Ontario SPCA - Adoption Stories

Teenie	Minerva	Molly	Bobby
Desiree	Gibson and Bailey	Mao	Sapphire
Kestrel & Tinsel	Grover	Tiggy	Diesel
Clark	Pauline	Bailey & Bella

TEENIE
Adopted from the Ontario SPCA Huronia and District Branch

When Teenie came to us at the Ontario SPCA Huronia and District Branch he was a tiny scrap of a kitten, barely clinging to life. He and his brother were taken in by a dedicated foster mother and nursed back to health. Soon, Teenie was on the mend and ready for adoption and he was quickly adopted into a loving home.

Tragically, after a couple of months in his new home, the lady who had adopted him suffered a bad fall and was no longer able to look after him. Clearly she had lavished care on him, for we scarcely recognized the Teenie who came back to the shelter. He had doubled in size, his coat was thick and glossy, and he had a twinkle of mischief in his eyes.

It soon became apparent how Teenie had grown so fast. At the slightest crinkle of a bag of treats, or the sound of a cat food can hitting the counter; Teenie was first in line for his share. Sometimes, he was there so fast his eyes were still blinking away sleep. And he wasn't shy about coming back for seconds or thirds. He would even snatch morsels away from other cats who weren't paying attention, and, on occasion, from the volunteers' lunches.

Teenie was full of life and affection, and his antics soon made him a favourite with the staff and volunteers. But he did not seem to make the same impact on potential adopters. Time passed, and Teenie was still with us. He moved from the North Street shelter to the new shelter on East Street, and quickly adjusted to the spacious new digs. But he needed his forever home.

Then one day, four-and-a-half-year-old Jayden Adams came in to the shelter with his mom, Denise. Teenie immediately headed straight for Jayden, who scooped him up in a big bear hug. Some cats find it uncomfortable to be held this way, but Teenie neither wriggled nor cried. He had found his boy and was quite happy. Denise returned the next day with Jayden and his two older brothers, and once again Teenie sought out his new pal. Clearly, Teenie had chosen his family. Denise agreed, and while she filled out an adoption application, Teenie played with the boys.

Later that week, the adoption was approved and Teenie went home with his new family, which included Denise and her husband, the three boys, and their Shih Tzu. Teenie had not been around dogs before, so we were a little worried that things may not work out. A few days later, we received the following letter:

"My family and I would like to thank you for accepting our application to adopt Teenie. We tried to do what you said by putting him in a room alone for the first night so he could have time to get adjusted but Teenie had other ideas. He sat by the door meowing until we let him out. He checked out his new surroundings and made himself at home. He's had the run of the house ever since. He has decided that my rocking chair is now his favourite napping place. We thought you might enjoy having a picture of him at his new home. Thank you for all the work you do to make the animals safe and healthy and thank you again for our new family member."

Sincerely,
The Adams Family

MINERVA
Adopted from the Ontario SPCA Renfrew County Branch

On a bitterly cold day in January 2004, when the temperature had dipped below -30°Celcius, Ontario SPCA Renfrew County Branch Inspector, Tracy McElman, found two cats and a collie-mix dog in the yard of a residence while following up on a cruelty complaint. One cat, thin with a matted coat and frost bitten ear tips and paw pads, was found pawing at the door in an effort to get inside the home. The dog, a senior, was emaciated and suffering from the effects of cold and neglect. The Ontario SPCA removed the three animals from the property.

"When Inspector McElman called me a few days after the removal, it was to ask if I could come in and help clean and clip the thinner cat not yet ready for adoption, and remove some of her matted fur. As a dog groomer, I seldom work with cats, but I reluctantly made the exception as a favor to the Inspector. To my surprise the cat not only allowed us to lay her on her back and clip, brush and comb her belly – but she also purred while we worked on her! I was smitten! Although my family had no plans for another cat I soon brought her home. I named her Minerva, Minn for short, and she soon made friends with our cat, Indianna, and negotiated with our dog Wyle for equal family lap time. It didn't take long for her to double her weight and to regain her strength.

Minn loves to knead my lap (fluff me up) and be stroked and handled. She insists on coming into my grooming shop between dog clients and to spend time on the grooming table with her personal hair dresser and masseuse (that's me!). Her purring can relax me and put me to sleep in under two minutes. In the summer our animals travel 40 minutes with us to our cottage on the Ottawa River. At the cottage Minn loves to sit in the screened porch, watch the wildlife and talk to the birds.

Minn is a beautiful loving addition to our lives. I cannot imagine how anyone could leave her and her companions to fend for themselves in the cold. I am so glad to be able to give her the comfortable and loving home she deserves, and I am thankful to Inspector Tracy McElman and the dedicated staff at the Ontario SPCA Renfrew County Branch shelter for saving her and so many other wonderful companion animals."

