DELICATE BALANCE

Every day we give thanks that we were able to offer Hogan the refuge of our home and every day I ask the Lord to please help us find his forever family - and not necessairily in that order.

Some days it feels like we're walking on a tight rope around here and we'd be lying if we didn't say it's abit difficult at present. The longer Hogan is with us, the more comfortable he becomes, but in this case it also means that his stress level goes up much easier because he's faced with sharing his space longer than we had hoped. He bit me yesterday (nothing serious), but he was agitated because one of our boys was raising a ruckus and he is really unhappy when they are active; and I didn't watch the signs he gave. His litterbox habits continue to be perfect but every day I wonder how much longer that will hold out; if it will at all? We're really pushing the envelope here when it comes to what he can take, and we can only hope that the right person/s is around the next corner.

In all the fosters we've had, we've only had to move 2 to other foster homes - one had severely attacked me, and the other was really sick and we couldn't offer the care he needed with our working full time. Otherwise, we've been able to make the situation work with every kitty that has come through the front door - sometimes we've wondered how we've done it and right now we're REALLY wondering how we've done it!! So it goes without saying that we would really like Hogan to stay with us until happily ever after finds him.................we'll keep hoping and praying and doing what we can to make things as easy for all as we can - but wherever you are; please hurry *L*

STILL WORKING

Hogan is still with us. Of all those who have enquired about him thus far, not one has made it to the meet n' greet stage. On the one hand we're grateful because we know that means none were the right ones, and yet on the other, we're disappointed because this boy really needs to be on his own in a home and apart of us wishes that could come soon.

Overall Hogan does really well and still his litterbox habits are perfect. We've toyed with the idea of leaving him full house access when we head back to work tomorrow but at last discussion, it was agreed that for his calmness and out of respect for our boys space (and our peace of mind), he'll go back to spending his days during the week in his guest room. No sense pushing that envelope even further than we already are and having any one of a number of bad things take place.

He's a big sweetheart that will be so happy when he has his own space.

THAT RIGHT FIT

So far there have been three enquiries for Hogan - not bad at all considering he's been with us a month exactly this coming Wedneday. The first actually ended up adopting elsewhere, the second was initial excitement that wained, and the third remains to be seen. This one is a young couple who are preparing to be married and have fallen madly in love with Hogan via his pictures, his bio write up, and the brief discussion we've had over the phone. The concern for me is that they are planning on children in their future, and although we cannot say with any degree of certainty that children was the trigger in Hogan's former family that resulted in his inappropriate litterbox usage, it certainly couldn't have helped. I've been completely honest with them about why he was surrendered and how wonderfully he has done here litterbox wise despite sharing his space with other cats. They are both currently travelling on business and won't be available to meet him for another week or thereabouts so I've suggested we all think about it and if they still feel as strongly about him when they've had time to ponder, I've indicated they are welcome to call us again and we'll set up a time for them to meet him.

Our current feeling is to stand firm on the no kids, no dogs and no cats in his new home. This is where the foster parent's responsbility comes into play.............it's his happiness and setting him up for success that is foremost in our minds. Quite honestly, this couple will be able to find another kitty that will tolerate their lifestyle choices, but Hogan, he cannot make those choices for himself and is at the mercy of whomever's hands he lands in. There are no guarantees at any time, but we must do our best to protect and help those who come into our care - and oftentimes that can mean saying no to good when you know you need great.

NOT SO FAST!

Hogan has been with us two weeks today and I just finished submitting his bio and pictures to the rescue for posting on the website. Basically I think at this point if you we were able to ask Hogan himself, he would tell you that he can't get out of Dodge fast enough! *L*

He has been a wonderful houseguest...........he just happens to hate having to share his space with others and pretty much is of the mindset that everyone in the animal kingdom should retreat or get out of his way completely. So it's official - he does hate other cats but on the upside, he LOVES people!! Part of our regular routine in the evenings is for him to come in and snuggle beside me while I'm reading right before bed. He still is and will continue to have, controlled exposure to the whole house and our boys. In order to keep everyone stress free and tolerant, Hogan is only given free run of the house when we are home; so afew hours in the morning before work and then again when we get home late afternoon until we go to bed. Otherwise, he spends overnight in his guestroom and all indications are that by the time that hour comes at night, he's very ready to go back to having his own space. It is a juggling act here right now but he is overall a super lovely, sweet and very affectionate boy and we're very confident that he'll be adopted pretty quickly given his age, temperment, and who could overlook that handsome face? His litterbox habits continue to be absolutely perfect, so even though there are other cats around and he's not happy about it, the trick was/is to ensure that his stress level isn't totally excaberated to the point where he feels that the only recourse he has is to act out by having naughty bathroom habits - hence the continued use of his guestroom for much needed privacy and de-stress.

All this said, we will ensure that he goes to a home without other pets and no kids and that anyone taking him understands that down the road, that cannot change for him - he will never be happy with either. Just means that his 2nd chance has to be a forever family that completely understands what they are agreeing to if they wish to take him home.

He is certainly personality plus and is not shy about letting you know exactly what he wants and how he wants it. Gotta love that kind of self confidance. :))