for taking care of him ... he really is a great cat.
Karen, Mark, Parker and Lucky
August 15, 2006
Dear MEOW ,
I wanted to send an update on my cat that I adopted from MEOW, named Mogali (MEOW name Bluesky). I have had Mogali for almost a year now and he is doing really great. He gets along with my female cat, Lou, very well. They had an initial "getting to know each other" period where they had to get used to being with each other but they became fast friends, playing together and cuddling together at night. Mogali is an extremely sweet and affectionate cat. He loves attention from absolutely anybody. He likes to be carried (although I can’t carry him for long - he's a bit of a big boy) and petted. He even jumps up on his hind legs to make it easier for people to pet his head and cheeks. He has a ton of toys and will play for a bit each day but mostly he enjoys napping and socializing. If I have company over he immediately runs over to investigate them and jumps up for them to pat his head which people love to see - it's actually very cute. He isn't quite as friendly with males as females but once he sees that the person wants to give him affection he quickly will be accepting.
As you might recall Mogali had one of the worst cases of ear mites the vet had seen when he was brought to MEOW. He seems to still be having a bit of difficulty with his ears, he shakes his head a bit and does some scratching at them. We have had quite a few rounds with kitty ear cleaner so he will have an upcoming vet appointment to check this out. The fur behind his ears that was gone from him scratching has never grown back but no one even notices that anymore - his personality definitely takes the forefront.
I know that Doug said it's nice for volunteer morale to have an update and I wanted to let people at MEOW know what a great job was done with Mogali - I know he had to be worked with at first to bring his friendly self out that had been hidden due to him living on the streets. I could not have asked for a sweeter cat!! He is so cute and loveable and fits in with me and Lou extremely well. Thank you again to Doug for helping me pick such a great feline fit for my home.
Thanks very much!!!
Erica, Lou and Mogali
Fergus and pal
August 15, 2006
Hi there,
We adopted Fergus about 2 years ago now and we thought we would share a couple pictures and let you know how he is. I've seen his picture around town on some of the MEOW Foundation coin boxes and the newsletter when he had his cast on.
Editor's note: Fergus had a badly broken leg from being compacted in an industrial garbage container. Here he is in his little cast. Read his rescue story here.
He is a very spoiled, happy, Big boy now. He shares his home with Chloe and Tuly, our other cats. His favorite activity is playing "catch" up and down the steps with a ball. He will actually catch the ball sometimes and throws it back down to us or to Tuly who patiently waits at the bottom. He often plays a game with our other cats where they will run upstairs ahead of each other and hide around a corner to scare the jeepers out of each other. It is quite hilarious.
He also loves it when he goes outside in the summer on his harness to eat grass and catch bugs. The birds love to tease the cats knowing they can't go very far!
We are planning to build an outdoor cat enclosure by the end of summer so the "kids" can play outside safely and off that annoying leash.
Although he is still a shy cat and doesn't like a lot of touching, every once in a while he gets in a mood and can't get enough chin rubs. He is a happy cat and we love him very much.
Thanks and keep up the important work!
Robyn and Darryl
Mika
August 11, 2006
Dear MEOW ,
I adopted Mika in April and signed the adoption papers in July.
She has been an absolute joy - still very shy and does not yet let me pet her, although she will eat out of my hand provided it is something like a very expensive piece of salmon or smoked salmon or Temptations. She and Clio (my 11 year old feline) are getting to know each other better but Clio still has her moments and chases Mika under the dining room buffet. Mika is slowly exploring more of her surroundings.
I have never known a cat to eat so much as Mika does - she certainly enjoys her food.
All the best
Patrick
Henry doing his best to get into the summer craze of the Pirates of the Caribbean.
July 22, 2006
Hi there,
We adopted Henry (MEOW name Herbert) in 2004. He has been a great addition to our home and enjoys his days lounging, cuddling, and playing - especially with his "sister" Stella.
Thank you so much,
Aviva and Karey Editor's Note: When Herbert was rescued by MEOW he was emaciated, unhealthy and, quite honestly, rather smelly. It thrills the MEOW volunteers to see our alumni blossom with TLC in their new homes.
Tyrus
July 10, 2006
Dear MEOW,
Alright, I admit ... I was a little nervous in the beginning.
Things had been a little rough and I was losing hair over it. And then this lady came to see me. She even brought me fresh catnip which was so groooovy but I was a bit wound up and I just couldn't relax. And yes... I got a bit hissy. A couple days later, I was on my way to her house. Talk about terrifying! I mean, me? Contained in a cat carrier? In a car? Who are we kidding here?
And then the house? There were so many rooms and so many places to hide ... I just had to try the chimney. Come on... wouldn't you? It wasn't a working fireplace but what a great place to explore. I wasn't so hungry those first few days ... way too much going on. No time to eat ... just cram myself behind this door a little further ... perfect! Now if I look over my shoulder I can see who's coming.
And then there was that day when I got caught "out" and I made a dash for the room upstairs where there were some more doors leaned up against a wall. I tell ya ... if you're ever looking for real good hidey places ... move into a house that's being renovated! So I stayed there a while and somehow my food and litterbox found me too. And then the lady found me and closed the door so I couldn't go exploring anymore. Eventually she started touching me with a long blue stick. Ah that felt so good. Still had to hiss a lot ... didn't want her to actually come near me ... but oh,the blue stick. That was good. Especially under the chin there ... ah ... yeah ... purrrrfect!
So I stayed there behind the door and then I kinda looked forward to the blue stick. Little bowls of tuna started appearing too! Those were the days ... I just couldn't wait for the clink clink clink of those little china bowls. It wasn't so bad. If I came out from behind the door a little bit I could sniff her finger tips ... find out if she was alright. It was fun watching her ball of yarn flick across the floor too ... after a while, she brought me my own and wow ... did we have good times that ball of yarn and me. And then there was a marble. That was really great at 6 a.m. Made lots of fun noises. And I had my very own window. A view of the birdies in the tree outside ... After a while, I started to really like her. She had this brush ... and it was a hundred times better than the blue stick. Man oh man ... the brush. Just the sound of the bristles makes me shiver with happiness. Then she started bringing him in ... well that wasn't such a good idea. But if he sat right next to her while she had the brush ... that was ok.
A bit later on I discovered that the door was open and I could check everything out. I had the whole house to myself. As soon as I heard the key in the lock though ... boy was I outa there. Back to the safe zone. The thing is ... you know that saying ... curiosity something or other ... well I couldn't help it. I just had to see what they were doing. I mean ... what if she was holding the brush somewhere else?
All in all, it only took me three months to figure out that life was grand. There are so many birds and sunny window sills and sometimes I see other cats ... wow is that freaky. And I've met lots of people. They're ok when they're not moving around. I kinda like the white haired guys the best ... they tend to stay still and their feet smell interesting. But most of all I love her and just want to be anywhere she is. Yesterday she gave me a giant pot of catnip that I can nibble anytime I want. Now that's love. If only I could figure out how to get rid of HIM ... life would be perfect (he's alright when he's got the brush though).
