December 2022 Adoptions
Written by Julia Persch
Archie
Archie is a charming 10-year-old gentleman cat who had been the beloved pet of an elderly couple, together with his cat-brother.
But his human friends and his brother passed away one by one until Archie was left alone. There was no family member who could take him in. Archie spent several lonely months in the empty apartment with occasional visits of a caretaker before he came to the Shelter in May.
At first, he seemed depressed, had very low energy and several health issues. But with lots of affectionate cuddles and medical attention he soon perked up, became increasingly healthy and handsome and a favorite of the volunteers.
He particularly touched volunteer Laura who began helping with evening duties at the Shelter in late summer. Laura decided to adopt Archie in December 2022.
On January 7th Laura wrote:
“I started volunteering at the shelter a few months after the peaceful death of my much-loved, 18-year-old little tuxedo cat Yin. I took note of Archie pretty quickly – partly because I have a soft spot for older cats, and partly because I used to have to wait outside for my “tuck-in” partner before I had a password to enter the shelter. And while I waited, I talked to Archie through the front window to the left of the doors. That’s how we first got acquainted.
As time went on, Archie appealed to me because he seemed to be like many older gentlemen – independent, a bit of a curmudgeon, who felt entitled to one-on-one attention and didn’t need to make a drama queen of himself to get it. He was quietly assertive and had a certain dignity that I respected.
I finally brought Archie home with me (I was tired of coming home to an empty house, and Archie needed a place to live). It has been a gradual adjustment for him. For a while he really wasn’t eating or pooping and was staying upstairs 24/7. Some timely attention from our Shelter vet Dr. Sally helped turn things around.
Archie has an anxious side (he still thinks the kitchen is not entirely safe, and startles when I come into view suddenly), but he also has laid claim to his share of the couch and my bed. He has a hobby of opening cabinet doors when I’m not around, as well as a fascination with the bathtub (Yin did, too). He is now having pretty regular “zoomies,” pelting around the house at odd moments, and has shown interest in a few toys. He has a great purr, something none of my previous cats had!
I call him “Buddy” pretty often, because he is becoming quite the pal, and “Mister Man” because… I just do. I’m so glad he’s here!”
Archie is a charming 10-year-old gentleman cat who had been the beloved pet of an elderly couple, together with his cat-brother.
But his human friends and his brother passed away one by one until Archie was left alone. There was no family member who could take him in. Archie spent several lonely months in the empty apartment with occasional visits of a caretaker before he came to the Shelter in May.
At first, he seemed depressed, had very low energy and several health issues. But with lots of affectionate cuddles and medical attention he soon perked up, became increasingly healthy and handsome and a favorite of the volunteers.
He particularly touched volunteer Laura who began helping with evening duties at the Shelter in late summer. Laura decided to adopt Archie in December 2022.
On January 7th Laura wrote:
“I started volunteering at the shelter a few months after the peaceful death of my much-loved, 18-year-old little tuxedo cat Yin. I took note of Archie pretty quickly – partly because I have a soft spot for older cats, and partly because I used to have to wait outside for my “tuck-in” partner before I had a password to enter the shelter. And while I waited, I talked to Archie through the front window to the left of the doors. That’s how we first got acquainted.
As time went on, Archie appealed to me because he seemed to be like many older gentlemen – independent, a bit of a curmudgeon, who felt entitled to one-on-one attention and didn’t need to make a drama queen of himself to get it. He was quietly assertive and had a certain dignity that I respected.
I finally brought Archie home with me (I was tired of coming home to an empty house, and Archie needed a place to live). It has been a gradual adjustment for him. For a while he really wasn’t eating or pooping and was staying upstairs 24/7. Some timely attention from our Shelter vet Dr. Sally helped turn things around.
Archie has an anxious side (he still thinks the kitchen is not entirely safe, and startles when I come into view suddenly), but he also has laid claim to his share of the couch and my bed. He has a hobby of opening cabinet doors when I’m not around, as well as a fascination with the bathtub (Yin did, too). He is now having pretty regular “zoomies,” pelting around the house at odd moments, and has shown interest in a few toys. He has a great purr, something none of my previous cats had!
I call him “Buddy” pretty often, because he is becoming quite the pal, and “Mister Man” because… I just do. I’m so glad he’s here!”
