BEST PRESENT

I wrote before about how I wished that Mako's Christmas present would be his forever home. Not only did he have his forever Mom find him just in time for the holidays, but I would say judging by this photo she sent us earlier tonight; it was the best present he and we could have ever received.

We miss him but we love it that he's finally home.

HERE WE GO!!

First we've changed Aico's name (it just wasn't suiting her) - she's now known as Mocha.

Second, her hold time is over as of this coming Tuesday so I just finished forwarding a write up and pictures of her to the rescue for their website. Most people think she will be adopted quite quickly, I'm telling myself that I'll still have her for Christmas.

Third, even though she's not a lap cat it would appear that laying across my chest and sleeping tucked under my chin are not too close :)) Have I mentioned what a little darling she's become...........still hates the boys but what do you expect, she's a female!! *L*

Merry Christmas everyone, here's some DIVA pics to keep you going.

A PRINCESS' PARTY

How I would love to write that our new foster Aico is all settled in and a dream. The reality is that yes she is very sweet, but at present she is also very stressed with the presence of the boys. When I tell you that this petite diva hisses from her toes, I kid you not. Thankfully, her expressions of displeasure are all that, just expressions - she hisses and growls like no other guest we've had before but that's about all there is to her. Lots of warning but no actual execution on her threats.

Doubly thankfully, both Rocky & Silly are avoiding her like the plague. They both outweigh and outsize her but her presence is larger than both of them put together! Whoever it was that said that little women have no power have obviously never had the pleasure of this Lilac Point PRINCESS!!!!

A COUPLE OF TWISTS

Mako was adopted this past Monday evening. He did much better with this meet n' greet, even allowing his new Mom to pet him abit prior to leaving which is a big deal when you are afraid and nervous as he was.

If I'm being honest, I'd say that I didn't like Mako's new Mom at all. She was rude, condescending, and obnoxious during our meet n' greet - a real know it all. She is however a serious cat lover who I'm completely confidant will take incredibly good care of our boy.............if there had been even one smidgen of doubt in my mind; believe me, it would have been so easy to turn her away. But I learned a long time ago that I don't have to like adopters, I just have to know that they will take good care of our fosters. In this instance, that was the case 100%.

I've already received updates, and Mako is doing really well - that's all that really matters and all I truly care about.

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Then on Tuesday night we welcomed this little girl.........

A approximately 6 year old purebred Lilac Point Siamese - sadly, found wandering the streets. We've named her Aico and although she's been a little nervous since arriving, she is as gentle and sweet as she is beautiful. This is our first time with a purebreed cat (with the exception of our boy the Maine Coon we foster a while back) and Siamese are as exotic looking as they are interesting behaviour wise.

I'll have better pictures shortly, but trust me when I tell you that we shan't have this baby long - purebreds are VERY popular!

EARLY GIFT

We had an adoption enquiry for Mako last weekend. That was a young woman who although very nice and caring, was preparing to head out on a Christmas holiday at the end of the month to visit family, and would have been leaving Mako behind for upwards of 12 days. Since we already know that it will take him at least afew weeks to settle in to a new environment, we didn't feel it was the best situation for him.

Than earlier this week, another call came in this time a lovely sounding woman who lost her last kitty just afew months ago. She sounds very experienced and very loving, and we're all looking forward to meeting this coming Monday evening. Well to be honest, I don't think Mako is going to enjoy it one bit as he's very fearful of strangers.........last weekends meet n' greet had him terrified. But if it's the right home, than once he moves in he'll settle in just as he did here - that we're positive of.

Fingers crossed that his forever family has found him and this will be his Christmas present.

SPECIAL PACKAGE

Yes, Mako is stil with us and no there has yet to be even one adoption enquiry for our Snowman. It just goes to show that sometimes you really can't predict these things because upon arriving with us back in September, if I were a betting person I would have put down the farm on Mako's forever family finding him quickly given his beauty and wonderful disposition.