Love Tyrus
Kumi, Koda and Koko
July 9, 2006
Dear MEOW:
I am Kumi (MEOW name Dayton) and I am writing to tell you how I am getting along in my new home. After spending many months with my new family, I have settled down into a lazy and comfortable life!
First of all I would like to say that the humans in my family, Mommy, Daddy, and Big Sis, all give me lots of attention and I get plenty of petting and stroking and combing every day! Mommy gives me treats and Big Sis likes to try to stir me into action with a shoelace during playtime. Mommy and Big Sis know that I like being carried, so sometimes they like to pick me up and carry me around the house the way I like it!
Koda
Oops, and I can't forget the other two guys. Maybe I should enclose a picture. Above is one of the three of us all looking sleepy (I'm in the middle). The big orange tabby is Koda, my family's first cat, and the white and brown one is Koko, who was adopted from the Calgary Humane Society several months after my adoption. We all get along and have no problems with each other's company! Although in my opinion, Koko makes a much better companion. I think Koda is a freak! When I first came home, the first thing he did was to start licking me! Sometimes he tries to pounce on me when he wants to play, but I hate being surprised. Also, he is a bit of a catnip-head.
Kumi reading
Oh, and as you can tell, I am a very studious cat who has better things to do than sleep, eat, or play all day. Here is a picture that Daddy took of me while I was reading. I'm quite proud of it.
Thank you MEOW for helping me find such a great home!
From Kumi
Foo Fa La
July 8, 2006
Hello MEOW,
This is a picture of my new kitten Foo Fa La playing with her new sister YoYo, a 2-year-old Labrador. Foo Fa La has adapted very well and quickly to her new home. She is adorable!! She plays all the time, is so bright and intelligent. YoYo and I have already fallen deeply in love with her.
Thanks for the help of the MEOW Foundation.
Louise
Note from MEOW – with proper and patient introduction kittens/cats and puppies/dogs can easily become best of friends and form life-long friendships.
Alexander
July 1, 2006
Dear MEOW:
It is truly a blessing when a little bundle of fur comes into your life. And no matter how many cats or dogs or other furry beasts for that matter a person raises in their life, there is always room in their heart for another. I had a dear little cat named Roxy for 17 years. Unfortunately Roxy was sick and had to be taken out of her pain on 26 April of this year.
For the last 6 years, Haimish lived with us so he always had a cat for company. I didn't realize Haimish would take it as bad as he did with Roxy being taken out of his life. His heart ached more than I believe mine did. He reverted to staying in my bedroom and would only come out to eat, or sit on my lap when I relaxed for the evening in front of the television after a long day.
When I put Roxy out of her pain, I remember saying to my veterinarian that this is it and no more cats would be coming to live with us as I didn't have it in me anymore to take on a new cat. But seeing Haimish a totally different cat, I knew I needed to get him another feline friend. This is when I decided to check out the MEOW Foundation's cats up for adoption. I filled out the on line application and got an email back the next morning from MEOW and a couple of days later was having a delightful conversation with Brenda inviting me to come and see the cats available for adoption.
It was a long two-week wait for Alexander (MEOW name Colby) to come to stay, and when it was for sure I was going to adopt another cat, some of my co-workers and supervisors said I was walking around work like an "Expectant Father". Alexander arrived on the 14th of June in the company of Esther and Alexander made himself to home as soon as he was out of the carrier. On the other hand the first night for Haimish was not very good. He was mad and he made no bones about it with the hissing and growling coming from the living room.
My place is only so big, so I had Alexander in the bedroom with me and left Haimish to himself and the rest of the apartment. Over the furnace running and Jack Benny playing in my ears from my disc man I could still hear Haimish spitting and chewing in the living room. A couple of times I went to the living room to visit Haimish but he was also mad at me. About the only one who got sleep the first night was Alexander.
Through the morning I got up and lied down on the couch and about 8:00 a.m. Haimish decided to forgive me and hopped on top of me and was happy again. It didn't last very long though as Alexander didn't like the idea of being locked in the bedroom and not being able to explore. This is when I decided to take Alexander for a drive and let Haimish have the apartment to himself.
By Friday the change seemed to be happening. I said it was now or never and put Alexander in his carrier and took him to the kitchen. After my breakfast was completed we all sat in the living room with Haimish having free run and Alexander in the carrier.
As Friday wore on, the hissing from Haimish was not as severe and I noticed Haimish more of a curious cat instead of a cat on the defensive. I got watching a movie and I forgot I had left the door to the carrier open and by the time the movie was over Alexander and Haimish were eyeing each other but not a growl or a hiss could be heard. Sometime during the movie, Alexander left the carrier and made friends with Haimish. I decided this was the moment of truth and left them by themselves. I went to bed and 12 hours later awoke with this puff of wind on my cheek. It was Haimish staring down at me and when I looked towards the floor, Alexander was looking up at me. I got up and went and fed the Lads together.
Alexander and Haimish
All through the bringing together of Haimish and Alexander, it was calls to both Brenda and Esther for guidance and advice that helped the most. It was Esther who advised when Haimish and Alexander are together and both getting along without one or the other restrained, to go for a little walk and leave them alone. I went for a walk to the mall and brought home some cat wands, when I got back there were no torn ears or wounded cats, In fact both lads were glad to see me get home and when I brought out the cat wands, Alexander turned into a big kitten. But what is more surprising is how Haimish also has turned into a big kitten after six years.
I have never seen two cats accept each other as quick as these two have. My daily calls to Brenda and Esther to keep them up to date on the progress even surprised them. I can only attribute it to Divine Intervention, as I have known cats who never accept other cats but only tolerate them. Roxy was a good example. She was a gentle kind soul, but when it came to Haimish she only tolerated him. I only saw them rub noses once, the day Roxy said goodbye to him. Haimish and Alexander on the other hand are forever rubbing noses, having a quick wrestling match, or chasing each other around.
The pictures I have attached of Haimish and Alexander together were the third and fourth day of Alexander being here. You can tell Alexander has made himself at home. Both the lads have a good Scot's name. Maybe down the road we will adopt a wee lass and change their lives forever with a little sister. I am thinking a good Scot's name for the lass would be Heather, Bracken or something else very Scottish.
Thank you MEOW for bringing Alexander into Haimish and my life.
I just wanted to send a quick note and a sincere thank-you to the MEOW Foundation and to Brenda for getting Nala (MEOW name Celeste) to me so quickly and painlessly.
Although the first few weeks were difficult (Nala spent most of those days under our bed, only coming out when we were out), she has become the most lovable, cuddly adorable cat ever! At first she was very timid with my boyfriend. She would run under the bed as soon as he would enter the room. But now they are the best of friends. She loves to lay on our laps when we watch TV but can't decide who she wants to lay on so she makes sure she has one part of her body on me and another part on him.
