Tyler
Going Home
-Rod Lauman, Board Member
Two of the best words we as volunteers hear at the shelter is that cats in our care are going on to their new families, or "Going Home". There are always mixed feelings of joy for the cat and also the thought of the cat being missed at the shelter, especially one that had been there for a while. We normally allow a day or so for volunteers to come by the shelter and see them off before they go, whenever possible.
For the cat, it's almost like Graduation Day. They come in for all sorts of reasons, from being abandoned, shuffled around from a life change by their previous owners, or perhaps not getting along with the other animals in the home. A couple of recent cats that came in, Tyler and Goldie, were in a world of hurt before they came. Tyler had been living in an abandoned building by himself for 4 years and was moved as the building is returning to use. Goldie was blind and hearing impaired and dropped off in somebody's driveway confused and going in circles. Both recent intakes, along with the kitten Oliver with a damaged leg, were in need of help.
-Rod Lauman, Board Member
Two of the best words we as volunteers hear at the shelter is that cats in our care are going on to their new families, or "Going Home". There are always mixed feelings of joy for the cat and also the thought of the cat being missed at the shelter, especially one that had been there for a while. We normally allow a day or so for volunteers to come by the shelter and see them off before they go, whenever possible.
For the cat, it's almost like Graduation Day. They come in for all sorts of reasons, from being abandoned, shuffled around from a life change by their previous owners, or perhaps not getting along with the other animals in the home. A couple of recent cats that came in, Tyler and Goldie, were in a world of hurt before they came. Tyler had been living in an abandoned building by himself for 4 years and was moved as the building is returning to use. Goldie was blind and hearing impaired and dropped off in somebody's driveway confused and going in circles. Both recent intakes, along with the kitten Oliver with a damaged leg, were in need of help.
Goldie
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Oliver
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At the Shelter, the cats get what they need. First, medical attention to get them back on track healthwise. Good food and a clean safe space to be. Volunteers come in to spend time with them and help socialize cats that have been away from people for a while and need that interaction again. Some are scared and lonely from experiencing the loss of their family and home. Being adopted is the culmination of this process and will be exciting, scary, and in time, very rewarding for them to go home and find a loving family.
When they get to their new home, introduction time is always needed. We advise that the new cat be kept in a safe space in their own room in the home for a while to adjust to the new surroundings and people. Next, a slow introduction to any resident animals begins. Scent swapping is a good way to begin. Bedding used by both animals is swapped so they can smell each other for a few days before physical introduction can begin.
Many times we can inform a family that had to surrender a cat for various reasons that the cat they had to surrender is going home. Someone may have moved to an apartment that does not allow cats, has developed allergies, or is moving very far out of state and could not take the cat along and are delighted to find out that a new home has been found. Life changes are a big reason for the surrender of a cat and many times they still really care about the cat and are so happy to hear updates about them going home.
For the family, the cat that is going home means their home will have a new member of their furry family. Many people already have animals of some sort, so this is an addition. For some, they only had one animal that had recently passed and they are wanting some feline companionship once again. We can all relate to the joy and excitement of introducing a new cat to the home and helping them adjust to being a valued member of the family. Occasionally we will get a family that is getting a cat for the first time ever, and such joy and excitement is on their faces when they come to the shelter with their carrier to get their new cat for the first time. I have had several people say they could not sleep at all the night before because of the anticipation of coming to get their cat.
So, Going Home means a lot to the volunteers, the cat, some families that had to surrender, and the new families that are getting him/her. We hope to hear those words as often as possible at the shelter!