The upside to his stay here at Safe Haven having been extended is that he's completely settled in now, so much so that the only thing he really hides from at this point is strangers who ring the doorbell..............otherwise, he gets into as much mischief as our own boys, and he feels comfortable enough to try every once in awhile in asserting himself as top cat which as you can imagine, does not go over well. :))

We hope he is adopted before Christmas because he would really be much happier being the only kitty and we would be much happier not being used as human stepping stones in the middle of the night! *L*

CHILLIN'

Here's another cute shot of our gorgeous Mako. I didn't realize he even likes to sit on the back of this chair in our home office until I've been off on vacation this week and discovered it while at home in the afternoon!

He literally follows me everywhere, all the time - much more like a dog than a cat. He's happiest when he's in close proximity and purrs at the drop of a hat............hard to believe he's still without his forever family.

HOW TO RELAX

Mako's got taking it easy down to a fine art! This morning I caught him settling into one of his favourite places (our bed), to take a well deserved mid morning snooze..........after a very tough early morning getting us up for breakfast, a snack, and a litterbox cleaning.

Still no adoption calls but that just means that people out there don't know who they are passing by.

ALWAYS SOMETHING TO BE THANKFUL FOR

We've received some really, really, nice emails from former adopters over the course of the Thanksgiving weekend. It made us even more grateful for the continued love and care they are giving to our former guests, and it warmed our hearts to hear and see these kids all doing so well.......

ZIGGY
The caption that came with this photo was "Oh it's so exhausting hosting Thanksgiving". We're sure it is sweet boy but we are also very thankful after your recent health scare that you were here to revel in it.

PICA
Then we received the following email from Pica's Mom......
This weekend I wanted to reach out and thank you for all you do for cats needing new homes. Pica has been with us for almost a year now and we are all happy and healthy. Pica greets us each morning by running to "her" carpet, where she flops on her side ready for some love (coffee must wait!). She prowls between our home offices, where she can keep an eye on us during the day, or knock a few pencils off our desks if we ignore her too long. Late in the evening, she is off to the basement, where she joins our son (who is a night owl). If everyone is busy there is always that pesky tail to be chased (we're still not sure she understands it's attached!) or the plastic strip off the salad box to attack (we've given up buying cat toys--the plastic strip provides never-ending entertainment).


Pica will never be a lap cat, but she is happy to be held in our arms for short periods and happy to play anytime. She is no longer shy and will eagerly greet any of our son's friends who drop by.


OSCAR
Him laying in the sunshine is my favourite. He was so skinny and timid when he first arrived with us - now the contentment he has with his Mom just radiates from him.
Oscar is doing great. You'll be happy to hear that he has filled out a bit. He's got a little bit of a belly on him now. He continues to be very affectionate and playful.

TRUE BEAUTY

Mako is still our current houseguest. Somewhat surprisingly, there hasn't been one adoption call for him as of yet. We suspect that it may due to the fact that we've disclosed he has a slight heart murmur. He doesn't appear to be suffering in any way shape or form from it, nor does it hamper his ability to play or enjoy daily life. Our Miss Remy had a heart murmur and she lived to be 16 so we don't feel it would be a deal breaker for us in any way shape or form; but it's likely causing others to pause.

He is so beautiful and SUCH a lovebug! Quite fearful of loud noises and sudden movements, he startles easily but he also is becoming less nervous all the time and doesn't hide hardly at all anymore. He loves to be brushed, to snack on Temptations treats, and to snuggle under covers. Sometimes we come upstairs unable to find him, only to realize that he's under our duvet on the bed or has burrowed under my housecoat. He's also found peace with our two boys - although I would like to see him go to a home as the only kitty (because I think he would be less nervous there), he could also find coexistence with another feline, but it would have to be one that is VERY laid back and non threatening. He grew to like Ivey quite quickly so a female could be a better choice than another male.

He's a lovely cat............here's to his lovely forever home finding him.

BYE BYE "I"

If you've guessed this post is adoption related, than you guessed correctly! Ivey was adopted earlier this evening by a lovely woman who is going to spoil her to death. She'll be a solo kitty but her new Mom is retired so she'll get lots of attention.