She has become very vocal as well. Demanding food and attention if she is feeling left out. She could be ignoring me for hours but as soon as the phone rings, she is all over me, pushing the phone out of the way with her little head! She has definitely become our little princess and I am so happy the match worked out as well as it did.
Thanks again!
Sincerely, Janna
Mango gets held
June 30, 2006
Hello MEOW!
Mango (MEOW name Oranga) is still melding into our family nicely. He has come to realize that there is no escaping my daughter, once she has decided to "hold him". He goes completely limp as if resigned to the fact that it is the quickest way to get "let go". My son has fallen in love with this little guy too. He insists it's okay that Mango sleeps under his bed. A big leap for him as he has never let Cosmo in his room, although it is okay now as long as Mango is there too.
Mango and Sherman ... cuddling!
Mango has made Sherman our Great Dane his alternate cuddle companion. It is rather funny to see this little kitten curled up with Sherman. Sherman enjoys his company, at least until Mango decides to jump him (Mango loves to wrestle with Sherman’s big ears). He gets a little growly about that. Guess he figures that as the old timer in the family, he deserves more respect. Mango has already discovered that Sherman doesn't mean it. Poor Sherm :o( (ha!).
Mango and "big brother" Cosmo
Aside from my bed his ultimate sleeping place is wherever his adopted "big brother" is ... Cosmo has allowed Mango to curl up with him on a regular basis and will even let me see them together now. At first we weren't allowed to know about these secret snuggle fests. As soon as I would walk in the room Cosmo would get up and casually walk away as if to say " What? I was NOT sleeping with HIM! You completely have the wrong idea here *snort*"
Mango drinks from Sherman's water dish
I'd like to say that considering Mango was a feral, I was expecting a much shyer cat. Although Mango still takes off at sudden movements, he is quick to come back and investigate what startled him. He is a personable little guy and I would recommend that people give these "feral' kittens a chance. I have found that allowing Mango to adapt at his own pace and letting his personality dictate how slow or quickly things are introduced has worked wonderfully for us so far. Even though he was the most outgoing of his siblings, he was still incredibly jumpy when I first visited him at his foster home around strangers. Shauna's patient and kind manner helped bring Mango out. Shauna ... kudos to you for taking in these lovely cats and kittens. You help with their first steps wonderfully.
Thank you MEOW for allowing me the opportunity to adopt one of these fantastic kittens.
Kim and Family
June 22, 2006
Dear MEOW;
When our family decided it was time to get a cat, we were only sure of one thing: we wanted to save a life. The MEOW Foundation was a perfect fit for us. We had no previous cat experience, and Brenda at MEOW was incredibly helpful and patient with us. There were so many cats to choose from, but Wilson stood out to all of us. He was a big, tough cat with a heart of gold that melted us all, especially our daughter. Poor Wilson had four broken teeth, and the MEOW Foundation had two of them removed. He had an awful case of earmites, a nicked ear and some battle scars to boot. After we brought Wilson home, the MEOW Foundation stuck by us and provided us with incredible vet care. I am happy to report that he is now healthy and (still) happy!
We were a little worried when we brought Wilson home as we have ALL leather furniture, enticing drapes, and no idea what a cat would do! Wilson has absolutely amazed us. He is so polite, intelligent and well-behaved. We got him a cat tree and a cat bed that we put on our leather, and within two days he knew where his place was. He's never jumped on our kitchen counters, and has chosen a chair that is closest to his food container that he jumps up on and meows from when HE thinks he should have more food. We call it his "Feed Me" chair. He loves our kids, and when my daughter was ill, he spent 24 hours by her side from laying on the couch with her, to sleeping in her bed (which he never usually does ... we get that pleasure!)
Our only concern with Wilson was the safety of our dog!! We have a very large breed dog, and we found out Wilson was not very fond of her, and definitely not one to back down from an argument. Seeing him hiss at her was the only indication that he could ever have protected himself on the street for two years! Every day I would let them look at each other through the glass sliding door, and finally I let them look through the screen. Well, Wilson took many a swipe at the dog through the screen, and the screen is the only casualty in the house since getting him! Now after months of tiny meetings, our dog can be in the same room with Wilson. She is terrified of Wilson and gives him all the room he needs, and they've even sniffed each other's tails without any injuries (to my dog!). I am confident that eventually with baby steps they will become friends, as Wilson now seems more curious of her and is letting his tough persona fade back into sweet old Wilson.
We love Wilson so much already, and it feels like he's always been part of the family. Thank you MEOW, and especially Brenda, for helping Wilson find his way to our home and family.
Glenn and Yvonne
Kameo
June 21, 2006
Dear MEOW,
Kameo (MEOW name Cameo) has moved into our home and our hearts! She arrived with much curiosity to her new abode and quickly let us know that she was feeling safe. It was confirmed in her gentle rub against our arm or leg whichever was closest to where she was at the time. Yes, she did need some space and place to be on her own but pretty much was wanting to be around where the people of the house were! If visitors came she was quick to find one of her "safe spots" during the first couple of weeks but after having claimed her spots on the chairs ... company coming meant nothing and they had to find their own spot! After all she was there FIRST!
Our little Kammy is playing up a storm, eating regular meals and sleeping in her favorite spots. The bed we had for her is just now getting some use, her preference is right beside where you sit or at night at the foot of the bed. She is a night prowler ... and at about 3:00 a.m. she will come meowing ... calling "hello where are you all?" with her yarn or toy mouse and bring them right up on the bed! When we wake up there will be many toys around and on the bed suggesting that she was looking for a playmate while we were sleeping! One of the kid's bedrooms is downstairs where she is not allowed free reign and she will call to him too wondering where he went! She has resigned herself to the fact that the kids will pick her up and drape her on their shoulder ... she just flops into place and goes along for the ride!
Kameo is a joy for us and greets us each morning with a look of "gosh you are finally up!!" We cannot imagine her not within our family and are so glad that Brenda was able to help us meet, greet and choose the cat that best suit our family!
Thanks so much MEOW Foundation for rescuing and leading us to Kammy!
Linda and family
General and Amy
June 19, 2006
Dear MEOW People;
I am sending a couple of prints of General and Amy on our bed, and of Amy together with her family, here with Tin Tin and Amber. General is rather independent now, doesn’t need to sit on my lap all the time anymore but he likes to snuggle against me at night. He gets along with most of the “others”, especially Amber. He bumps heads with everybody, including me although some of the cats can get annoyed with him. He loves to go out in the enclosure and sleep in the grass. Amy only goes as far as the landing.
Amy with Tin Tin and Amber
Amy is getting less skittish. I was overseas for a couple of weeks and was surprised to get greeted by her when I came home. She rolled around and let me pet her on the floor; she missed me! Amy likes to sleep on my clothes that I leave every where (not very tidy). She jumps up on the sofa, not beside me quite but doesn’t flee when I pet her. She’s a sweet cat and gets along very well with the “others”.
Keep up the good work!
Regards, Rachel
Guinny having a drink after a hard day of playing with us!
June 17, 2006
Dear MEOW,
Thought I would update you to as to how Guinny is doing.