Mookie and Pigeon
Jackie
Little Jackie and her two siblings spent their early kittenhood in a family with kids and dogs. Although they had lots of social time there, the kittens were quite shy when they moved into their KAS foster home at the age of 3 months. Foster mom Pat had the task to make them trust new people, to prepare them for their future home. And since Pat is highly experienced in turning little shy ones into love bugs, it didn’t take long until the babies landed in her lap.
Jackie was the smallest of the litter, but Pat said “don’t let her size fool you as she has a huge personality. She is brave and very sweet and loves to purr in your lap when you pet her.”
Stella and Tom from Stowe had recently lost a cat and were looking for a companion for their young tabby tiger Pidgeon. They were hoping to find a courageous kitty who would also do well with their German Shepard Mookie. Jackie looked so much like Pidgeon that the couple set their hearts on adopting her.
Stella wrote during the adoption process:
“I’m attaching a photo from yesterday of Mookie and Pigeon. If there’s any question of where Jackie should go, just know that you couldn’t find a more loving and committed home than ours. Our pets are central to our family and there’s nothing we wouldn’t do for them.”
The family was soon approved for adoption and Jackie went home on December 13th.
Little Jackie and her two siblings spent their early kittenhood in a family with kids and dogs. Although they had lots of social time there, the kittens were quite shy when they moved into their KAS foster home at the age of 3 months. Foster mom Pat had the task to make them trust new people, to prepare them for their future home. And since Pat is highly experienced in turning little shy ones into love bugs, it didn’t take long until the babies landed in her lap.
Jackie was the smallest of the litter, but Pat said “don’t let her size fool you as she has a huge personality. She is brave and very sweet and loves to purr in your lap when you pet her.”
Stella and Tom from Stowe had recently lost a cat and were looking for a companion for their young tabby tiger Pidgeon. They were hoping to find a courageous kitty who would also do well with their German Shepard Mookie. Jackie looked so much like Pidgeon that the couple set their hearts on adopting her.
Stella wrote during the adoption process:
“I’m attaching a photo from yesterday of Mookie and Pigeon. If there’s any question of where Jackie should go, just know that you couldn’t find a more loving and committed home than ours. Our pets are central to our family and there’s nothing we wouldn’t do for them.”
The family was soon approved for adoption and Jackie went home on December 13th.
A week later Stella sent videos of Jackie and Pidgeon playing and hanging out together. Stella wrote: “Success! They’ve settled nicely. No dog intro yet but that’ll come in time. Please let Pat know that she’s doing well, and we love her.”
On December 27th Stella emailed: “It’s going so well! Pigeon and Jackie are inseparable so that’s been a roaring success. We’ve done a couple of little intros with the dog, all under very controlled circumstances, and they seem comfortable. I’m not ready to let them loose yet but slowly, slowly wins the race! We are so delighted with Jackie - she’s everything we wanted and more.”
On December 27th Stella emailed: “It’s going so well! Pigeon and Jackie are inseparable so that’s been a roaring success. We’ve done a couple of little intros with the dog, all under very controlled circumstances, and they seem comfortable. I’m not ready to let them loose yet but slowly, slowly wins the race! We are so delighted with Jackie - she’s everything we wanted and more.”
On January 2nd adoption counselor Nancy got in touch with Stella again and reported:
“I had a chance to call the family this afternoon regarding Jackie. They gave Jackie an A+ rating!
They said that Jackie is absolutely beautiful, and the kittens are very sweet together. They play chase and wrestle with each other and love the fishing pole toys. Jackie is fabulous and everything has worked out so well with Pigeon. Jackie is so loving, quite a snuggler and an absolute joy to have. The kittens sleep together in their daughter’s bed but at times they will join the adults in bed as well.
They are all delighted to have Jackie and feel that the household is happy and peaceful. The family has a cabin up north and they plan to take the kittens visiting soon. Their next mission is to further introduce the dog. Things are going well, but they are taking the introductions to the dog very slowly. The kittens have the entire second floor of the home to themselves, but they visit the first floor when the dog is out walking.
They wanted me to tell Pat that "she raised a wonderful little kitten."
“I had a chance to call the family this afternoon regarding Jackie. They gave Jackie an A+ rating!
They said that Jackie is absolutely beautiful, and the kittens are very sweet together. They play chase and wrestle with each other and love the fishing pole toys. Jackie is fabulous and everything has worked out so well with Pigeon. Jackie is so loving, quite a snuggler and an absolute joy to have. The kittens sleep together in their daughter’s bed but at times they will join the adults in bed as well.