Last night was the first night since she'd arrived with us, that she spent the whole night sleeping cuddled up against me - almost as if she knew that it was our last night together.

Now here's hoping that Mako's forever home is right around the corner.....

LIFE

We've been very fortunate in that alot of the wonderful people who have adopted from us, keep in touch so that we can see how happy and loved their beloved new family members are.

It truly makes my day when I receive an email that has pictures attached of a former foster. We never tire of the updates, and I make a point of filing away all the photos sent. Nothing makes this work more fulfilling than knowing a kitty who was destined for euthanasia, is now safe and loved in the comforts of a home with people that care. In that spirit, yesterday I got an email from "C" who had adopted Holmes (now called Henry) from us last Summer. He is a GORGEOUS medium haired ginger male (with the nose freckles to prove it!), and was such a sweet and docile boy in the time that we fostered him. "C" reports that he's doing great and gets along with the rest of her brood - all five of them, swimmingly.

Sadly, as well all know, where there is life - there is also death. Not all of us are meant to live long lives here. Some of us are here for a long time and some of us are not. Two of our previous fosters have both passed away unexpectedly in the past couple of months. Our hearts have ached for both of them and we know that their families (humans and animal alike), miss them terribly and so wish that things could have been different.

I am reminded of the words found in Ecclesiastes 3 which states:

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance


We pay our respects and pay tribute to two of our boys that now rest without pain and suffering. A time will come when they will be reunited with the families that have loved them so dearly on this side................until then; we miss you.

MAGNUM

BUSTER

TWICE THE AMOUNT OF LOVE

Do you think this is any indication on how Ivey is settling in with us? That's her on the right snuggled up against our Silly on the bathmat during our early morning attempts to get ready while we step over them! Far be it from us to disturb what is obviously such a hotspot for early morning naps.

Ivey is doing wonderfully! So gentle, calm, super loving and friendly, she is so laid back and taking everything so much in stride that you can't help but relax right along with her! *L* She has done absolutely superbly with the boys and we'd go so far as to say that she likes the company of other cats, especially ones that will snuggle with her.

The other night we learned of another kitty, "Mako" who was sitting the shelter after being surrendered due to the death of his owner. I was told he was supremely gorgeous, majorally sweet, and would do really well with our gang. I just couldn't leave him there; especially knowing that his owner had passed away and now he found himself mourning the loss of his friend and facing euthanasia. Soooooooo we agree to take him too - and he is all the things they promised us and more! He is one of the most physically gorgeous cats I've seen in a very long time and he has the beautiful personality to match. He's abit nervous at the moment but I don't think it will last long given his incredibly friendly nature.

Meet Mako who at 8 years of age, is stunning...

It's a FULL HOUSE!!!!!

COME AND SEE!

Ivey has been with us a week today. She was at the vet's late last week for some much needed dental which ended up in her losing one of her canines, but that's all behind her now and after afew more days of meds, she'll be right as rain.

SUCH a little sweetheart, she's easygoing, gentle, doesn't mind the company of other cats, and also gives the tiniest little love nips when she's wanting some attention (not hurtful at all which just makes them that much cuter). Somebody out there did a horrible injustice to this girl in that they had her declawed but didn't spay her! - I guess they were hoping for some polydactly kittens they could sell if they breeded her.

She's totally safe now and we're so enjoying having her with us....

REVOLVING DOOR

After Marigold's adoption on Saturday, it was only a matter of an hour or so before the rescue called. I've actually renamed the rescue coordinator "Kitty Hustler" simply because she LIVES rescue and is constantly planning, juggling, begging, and pleading for foster homes to help by opening up their homes to yet another desperately needy kitty!