We went slowly again with introducing Guinny to our dear 14 yr old Sarah. We started Guinny in a room and when she became anxious to investigate the rest of the house we put Sarah in the room and let Guinny explore. We did this a few times before we thought that they were ready to meet. When we put them in the same room Guinny showed us what an amazing, smart & patient cat she is. Sarah was still unsure about all of this so she chose to hide behind the couch. When Guinny walked in front of the couch Sarah hissed and then Guinny looked under the couch (as if she was saying OH there you are), Sarah continued to hiss so Guinny just turned her back to the couch & laid down in front of it(as if she was waiting for Sarah to become less grouchy). Eventually Guinny got bored & decided to play with us & the toys. Well she made playing look like so much fun that Sarah decided to come out & play too. Guinny was very good about taking turns with the toys, her mom must have taught her well. Now Guinny & Sarah get along fabulously.
Sarah and Guinny
Guinny also has this fascination with running water (I wonder if she got that from Dude!) Every morning she hops into the bathtub & meows until we turn on the water so she can play with it! She still loves belly rubs & hates to be picked up, I think it’s because she feels that we are stopping her from doing what she wants to do! She outsmarts us when we play with her & she even outsmarted us at Christmas time. We thought that we were on the ball with the tree, we didn’t hang any breakable ornaments & we made sure that none of them were within cat reach (or so we thought). Guinny I am sure was convinced that we had put up this tree full of toys
just for her; she would go over to it & just gaze at it. We would tell her NO the tree was not for her & those were not toys, but she would just talk back to us (as if she was saying you are kidding right, you got this for me right). Well she did manage to climb the tree and get an ornament down to play with a few times, so I am glad that the ornaments were all safe for her. We all had a chuckle about how clever she is.
Thank you so much for taking care of Guinny until she was able to come live with us! She is such a treasure to have!
Shelley, Colin, Nicole, & Alex
Antonio
June 14, 2006
¡hola! MEOW!
Here's Antonio (MEOW name Drifter) living up to his name wearing his sombrero. He's lying on our bed in the picture as opposed to being under the bed which is an improvement. He spent his first days with us under the bed. He's not hiding as much anymore and has really changed as he settles in. And ... he is sitting on my lap as I type this! Well, alternating between sitting and standing and rubbing his wet nose all over my face. haha. I better get back to petting him; he doesn't like my hands on the keyboard instead of on him!
Leah
Leo and Tiger
June 12, 2006
Hi MEOW,
Thought I would drop you a line and let you know that Leo (MEOW name Yarrow) is doing very well. He and Tiger are getting along quite well now - I expect that they will be best of buddies in no time. He even chases her around every now and then for a little bit of excitement but there has not been a single fight which is quite surprising. I've been waiting to try and get the 'right' picture of Leo but that is not that easy. Nonetheless I've included some pictures of Leo that you can share with those at the shelter that remember him. I hope everything is going well at the foundation.
Ken and Leslie
Editor’s note – Leo’s new family took their time introducing Leo and resident cat Tiger. Tiger was not happy at all that some interloper with four legs invaded her home – see below for highlights of their introduction and how patience pays off for everybody. Look at Tiger’s submissive poses now in front of Leo.
May 10, 2006 - Leo is indeed making good progress with Tiger! He is one of the most patient, gentle and non-threatening cats I have met. This has greatly helped Tiger adjust to his presence. Hopefully his patience does not run out as there is still a little more work to be done. Nonetheless, they are at the point where we can leave them in a room together without supervision.
May 2, 2006 - Tiger is making small amounts of progress each day. We are able to let them be together now but only under supervision. Tiger still hisses and growls at him if he gets too close but she is considerably less freaked out now. Fortunately Leo still has shown no signs of aggression and simply ignores her unfriendliness. Everyday he is able to get a little bit closer to her so hopefully soon we won't have to put Leo under lockdown when we are not around. He certainly does not like being left alone!
Monty and Carmel
June 10, 2006
Dear MEOW,
We thought we would send some pictures of Monty and Carmel (MEOW names Montague and Carmel). They're doing great and they really seem to be enjoying themselves. We've found that they love to play with the laser pointer. Carmel is the cutest when she chases it on our hard wood floors. She's just a big puff ball that slides around. They absolutely love our bed (it's covered in cat hair if you can notice in the pictures LOL!) and sleep with us every night.
When we first got them Monty was a little high strung and if Carmel was getting pets he would jump up and smack her because he wanted all the attention. But now instead of smacking her he jumps up and starts to clean her. It is the cutest thing. I get home from work and they're cuddling on our bed. He puts his arm around her (it looks like he's putting his arm around her shoulders) and licks her head. She seems to like it for the most part and has started to clean him back.
We are so happy with them and they've become part of our family. Thank you for letting us adopt them.
Ashley and Dan
Klaas and Lorna
June 7, 2006
Dear MEOW,
I came to the MEOW foundation in March, looking for
A cat, just one. I spent nearly two hours looking at all the beautiful cats, but quickly fell in love with two of them, Klaas and Lorna. I left with a tough choice to make; which cat would I take home with me, playful, spunky and friendly Klaas, or mellow and cuddly Lorna? Or do I get both, so they would each have someone to play with? I went back to visit them again about a week later, after deciding that one cat would be good for me. Nearly an hour passed, and I decided that I should take both cats home with me.
The cats, who were in separate rooms at MEOW, and who had never met each other were delivered to me a few days later. Was that ever stressful ... would they fight with each other or get along? As soon as they were let out of their kennels, Klaas, who is about a year younger than Lorna, went over to try and meet Lorna. She would have none of that, she definitely wanted to keep some distance between her and the new guy, but there was no hissing or scratching, which was a good thing. That night, they BOTH slept on the bed with me (like they continue to do each night!). These two have been inseparable ever since. Lorna takes it upon herself to make sure that Klaas is well groomed and they often cuddle on the chair together.
I’m so glad that I was able to meet Klaas and Lorna and take them home with me; they are so much fun to have! It’s so wonderful to come home, and after putting the key in the lock, hear the pitter patter of their paws running up to the door to greet me.
Thank you so much to the many volunteers at MEOW for taking care of these cats and making sure that the right cats get matched up with the right people.
Christine
Tang and Crush
May 25, 2006
Dear MEOW,
A quick update on Tang (MEOW name Melissa) and Crush (MEOW name Borgy).
Both have a healthy appetite and love to tear around my house. I don't know where they get the energy at night to pounce on the "invisible" prey that they so often chase.
Click on the link below for a flickr slide show of Tang and Crush.
Just thought I would drop you a line to let you know how Oliver (MEOW name Yang) is doing and getting along with my Harley.
Oliver was ready to settle in the first day and decided that my daughter was his main person. He snuggles with all of us but at night it is her room he sleeps in.
When the two cats decide to play, and that is very often, you best sit in one place and keep your feet off the floor as they race around the house so fast that you can get run over. They take turns tackling each other and Oliver likes to take any one of Harley's beds and Harley just looks at him and decides he will sleep somewhere else, unless it is the big chair then they both snuggle in and sleep.
