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.

1 WEEK MARK

Quincy has been our guest officially 1 week tomorrow, but we hope you won't mind us showcasing his handsome little face abit early.

Yes that is Silly's bed and yes, Quincy has discovered why it's such a favourite. He's explored every crevice of the house at this point we're sure, and although he's still quite skittish at noises and sudden movements, he's loving the windows to look out and enjoys settling down to lay against one of us in the evenings.

Hubby and I were discussing last night how Quincy is the first foster in quite some time that we'd like to put some weight on versus take off! It's obvious the way he reacts to the sound of a package opening or when we sit down to eat that he's been accustomed to rummaging in things to find his next meal. Heartbreaking such a realization but then we have to remind ourselves that his days of walking the streets hungry are truly over.