So after a thorough clean of the guest room, off I went to pick up our next houseguest. She's a 3 year old, polydactl tabby that we've named Ivey. She LOVES other cats, people, and so far has been completely chill - so much so that I almost started to wonder if there was something the matter. As I type this, she has already been given full access to the house (and the boys), and this is how she reacted:

So far neither of the boys have had any reaction to her either...........can this really be it for this one? Well just to make doubly sure we're all on the same page with this, she'll be escorted back to her guestroom come bedtime, but honestly it looks as though this will be one of those "pinch me" stays. :))

UNPREPARED

Late last week I asked if Marigold could be the "featured" kitty on the rescue's main page of their website in the hopes that it would provide her with more exposure and increase her chances of getting adopted. That was done on Friday - on Saturday morning, I got a call saying that there was another potential adopter for our girl.

We initially chatted via phone first and I answered their questions as it pertained to Marigold's current grooming issues and her overall temperment. Than we made an appointment for yesterday at dinnertime for them to come by for the the meet n' greet, 90 minutes after that, I was saying goodbye to our princess as she headed out the door with her new parents!

They were smitten with her almost instantly and true to her diva self, Marigold was confidant, calm and endearing. Even our two boys seem to be totally relaxed during the visit, almost as if they too knew that their days of putting up with Miss FancyPants were almost over. *L*

The shot above?.............taken within two hours of her being in her new home.

NEVER FORGOTTEN

Today I won't be writing about kitties. Instead, as I've done in the 2 years previous to this one, I'm dedicating this post to my younger Sister Tanya who passed away 3 years ago on this day at the age of 38.

There has not been one single day since she died that I have not thought of her. At times, I can be in the full throes of something and suddenly I am reminded that she is no longer among us and it can still quite literally take my breath away. Thirty six months later and her passing can still seem so surreal.

The sadness and sorrow I have felt with her sickness and subsequent death has not diminished and I don't expect that it ever will, but it has in some ways, changed. I don't accept what happened to her but I am learning to live with it, and I know that she lives on in a place free from the pain and suffering she endured here; for that I am eternally grateful.

For Tanya Marlene Hermann who loved the colour purple, and enjoyed the singer Usher, I remember.........and you are still my Sister.

WRONG CALL

So far there have been two different adoption enquiries about Marigold. The first one wasn't a fit and the second which was an initial phone call earlier this morning, certainly was not!

As soon as I began chatting with the potential adopter, my spidy senses were tingling. A first rate "know it all" who thought the fact that Marigold came to us with a dry, rather lack lustre coat was "strange" (her word not mine), and who when I began to explain that Marigold would need help at present in keeping her derriere clean, cut me right off to say absolutely not! I responded to say that I appreciated the honesty and that I would let the adoption screener know it wasn't the right fit; and promptly ended the discussion.

I admit it, it's bugged me all day. Not that she wasn't willing to take Marigold on, because goodness knows that judging by her demeanour on the phone call, this adoption would have NEVER gone through; but it was moreso the way in which she conveyed herself. What I wish in hindsight I had said to her, was that it was wonderful she had been so forthright in her displeasure to consider Marigold, because infact I would never allow her to be adopted by someone unwilling to care for her the way she needed!!! This woman was abrasive and rude and it has stuck in my craw!

All that said (or vented), I realize that there are few people who will willingly want to adopt a cat with this issue but quite honestly it takes 5 minutes daily, and it's just not that big of a deal. I comfort myself by realizing that all those who will pass her by because of it, miss out on a really nice kitty to have as a friend.

MISS M

I think if Marigold were a woman, she would very much remind me of "M" from the James Bond films. A lady through and through, she's tough, no nonsense but abit soft deep in the middle if she allows you to see that far.

There was an adoption call for M last week which resulted in a meet n' greet yesterday. I've come to the conclusion that I get nervous and agonize over the ones that somewhere deep down inside I know are likely fits; the ones that never are I never seem to get quite so worked up over in advance. This apppointment was absolutely the latter. They were a young couple, nice and friendly but something just didn't seem to say YES. They came, they met Marigold who was not shy in the slightest, came down to greet them, and even rolled over onto her back to put all four paws in the air just in case there was any question of how cute she really is; and yet they hardly interacted with her at all. They were more content to stand and talk to me, glancing at her occassionally, than they were in getting to know her. It was quickly apparent that they wouldn't be the right home for our girl and in not so many words, that was the opinion I left them with.