Even though Harley is twice Oliver’s size it does not stop them from tackling each other and Oliver loves to growl when he gets a new toy.
Oliver has settled in and is helping Harley to take over, but that is okay as they know who buys the food :)
Thank you so much for the help and patience in getting the right cat for us.
Gen, Nicole, Bill, and Harley
Jacques
May 2, 2006
Dear MEOW,
Here is my quick update on Jacques. It will be 2 years that he has been with me on May 12. He has adapted very well. In fact, he has become a very different cat then I am sure most of you all knew. He loves his attention. He has become a lap cat and has to sleep on my bed every night. I will say he is still reluctant with men in his space but he does come around eventually. He is super tolerant of kids and has no problem finding his own space away if he has "had enough"
I love this little guy so much and am super happy that he came into my life. Everyday when I come home he runs to the door and tells me about his day. He is quite demanding. And, well, he is really spoilt and I am ok with that. He still does not drink from a water dish and expects that when he walks up and meows at you for you to follow and turn on the tap. And well I do. He has become very used to getting a little soft food at supper time and has no problem telling me when he has missed it.
I was told of his talent of his little hip-hop / cheerleading move and have found out this is his way of begging/asking for certain things. And to be honest I think he does it sometimes just to play with me. A new talent I have found is that he sounds like "free willy" the whale when you play with him. He also catches his treats but will not eat them off the floor if they fall!
In short the attitude you all knew he still has but he has definitely mellowed out. As I said he has his routines and is very comfortable. He has become much more accepting of people. He gives lots of kisses and hugs (literally wraps his paws around your neck!) when he loves you. I can't express how much I appreciate the MEOW Foundation for putting him and I together.
Thanks Rachel and Jacques
Peggy
May 1, 2006
Dear MEOW,
I have just adopted Peggy (I kept her name) and couldn’t wait to tell you how awesome she is. She has come so far that sometimes I can’t believe she is a shy cat.
In the first week, she would lie with me beside her little “safe” tent and let me brush and pat her. By the second week, she would lie on the bed in her safe room cuddling and purring. I slept in that bed that weekend because I knew she felt safe there and was pleasantly surprised when she curled up with me all night. I decided I had to convince her that my bed was safe too, so spent Sunday enticing her into my room. “Temptations” treats and a string out of my sweat pants did the trick. She was playing with me and cuddled on my bed and that night she came and slept with me there.
She now sits on my lap several times a night, often falling asleep and sleeps with me every night for most of the night. She has an obsession with a shoelace that I took out of a pair of sweat pants. (It looks like a 4’ shoe lace). I bought her a 3-storey house, wand toys, balls and catnip, but this string is all she cares about. She loves to chase it and has started meowing at it and packing it around. I think it is like a soother to her. She brings it to my bed in the middle of the night and starts to have a spazz attack playing with it. I think she is hoping I will wake up and play with her, but I ignore her, (after all it is 4 a.m. most of the time). I have a chenille bedspread and some mornings it looks like it snowed from the pieces of my bedspread all over the floor. This morning I woke up with the shoe lace AND the cord that I use to tie back my curtains in my bed. It was hanging on the sliding glass door handle, behind the curtains when I went to bed.
Max has come to accept her and I think even has a crush on her. They play together and though I have never seen them sleep together, they both sleep with me on my bed. (Usually Peggy is against my back and Max is in front.) She loves being brushed and combed and lies on her back with her little furry front feet straight up in the air, kneading and nesting. It looks like she is exercising and it is so cute.
I can’t begin to tell you how grateful I am to have her and applaud all of you for the wonderful work you do. Peggy has come so far. She spooks at loud noises and strange people but I can tell that, in time, she will accept strangers too. I love her to death.
There have been so many moments where I wish I had my camera but this is the only picture I have for now. Thank you so much to all of the volunteers who do the work to save these cats. You are good people.
Fran
Adara and Mocha
April 27, 2006
Dear MEOW,
Here is a little update on Adara (MEOW name Beleu). Adara is definitely used to the place now and is finding her own favorite perches. She is still quite reluctant to be touched but is coming around. She is always in the same room and will sit on the back of the couch when I'm sitting or on the computer desk if I'm at the computer. We have a routine now of playing with the laser pointer in the dark every night followed by some treats (which she gladly takes from my hand) and then a little bit of snuggles.
My cat Mocha really doesn't know what to do with her at times, but they are both adjusting. They are starting to play and chase each other around now. Adara can now sneak up on Mocha when he's napping and get a little cuddling in as you can see in the photos. Adara is adjusting well for a shy cat and I adore her so much already.
Thanks, Greg
G Puddy
April 23, 2006
Hi MEOW,
Just thought I'd update you on my furry boy. I've renamed him "G Puddy" (as in Puddy-tat). I call him G or Pudd, or just "Budd" (MEOW name Gandolph). He seems to have settled in quite well. I broke down and bought the kitty condo (see picture). He loves to lounge in that all morning as it is in an east window, so he gets the morning sun.
He's met most of my family and does quite well with adults. When my girlfriend brought her 3-year-old twins over, however, he didn’t last long. He let them pet him and feed him treats, but then they got a little loud and rambunctious, and that was too much for G Puddy.
I finally succeeded in getting him in his harness and going outside the other day. I let him lead me around the yard to check things out, and then we just sat in the sun for a while. He doesn't like the harness much, but I think it's something that we can overcome. Anyway, all is well with both of us, thanks for hooking us up!!
Wendy
Maddox
April 18, 2006
Dear MEOW:
I became the proud mom of Maddox (same MEOW name) on December 28, 2005. Maddox is 8 years old and how can I not resist kissing his cute little mustache. He has brought great joy to my life and he knows that he is in a loving and caring home. Here are some photos I would like to share with you.
Maddox greets me everyday at the door when I come home from work and we always enjoy our playtime as often as we can (his favorite playtime is a wand with a red feather attached at the end) and the occasional game of hide and seek.
Please don’t be shy in looking at adopting an older cat, I wasn’t. I am very happy that Maddox is now apart of my family.
A big thank you to the MEOW Foundation!!!
Jackie and Maddox
Zora
April 12, 2006
Dear MEOW:
I was a girl who grew up with no pets, and met Chris who had grown up with dogs and cats as pets. To be honest I was pretty afraid of pets, but in April 2005, I made the big step and chose Frosty (white cat). Frosty loves to cuddle, and play around so he made it so easy to get comfortable with a cat and now I don't know what my life would be without him.
Zora and Frosty
We then realized Frosty needed a playmate. We went to MEOW Foundation's website and fell in love with Zora's cute little face. MEOW had a great process to introduce us to Zora and once we decided she was the one, MEOW also gave us great tips on how to introduce her to the house and Frosty. As you can see the photos I have sent in, Frosty and Zora are great friends.