They are all delighted to have Jackie and feel that the household is happy and peaceful. The family has a cabin up north and they plan to take the kittens visiting soon. Their next mission is to further introduce the dog. Things are going well, but they are taking the introductions to the dog very slowly. The kittens have the entire second floor of the home to themselves, but they visit the first floor when the dog is out walking.
They wanted me to tell Pat that "she raised a wonderful little kitten."
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Alice and Ricky
Alice and Ricky found an excellent home just as their little sister Jackie.
Their foster mom Pat described them fondly once they came out of hiding at her house:
“Ricky is a soft and silky black kitten, as sleek as a black panther. He is a beautiful boy with double paws on his front feet and he is just as sweet as he is handsome.
Alice is a truly lovely little tiger. She is very affectionate and playful and enjoys chasing anything around the room very much. She has the sweetest face and sweetest disposition and will be a wonderful pet.”
Their happy adopter Laura brought them home to Lyndonville on December 27th
Her adoption counselor Nancy wrote shortly after:
I have spoken with Laura and have received several messages. The kittens are doing great!
They first hid under the couch for a few hours when they arrived at home. But soon they came out and began to explore. Ricky was more courageous and Alice a bit shyer.
At bedtime, Ricky was up and down all night and was purring and cuddly. He was the more daring of the two. Alice was under and around the bed. She is a love bug when you pet her.
Laura says they are a joy and so sweet. She is grateful to everyone who helped her get these wonderful kitties.
Laura especially wanted their foster mom Pat to know how much she appreciated Pat for getting the kittens started out to be really sweet cats.
Laura said that Pat was amazing .......we already knew that, though
Alice and Ricky found an excellent home just as their little sister Jackie.
Their foster mom Pat described them fondly once they came out of hiding at her house:
“Ricky is a soft and silky black kitten, as sleek as a black panther. He is a beautiful boy with double paws on his front feet and he is just as sweet as he is handsome.
Alice is a truly lovely little tiger. She is very affectionate and playful and enjoys chasing anything around the room very much. She has the sweetest face and sweetest disposition and will be a wonderful pet.”
Their happy adopter Laura brought them home to Lyndonville on December 27th
Her adoption counselor Nancy wrote shortly after:
I have spoken with Laura and have received several messages. The kittens are doing great!
They first hid under the couch for a few hours when they arrived at home. But soon they came out and began to explore. Ricky was more courageous and Alice a bit shyer.
At bedtime, Ricky was up and down all night and was purring and cuddly. He was the more daring of the two. Alice was under and around the bed. She is a love bug when you pet her.
Laura says they are a joy and so sweet. She is grateful to everyone who helped her get these wonderful kitties.
Laura especially wanted their foster mom Pat to know how much she appreciated Pat for getting the kittens started out to be really sweet cats.
Laura said that Pat was amazing .......we already knew that, though
Kit
This friendly girl had been passed down in her family and was finally surrendered to KAS at the age of 9 in early summer of 2022.
At the Shelter, she made herself at home without regrets or looking back. From day one she was confident, trusting, and affectionate with every new person she met. She loved to be petted and to soak up attention with purrs going non-stop. She just had a wonderful presence.
Everything about Kit was round and plush: her body, her face, her tail, and her whole personality.
Indeed, she was a bit too plump and needed a gentle diet to lose some weight, so that she wouldn’t have trouble with aching legs when she got older.
Kit also needed exercise, and since she was such a good girl, she was allowed to move into the central office room. From there Kit had access to the back rooms, where she could be found lounging on a couch between yard sale items or exploring the litter storage or trying to break into the food room.
Denise from Cabot was the lucky adopter of this amazing kitty. She took Kit home on December 22nd as a purrfect Christmas gift to herself.
On December 26th Denise wrote:
“Kit is loving her new home! She is enjoying her surroundings. She did not hide at all, took right over exploring her new "digs".
Thank you so much for letting her come live with me!”
Wout
Wout was a happy-go-lucky kitten with lots of energy who was found in July under a porch in Cabot with several siblings. Oddly, he didn’t seem to get along with the others. Therefore, he went into a separate foster home and was cared for by volunteer Alicia and her adult son Jacob, both avid cat lovers who would do anything for their animals.
Wout loved to race around the house chasing little balls and springs and hunting after turkey feathers on a fishing rod toy. Unfortunately, he also liked to hunt after the resident adult cats who became more and more anxious about Wout’s presence.