Totally fine on this end, as we're all doing just fine here and as always, we're in no rush to usher our guest out the door into the arms of the wrong forever home.

KITTIES OF ALL KINDS

We've been able to capture some really lovely shots of Marigold these past couple of weeks. Our Queen is no fan of the boys, and she tries to make it plain as day to them on a constant basis that she wishes to be treated as such. Her latest trick is attempting to swat them as they pass her, and she also tends to block whole doorways with her um.........buxom self, in the hopes of forcing them to stay stranded in whatever part of the house their in until she so deems it. Silly has adjusted accordingly, he either simply jumps over her or runs at a much quicker speed past her than she can react to. Rocky on the other hand, hisses and spits just enough that she seems to squeeze over enough to let him pass - I don't think she's entirely confidant that she can take on our tough nut.

No adoption calls for Marigold as of yet but it's plainly evident that she needs to be the Queen and loyal subjects are not preferred; so a home on her own will be best, which may take abit longer to find our girl.

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We've also received some terrific photos Quincy (now known as Oscar) and our famous duo, Bumble & Ziggy which we thought you might enjoy having a peek at. All the boys have gone to amazing forever homes, and we love it that their parents send us updates along the way so that we too can see how they are flourishing. It's great food for the soul when your in the trenches of rescue and you see so much neglect, abandonement and abuse.

Oscar:

Bumble & Ziggy:

GET READY, GET SET!

We sent off a bio write up complete with pictures on Marigold for the rescue's website as her 2 week quarantine is over as of tomorrow.

Initially she was experiencing some issues with respect to your hands (once again we sadly think she's been abused by someone), but after only two weeks she's already started to relax more, realizing that noone here is going to hit her. She does HATE to be brushed - again we think it's more a case of her being afraid of the actual brush rather than hating the whole experience as she does purr initially; but we've taken that one slow and not pushed the envelope there. The only other obstacle we're currently dealing with is the fact that due to her being plus size, she's having issues keeping her backside clean so we're having to provide assistance. Not the most joyous of tasks by any stretch of the imagination, but sometimes you just have to do what you have to do, and this is one of them. She is ABSOLUTELY not happy when we have to clean her, but we try to calm her by talking softly to her, reassuring her, and above all else, being quick about it! Once she loses abit of weight, we don't forsee this continuing to be an issue as she's a zealous groomer and tries desperately to do it herself, she just can't get there for the moment.

So it goes without saying that it will have to be an "extra special" someone who offers Marigold her forever home. The upside side is that she is super sweet, friendly and has a very endearing personality............and besides, what's a little derriere cleaning between friends. :))

A BLOOMING FLOWER

Marigold is settling in nicely. She has full run of the house at this point and except for abit of growling when the boys pass by a little too close, everyone is keeping the peace. As usual, both our boys give Marigold a very wide berth simply because she is a female - they tend to command such and this girl is so exception.

We have yet to hear her meow but we've heard her growl and if you are doing anything to her that she doesn't like or feel comfortable with, she can and does let you know it. Because she is a little on the plus side size wise, she's currently experiencing issues maintaining cleanliness in the derriere section of her pretty self; so we're having to give her abit of assistance in that department which NONE of us are enjoying! We're hopeful though that the weight control food we've introduced her to as well as the exercise of the stairs in our home will both help her to shed abit of her extra self and with that she'll be better able to take care of all her grooming needs on her own.

It's obvious she's enjoying the comforts of a home again, even if it does mean sharing it with two boys at least for the time being.

COAT OF MANY COLOURS

Shortly after Quincy's adoption on Friday evening, we received word that there was a sweet girl at the shelter who had been waiting patiently for a whole month in a cage for her second chance at happiness. Initially we never saw her picture and knew nothing else about her except that she was a calico and had been an owner surrender.