Michelle
Oliver and Lady
April 12, 2006
Dear MEOW:
Oliver and Lady here (MEOW names Speedy and Tiara respectively). Just writing to you all to tell you we are being spoiled like we deserve. Our family loves us very much and treat us like the prince and princess we are. Our nicknames are “Olli Dolly” and “Bug” (from Lady Bug). We have our own toy box but insist that certain items remain on the floor at all times. Our mom decided to put these toys away one day and watched us proceed to take them out and put them where they belong - on the floor.
Oliver
About Oliver: I love to have my belly rubbed. As you can see in the pictures, I present it for my family to pet whenever I get the chance. I weigh twice as much as my sister and have grown myself a lion’s mane- I have long fur under my chin that sticks out! My favorite toy is the “fur”- I love all things soft and fluffy.
Lady
About Lady: I am an itty bitty kitty. I like to go crazy and run around the house for no reason sometimes. I can beat up my brother even though he is twice my size. I am a princess and when my family takes us outside on our leashes, I don’t go in the grass but prefer to sun myself of the porch.
From Oliver and Lady and Brittany
Bella - this photo shows that humans do make good beds for a cat.
April 9, 2006
Hi MEOW,
Just thought that we would drop a line to say that Bella (MEOW name Helena) is doing wonderful. She has fit in to our household like she truly belongs here. I have attached some photos of her. Don't let them fool you though, she is a pretty active cat and yes, she loves to be loved also.
Notes on photos: These photos show how every cat deserves to be pampered.
Enjoy,
Colette & Derek
Bella - this photo shows that when a human is not around to lay on top of, a special rug, a fireplace and a personal masseuse will do just fine also.
Bubbie
March 31, 2006
Dear MEOW,
Mama sends a photo of me in my regal position - one frostbit ear, face of perfect proportion, white paws crossed below white beard, stretched out grey with an odd white foot, and grey again all the way to my white popcorn tail.
She likes to tell how I posed this way so she would pick me from all the other cats at the adoptathon. Truth is I can't help being cute.
I rule the roost here since I decided to let my parents take me in last fall. I had to test them first with the vicious cat bit, but now nobody's afraid of each other.
They call me Bubbie. I convinced them not to change my name since I had been through enough out on the streets for who knows how long. But it's 'Bubs' when I greet papa just home from work, and 'Bubalooi' or 'Bubalicious' from Mama when I visit for my nightly drooling sessions. No one knows why I'm such a slobberpuss, I just came that way.
Also I've had some health problems. As a senior cat of undetermined age, I was throwing up too much to ignore, so my folks have taken me to two different doctors. My files say 'Bobbie' and 'Babbie' but vets are silly. They put medicine in my ZD special diet food and every night now I get a pill. Of course I wage a proper war but I'm back in bed purring soon enough. I also get called 'Puppy.'
My hobbies are stalking Mama around the house and sulking at the door to be let out. The neighbour cats torment me with their freedom through the window and I know I could dominate out there. But I'm stuck running this household.
I have them trained to play with me after I use my scratch pad. They think I lost my mousie but I hunt him late at night when I'm not busy chasing my tail by moonlight.
I'm also known as 'Baby.' Mama likes to take my picture and seems to be writing about me so I have to investigate. I send my thanks to MEOW for nursing me back to health when they found me looking like I'd been through a lawnmower.
Everyone I meet says how handsome I am, including the piano teacher who drew a picture of me. I curl up just so when I listen to music. I love being king of the castle.
Most of all I adore hearing the words "I lubbie Bubbie."
Nugget
March 26, 2006
Dear MEOW,
I still can't believe that Nugget (MEOW Name Lestat) has been living with us for a year and a half now! He was a bit shy at first but quickly blossomed into this huge, goofy cat.
Nugget and Ike
Nugget has settled right into his daily routine of sleeping, eating, and play-fighting with his brother Ike. We had adopted Ike only a week prior from the Humane Society and we were very happy when the two became best buddies. Sometimes they can get a bit crazy ... but then they settle down and take a long nap side by side, the two little tabbies.
Nugget is definitely the most vocal cat that I've ever heard. He voices his opinions on everything from treats to waking us up in the morning to play with him. We laugh because he is a massive boy yet has the cutest, teeniest kitten meow I've ever heard.
Nugget stretching
I also think Nugget might've been a clown in another life. When he gets super excited, he'll start doing somersaults off the wall down the hallway. Or he'll stretch out and sleep in weird positions with his mouth open. He plays fetch and grunts like a pig when he is scratched.
Overall, Nugget has made our lives so much happier. Thank you MEOW for all your wonderful work.
Jess and Dan
Henry likes Xmas too
March 16, 2006
Hello MEOW Foundation,
We just wanted to send you a quick update of our two MEOW-rescued cats. Henry (MEOW name Zoey) was adopted in 2002. After her cat roommate Vie sadly passed away in 2004 we let her be solo for awhile and then adopted Sherman (MEOW name Yitzak) in 2005.
Sherman lounging
It took Henry a long while to warm up to him but they are pals now and enjoy scouting out the action from the balcony window and taking snoozes together. We have sent a few pictures as an update! Sherman is hard to photograph because of his dark coat but these turned out pretty well!
Thanks for being such a great organization!
Cheers!
Suzanne, Jennifer, Henry and Sherman.
March 3, 2006
Dear MEOW,
My boyfriend Domenic and I adopted Clement last summer from MEOW and I have been meaning to send pictures of him - I have dubbed him as the world's happiest cat! He is so happy and healthy and gorgeous :) I have attached pictures of him. I hope you like them.
Even Clement, the world’s happiest cat, can get that mischievous look in his eye before a pounce on his un-suspecting cat pal Jack.
But all ambush pounces end in a good grooming session.
Sincerely,
Melissa
Alastor - MEOW name Fielding
March 3, 2006
Dear MEOW;
Well, I'm settling well into my new home. My new mom has named me "Alastor" after the character "Professor Moody" in the Harry Potter books. She says it's because I remind her of him, as I've got mismatched eyes, my ears are all torn up, and I walk with a limp.
I spend most of my time sleeping on mom's bed, which I think I deserve after having such a rough time of it! I'm an old man I deserve my rest! I have trouble chewing my hard food sometimes so mom soaks it in cat milk until it's mushy, then warms it up for me to eat. (Not that I'm spoiled rotten or anything).
My brother Murdoch
I still don't know what to make of my new brother "Murdoch." I don't let him get too close to mom at night so he has to sleep at the foot of the bed. He seems okay but doesn't like to share his toys. That's okay though because mom got me a piece of honeysuckle wood that I love and I take it with me just about everywhere. I love to play with the chains on mom's cuckoo clock and nearly pulled the whole clock down on top of my head! Now mom has ruined all my fun by putting a box on the wall to catch the chains so I can't reach them! She can be mean sometimes!
I have put on weight since being here, and my coat is so shiny and healthy I practically glow in the dark! My brother and I get brushed every day and we love it!
My back legs still sometimes give out on me and I fall over but the vet says that I'm not in pain so mom just lets me get on with it.