Foster mom Alicia reported: “Wout is a dear. He likes to be close to people all the time. He will cry when he realizes no one is in the room with him. He cuddles on laps and sleeps close in the beds. He will also show you his love with kisses, hugs, squirms, purrs, and little mumbles. It's hard to stay exasperated with him when he jumps on other cats because he is so lovable with humans.”
With amazing patience, the family cared for Wout for several months, not giving up on the little mischief-maker although their own kitties wanted to pack their bags and move out. Luckily Ellen and Brian from Newark came to the rescue. They were looking to add a family cat to their playful household with their kids and dogs. Wout went home with them on December 1st.
On December 5th Ellen sent her first update:
“The kids are absolutely in love with him. They made him a stocking. We called him Swix. He is doing great. He is hysterical, unafraid and lots of fun. He has met the dogs and he is cool. The dogs are beside themselves with curiosity and tail wagging. No worries whatsoever. He is a confident kitty.”
On December 8th adoption counselor Nancy wrote:
“Ellen said that Swix has been crowned the King in their home.
I asked how Swix was doing with the dogs and Ellen said they all touch noses and have some chase games which Swix wins always because he jumps up onto a table or chair. Swix is having a blast!”
“The kids are absolutely in love with him. They made him a stocking. We called him Swix. He is doing great. He is hysterical, unafraid and lots of fun. He has met the dogs and he is cool. The dogs are beside themselves with curiosity and tail wagging. No worries whatsoever. He is a confident kitty.”
On December 8th adoption counselor Nancy wrote:
“Ellen said that Swix has been crowned the King in their home.
I asked how Swix was doing with the dogs and Ellen said they all touch noses and have some chase games which Swix wins always because he jumps up onto a table or chair. Swix is having a blast!”
On December 22nd Nancy reported:
“I spoke with Ellen again. Swix is fully acclimated to the house. He does very well with the dogs and at night, Swix is so tired, he puts himself to bed. The children love him and recently commented on how lucky they were that they got the nicest cat in the shelter.
Swix loves the chase game with the dogs and races through the house at top speed! There are two open staircases in the house, and he perches on the top of one to have full view of everything going on. He does sleep with the dogs and at times he will sleep in bed with Ellen, Brian and the two dogs. Swix and the dogs all run around together and sometimes Swix will taunt them by sitting just out of reach. The pets are all tired out at night from the playing and interacting.
Swix is curious and loves the sinks. He will cry for the water to be turned on and he plays and "showers" in the running water. The family is very happy with him, and Ellen said, ‘we absolutely love him.’ Alicia and Jacob, thank you so much for fostering him!”
“I spoke with Ellen again. Swix is fully acclimated to the house. He does very well with the dogs and at night, Swix is so tired, he puts himself to bed. The children love him and recently commented on how lucky they were that they got the nicest cat in the shelter.
Swix loves the chase game with the dogs and races through the house at top speed! There are two open staircases in the house, and he perches on the top of one to have full view of everything going on. He does sleep with the dogs and at times he will sleep in bed with Ellen, Brian and the two dogs. Swix and the dogs all run around together and sometimes Swix will taunt them by sitting just out of reach. The pets are all tired out at night from the playing and interacting.
Swix is curious and loves the sinks. He will cry for the water to be turned on and he plays and "showers" in the running water. The family is very happy with him, and Ellen said, ‘we absolutely love him.’ Alicia and Jacob, thank you so much for fostering him!”
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Maisy and Margy
These tinies were rescued from a barn in a neighboring town where sickly kittens are picked up regularly and brought to KAS, due to a neglected barn cat population.
The siblings went into foster care with volunteer Julie who has a knack with very young kittens. Foster mom Julie has saved many wee ones from certain death, she is simply amazing! Together with her kids, dogs and her own cats she socializes her foster kittens to become wonderful family pets.
Maisy was in very poor shape but with Julie’s loving attention both babies thrived.
Maisy and Margy found a perfect home with Devon and her three children in Danville in the end of December.
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On January 2nd Devon wrote:
“The girls are doing beautifully. We just love them. Maisy was a smidge shy at first but as of today is full of herself and enjoying her new home. Margy, who we have renamed Mimzie, settled in almost immediately and is also doing great. Everyone here loves them!”
“The girls are doing beautifully. We just love them. Maisy was a smidge shy at first but as of today is full of herself and enjoying her new home. Margy, who we have renamed Mimzie, settled in almost immediately and is also doing great. Everyone here loves them!”