Bright and early Saturday morning we headed out to the west end of the city to finally break her free of her cage.....

We've named this pretty one, Marigold. After only afew short days we've already begun giving her exposure to the boys and the rest of the house in the evenings while we're awake and then retiring her to her room for overnight so she (and us), can relax peacefully. Tonight is her 2nd night out and except for some serious hissing on her part to let the boys know she won't tolerate any monkey business, she's been doing extremely well.

Isn't she just lovely.

EVER CHANGING

A couple of nights ago I received an email from the rescue indicating that there was someone interested in Quincy. No sooner had I finished reading that one, than there was a follow up email from the interested person themself - enquiring about coming to meet him.

I spoke briefly on the phone with the potential adopter and then arrangements were made for "M" to come out last night to meet him. To be honest, I didn't think this would result in anything but perhaps a nice visit. I never envisioned Quincy going home with this woman, not because I didn't think she was offering a good home, but moreso because I didn't see Quincy being ready just yet for a move.

Last night came, the potential adopter arrived and things unfolded from there. Quincy did really, really well with his first meet n' greet. He didn't hide and wasn't overly nervous. He also enjoyed presents "M" brought which included abit of catnip and some stuffed mice! An hour or so later, and he was in the carrier, headed home to forever.

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This morning I woke up wondering how he was - and here's what I found in my Inbox:

Hi LisaMarie,
I just wanted you to know that Quincy seems to be doing great. It took him about an hour to venture out of the closet, looking for affection. It took him all of ten minutes to find the patio door, which he keeps going back to to look out of. By 10pm he was playing with the mouse you gave him. Now he is flopped out on the couch.


And then I saw these:

Quincy was ready afterall...........

LITTLE BOY

Quincy is doing great! Still somewhat nervous about sudden movements and loud noises, overall he's coming out of his shell more and more every day. We did have to make a vet visit with him yesterday because we were a little concerned about his thin frame and the fact that it doesn't appear he's put any weight on in the three weeks he's been with us. He has a fantastic appetite which made us wonder if perhaps there were throid issues at play (him being a little older it's not totally uncommon). Bloodwork will gives us an answer in a few days time and in visiting the vet's office, everyone remarked on what a well behaved sweetie he is.

He has such a kind temperment and is so gentle. Just last night he curled up in the crook of my arm as I lay reading in bed - it was so adorable to see him relaxing and enjoying the warmth and love we're offering. There's no doubt that he's had it rough but that's all behind him now and every day we see new glimpses of a very grateful kitty who is re-learning what it means to be loved.

PREVIOUS GUESTS - FOREVER FRIENDS

This past week we've received some lovely photos of recently adopted guests who are always missed here at the Safe Haven.....


Bumble & Ziggy

Don't they look right at home?

Fisher (now lovingly known as Kingston)


I think it's safe to say he's found the easy life as King of the Castle.






We always love getting these kinds of emails.It warms our hearts to know our former houseguests and sweet little friends are being well cared for and loved!

SMOOTH SAILING

We realized that Quincy's two quarantine as per the rescue's guidelines is almost up with us (Friday is the official date) and that means that he can be added to the website as "available for adoption", anytime now.

It's hard to believe really that he's only been here not quite two weeks. His integration into our home, with the boys, and our routine, has been practically seamless. Oh there's been the odd hiss or growl if the boys have ventured too close and Quincy wasn't sure what they wanted, but just yesterday I caught him and Silly racing around playing hide n' seek together like a couple of kittens! In addition, he decided that it was high time to come for snuggles once we'd gone to bed and so he slept between us most of last night, so I'd saying he's doing great!!

Him and hubby are bonding quite abit which is bittersweet because hubby really takes it hard when the ones that seek him out for love and reassurance, find their forever homes. It's a see saw of emotions for both of us really and thank goodness we can help the other through it as we take turns feeling tender about a particular foster and blue at their initial departure.

Quincy is a terrific kitty and again we're grateful that we've had the chance to make his acquaintance.