I'm going to spend my retirement years living the life of Riley, treats every day, a loving mom, a nice big brother and brushing every day! Thank you MEOW foundation for finding me a little slice of heaven!
Alastor (Fielding)
Phred waves to Jessie
March 2, 2006
Dear MEOW;
Today is the one year anniversary since I came to my new home with my Mom (Chris) and my sister Jessie. I am very happy here, and have become a bit lazy and plump. I have become the King of the Castle; although my Mom still thinks she is the Queen and only refers to me as Phreddy "Prince" (MEOW name Phred).
I am a very funny boy, and enjoy terrorizing my sister Jessie; but sometimes she asks for it and won't leave me alone. Mostly it’s just in fun. I like to play with my toys, sleep in my house and take over the big bed I am suppose to be sharing with Mom and Jessie. I am very affectionate and give my Mom big kisses that she loves.
I love company so that I can rub all over them to introduce myself; plus they get my scent and I decorate them with my fur.
I just wanted to let you know that I am doing great and thank you for finding me such a nice home.
Love, Phred
Bree
February 23, 2006
Dear MEOW,
I cannot believe that Bree (MEOW name Dulcima) has been with me for a year! She is still a very careful little girl but is also becoming more and more affectionate. She has just this week sat on my lap. Good thing I know you cannot rush a cat!
She gets impatient with me when I have been at the computer for too long and have not played with the ostrich feathers upstairs. She bites my ankle (gently) to let me know when it is time to play.
She will not take any kind of treat. I cannot bribe her with anything!
She is wonderfully independent and now is becoming very affectionate – on her terms of course!
I love her and thank you so very much for being there for her when she needed you!
Noreen
Shiloh
February 18, 2006
Dear MEOW,
Shiloh (MEOW name Moo-Latte) to her new cat roommate for life, Maddy, Shiloh's adopter used a large pen in the living room so the cats could meet each other. Below is her note about Shiloh and Maddy. After the second week, I opened up the top part of my house and you would have thought that I opened an Indy 500 raceway. Shiloh and Maddy tear around the rooms and back and forth between the two rooms like crazy guys!
The key to the door is that Mom gets to pet you!
I will not open more of the house to her until she is willing to interact with me, which is just starting to happen this week. Shiloh usually only comes if Maddy does, but twice this week she has come to me without him, just to see what I was doing. Shiloh doesn't want to be touched, but she no longer reacts by running away and hiding when Leo or I are around her. She is finding that she loves to be scratched and her downfall is her curiosity and her being jealous of the attention that Maddy gets.
Okay, I'll join you for dinner in your place!
So when Maddy is getting food or being petted, Shiloh has to come and lay down beside us to join in the activities. We are very pleased with her progress and would not give Shiloh up for anything now. I know that I would really have my hands full with Maddy, as he wants to be with her all of the time. Shiloh adores him and follows him everywhere and cries when he leaves her for awhile.
Elaine
Fritz and Wayne
February 14, 2006
Dear MEOW,
It’s hard to believe that I have had Fritz (grey) & Wayne (tuxedo) for over a year now. Fritz still hasn’t gotten the hang of playing with string or sponge balls, and he certainly has never won a wrestling match with Wayne. Wayne is still shy and I can’t pet him if he has all 4 feet on the ground. Once he is up on my bed he’s an entirely different cat.
He is on the bed waiting for me to kiss & cuddle him as soon as I go upstairs to bed. He won’t come cuddle with me on the couch but he has to be cuddled on the bed every night & every morning, too.
The picture of Fritz in Wayne’s dog bed is a little dark, but that is the only time I have ever seen Fritz in Wayne’s bed! They both snuggle up on the chair (that’s Wayne’s back foot behind Fritz’s ear) all the time no matter how uncomfortable it may look sometimes. Wayne loves his chenille floor mat and isn’t happy unless it is rumpled up. I have enclosed the usual unmade bed picture, this was taken in the middle of the afternoon while the boys waited for the sunbeam to hit the bed. The polar fleece blue blanket is theirs & Wayne loves to rumple that up too.
Keep up the wonderful work.
Regards,
Donna, Fritz & Wayne
Fritz in Wayne's dog bed
Wayne and his chenille blanket
Elton and Pants - If you look close you can see Elton has his paw on Pants’ back.
February 8, 2006
Dear MEOW,
We adopted Burdett (now Pants) in the beginning of August, and just wanted to share with you how he is doing. We were worried about how our cat Elton would treat him. They were introduced right away and were best friends right off the bat. Pants and Elton sleep curled up together with paws intertwined, and eat and play together. Often when the lights go out at night you can hear Pants lurking about. All of a sudden you will hear Elton meow and Pants will have tackled him. Elton cannot see where Pants is as he is so black and when he shuts his eyes he blends in with the darkness. It’s quite funny to watch them play together.
Pants is still fearful about being touched, but often when we are home he will sit on the floor near us, or at the foot of the bed if there are no sudden movements. He takes treats from your hand, but that is about it ... although, he comes running into the kitchen every time he hears the can opener and rubs up against Elton like he is the happiest cat in the world. Sometimes you will even hear a little meow. I read on his sister Enchant’s profile before she was adopted, that every time a tuna can was opened she was hearding all the cats, and that is what Pants’ does!
A week or two ago he was asleep in his cat bed and I slowly reached my hand out for him to sniff and he let me pet his back. It was a great moment, and he hasn’t let me do it since, but we are working on the trust level, and we know when he comes around that it will be worth the wait!
Thank you MEOW for introducing us to our newest family member.
From Carly and Richard
Kalei
January 23, 2006
Dear MEOW,
After five months it seemed time to let you know about the progress of our dear girl Kalei (MEOW name Eva). Kit Kit (seven years old, gentle and well spoiled) was not at all certain that he wanted a brother or a sister but I wanted to give it a serious try because I sensed that he might appreciate a friend. I thought that another nice cat might need a safe home. I was lucky enough to have my application processed by Doug who listened incredibly carefully as I described Kit Kit and our lives together and who then advised me about the ‘just right’ sort of cat for us.
Then Kalei came – petite and very sweet – as described by MEOW.
Kalei was not welcome in our house for the first three days. Safe in her carrier – or behind a closed door - she was hissed and growled at by Kit Kit who felt frightened and territorial. She never once returned the nastiness. She was always delighted to see me when I sat with her and never complained when she was left alone. She waited ... patiently.
After three carefully planned days that included scheduled visits and room trading (thanks for the advice MEOW) Kit Kit was accustomed to Kalei’s scent and was ready to allow her into the house with him – and she was happy to be free to roam. She was quiet and polite and very sweet – but she was not yet ‘at home.’ She was very respectful of Kit Kit and his favourite places and never ‘pushy’ at all. Mostly, she kept to herself.
Over 5 months I have witnessed INCREDIBLE growth in this lovely little girl. She has gained a bit of weight and let us know exactly what her favourite foods really are.
She has shown us that she has 3 favourite spots for sleeping in our house – the chair in the bedroom, the MEOW bed on the sofa and the pillow at the dining room window.
She has shown us that she is sweet and friendly but not a ‘pushover.’ Kit Kit is allowed to lick her ears and her face and she will do the same for him but she will not allow an ‘all over’ grooming. Not yet at least. Never nasty – just assertive – that’s our Kalei. (Doug knew her well. He told me that she would ‘hold her own.’)
Kit Kit
She has shown us that while Kit Kit is gentle and shy she is gentle and outgoing. When company comes to our house Kit Kit quietly wanders away to the bedroom or den – Kalei enthusiastically appears – full of chatter and questions – and purrs.
Finally, she is teaching us that cats need lots of time to feel safe and secure and loved and ‘at home.’ Only two days ago she slept with us on the bed all through the night for the very first time. She was very happy – so were we. Maybe soon I’ll be allowed to kiss her nose – she’s trying ...
We look forward to many more ‘firsts’ with Kalei. She has enriched both of our lives beyond anything we could have imagined at the beginning of this journey. Somehow Kit Kit and I have trouble remembering ‘life before Kalei.’ We know that it was good – but it wasn’t nearly as much fun.
Thanks to Doug. You made it possible by helping us to make the right choice for our family – and generously lending your expertise and support. I know that all MEOW volunteers love the cats and want the very best for them all.
Thank you to MEOW for rescuing Kalei and all the others – and for keeping her safe until we found her. What a WONDERFUL JOB you do!
Thanks to Kit Kit for being such a gentle big brother. When you chase and romp and wrestle all through the house with Kalei I know that I made a good choice for both of you.
Thanks especially to Kalei – for being exactly who she is.
Maureen
January 27, 2006
Dear MEOW,
Here are photos of Renoir, a very happily adopted and couch-hogging senior cat. What a decadent pose! He looks so content and comfortable.
Thanks again!
Jelena and Renoir
Editor's note: What a happy alternative to what could have been Renoir's fate! Renoir's rescuer thought he was a mother cat who had given birth and was now skinny with a hanging belly. Renoir was actually a senior cat losing weight at a drastic rate due to living a harsh life on the streets. If he had not been rescued he surely would have died on the streets.
January 7, 2006
Dear MEOW,
I’d just like to give a little update on Molly and Potato (MEOW names Magic and Potato), adopted Sept. 25, 2002. Things have gone well over the last few years. The kittens have grown up to be really great cats, who do all the usual cat things, like sleeping and eating.
They have also learned how to use ladders quite effectively, which has led to some interesting home-reno moments involving attics and rescue missions.
They’ve gotten bigger, up to a combined 15 pounds of furry fury! Molly is only 2/3 of Potato’s size, but still holds her own in their wrestling matches. Minutes later, they’ll be passed out on the bed, curled up tight together.
Potato is a purr machine once she gets going, and has really found her voice. Molly is still quiet, and only purrs when she stomps all over my wife and I in bed or when I cradle her in my arms just right. They also enjoy sliding around on the hardwood floors, and watching the birds and squirrels out the windows.
We are so happy that Molly and Potato came into our lives – thanks to MEOW for giving us these hairy bundles of joy.
Sam and David
January 7, 2006
Dear MEOW,
This is a letter that I could hardly wait to write about our adoption of Madeline, or Maddie(MEOW name Alida). I picked the name of Maddie as she had such a mad look on her face, probably due to being shaved (because of all the mats she had when MEOW rescued her). We had just lost our cat of 20 years to cancer and I'd always thought that if we were to adopt another cat it would be an older cat that no one else would want. Everyone wants a kitten but no one wants a senior. I found three and Maddie was the oldest at 14. My husband initially said no only because she had long hair, but as soon as he saw her he decided she was the one. I think it was because they look so much alike. She arrived the next day and after checking things out she stayed under the bed. My husband was concerned that she would live life under the bed, but not to worry because at bedtime there she was, in the middle of the bed, sideways, so my husband and I were lying on prison cots while THE CAT was enjoying her sleep.
I was told that Maddie didn't like to be touched on her back as she would bite. I'm slowly getting her used to a baby brush and the feel of my hand on her back as my husband refuses to have her cut like a lion again. I think she looks cute but with her long fur she's going to have to get used to me combing her. She has turned into a very affectionate cat and is always looking for neck rubs or someone to talk softly to her.
I've found that if I lie down in the afternoon Maddie will lie on the pillow about four inches from my face and touch me with her paw. This means "scratch my neck". She likes to have her head on a pillow and the rest of her body on the bed, just like a human. I'm so glad to have Maddie in our lives - she gives us so much love that I cannot imagine why anyone would have ever let her go.
One thing that I would like to say to anyone that is contemplating adopting a cat - the description that is given is just what is observed while the cat has been at MEOW. There are a lot of people and other cats that they have to deal with and the fact that they have been traumatized. The cat that you may pick out could be totally different once you get your cat home. I know Maddie gets better and better each week we have her, and I'm sure that if there's something she doesn't like she will change us to her way of thinking.
Thank you so much MEOW for all your hard work and care that goes into looking after these wonderful felines. They are so blessed to have each and every one of you.
(Editor’s note – wow, look at Mulloy now. No scowl, fluffy fur, meat on his bones and spoiled rotten! A far cry from his first days of being rescued at MEOW.)
Editor's note: Fergus had a badly broken leg from being compacted in an industrial garbage container. Here he is in his little cast. 
I love this little guy so much and am super happy that he came into my life. Everyday when I come home he runs to the door and tells me about his day. He is quite demanding. And, well, he is really spoilt and I am ok with that. He still does not drink from a water dish and expects that when he walks up and meows at you for you to follow and turn on the tap. And well I do. He has become very used to getting a little soft food at supper time and has no problem telling me when he has missed it. 
I was told of his talent of his little hip-hop / cheerleading move and have found out this is his way of begging/asking for certain things. And to be honest I think he does it sometimes just to play with me. A new talent I have found is that he sounds like "free willy" the whale when you play with him. He also catches his treats but will not eat them off the floor if they fall! 
Maddox greets me everyday at the door when I come home from work and we always enjoy our playtime as often as we can (his favorite playtime is a wand with a red feather attached at the end) and the occasional game of hide and seek.
He is on the bed waiting for me to kiss & cuddle him as soon as I go upstairs to bed. He won’t come cuddle with me on the couch but he has to be cuddled on the bed every night & every morning, too.
They’ve gotten bigger, up to a combined 15 pounds of furry fury! Molly is only 2/3 of Potato’s size, but still holds her own in their wrestling matches. Minutes later, they’ll be passed out on the bed, curled up tight together.
I've found that if I lie down in the afternoon Maddie will lie on the pillow about four inches from my face and touch me with her paw. This means "scratch my neck". She likes to have her head on a pillow and the rest of her body on the bed, just like a human. I'm so glad to have Maddie in our lives - she gives us so much love that I cannot imagine why anyone would have ever let her go.