Lea Thompson & Family

MOLLY
Adopted from the Ontario SPCA Barrie Branch

Molly, her mom and her sibling were brought to the Ontario SPCA Barrie Branch after they were found in a bush. One kitten had already died by the time they were discovered. Molly’s mom and surviving sibling were recently adopted together.

"We cannot describe how wonderful Molly has been. She is the sweetest girl. She loves to be kissed and cuddled, and to sleep in our arms and on our shoulders. She is also very playful and adventurous, running around the house without a care.

It took our cat Tucker just over a day to get used to her. He adjusted much quicker than we thought he would. He is already grooming Molly and plays with her when they aren't sleeping.

Our dog, Kyan, is very excited about the new addition. He is very curious and responds to her when she cries. She was very afraid of him when she met him for the first time, but within two days she was following him around the house.

Molly is a very confident girl who is a perfect fit for our family. Thanks so much for the opportunity to adopt her from the Ontario SPCA Barrie Branch."

Jeff Butchart and Francine Scala

BOBBY
Adopted from the Ontario SPCA Huronia and District Branch

Bobby was surrendered to the Ontario SPCA Huronia and District Branch through an investigation. When the Inspector and Branch Manager first saw Bobby he was curled up on a table with both eyes glued shut.

Immediately after Bobby was surrendered to the Ontario SPCA Huronia and District Branch he was taken to a local veterinary clinic for examination. Both of Bobby’s eyes were infected and a treatment of antibiotics was prescribed. Once Bobby’s infection began to clear up the veterinarian realized Bobby had entropian eyes (inverted eyelashes) – a somewhat unusual condition for cats and extremely uncomfortable. Shortly after, Bobby underwent corrective surgery and was neutered.

Once the stitches were removed it was clear Bobby had a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. Indeed, few people could escape his playful paw swipes if they passed by his cage without offering a pat. Everyone at the shelter loved his spunky personality. Still, months went by and Bobby remained at the shelter waiting for a new home.

Finally in early May, a couple came in and said "Hello Bobby" to Bobby like he was a long lost friend. In fact, they had known Bobby in his previous home and were interested in his progress. They started to visit regularly and decided that Bobby should come home and live with them.

"Bobby is an awesome cat. He loves to play and he’s very active. He became attached to us after about a month, and now he rarely lets us out of his sight. We’ve since adopted another cat from the Ontario SPCA Huronia and District Branch, Girl. Bobby and Girl get along great and help work off their energy with countless games of chase."

Jamey and Sarah Coulson

DESIREE
Adopted from the Ontario SPCA York Region Branch

Desiree was surrendered to the Ontario SPCA York Region Branch June 9, 2004 after her owner passed away and she was discovered alone in the house. She spent nearly a year at the animal shelter before being adopted, becoming the “resident cat” for the adjacent Ontario SPCA Provincial Office.

"I’m a volunteer at the Ontario SPCA Provincial Office and early this year I noticed a pretty, quiet calico cat named Desiree around the office. She spent a lot of her time finding comfortable places to lounge, and she was always pleased to be given a pat and some kind words. One day I realized I hadn’t seen Desiree for quite a while and I asked if she’d been adopted. I was told she wasn’t, but that she was at the other end of our building (the Ontario SPCA York Region Branch animal shelter), so visitors could see her and she would have a better chance of adoption.

I visited her and when I left she cried. I went home and I decided that I could no longer bear to think of her without a home. When I went to see her the next day I found out that her owner had died 11 months earlier, leaving no other family, and that Desiree was nearly nine-years-old. Needless to say, she is now home with me, and this elderly widow and middle-aged cat have made a marvelous match. I adopted her May 5, 2005.

Part of my decision to adopt Desiree was that there are a lot of older animals in shelters, through no fault of their own, who deserve to live out their lives with a loving, caring owner. Older pets know what they are missing. I could see how much Desiree had been loved and how desperately she wanted and needed a home once more. I hope we have a lot of years ahead of us and I have the chance to help make up for what Desiree lost a year ago."

Susan Hammett

GIBSON AND BAILEY
Adopted from the Ontario SPCA Muskoka Branch

"We adopted Gibson back in January 2004 and then we stopped by the shelter again on the May long weekend. We fell in love with another little kitten who happened to be Gibson's sister! We named her Bailey. We just wanted to write and let you know that everyone is getting along perfectly. Gibson and Bailey do everything together -- sleep, play and get into mischief.

Thanks again for your help with everything. These two have brought a lot of laughter into our house with their crazy antics.

Sarah and Adam"

MAO
Adopted from the Ontario SPCA York Region Branch

"When we first started into adopting a cat, we didn’t expect we would find one so soon! But with so many affectionate and beautiful cats we found “Mao” (The cat fomerly known as Boyz) almost right away. The staff was very knowledgeable, helpful and answered many questions with patience, making the whole adoption process enjoyable. We found a cat with a personality that suited us perfectly! Mao has fit very well into our lives and we’re very happy to have welcomed him into our home. Now he spends his days lazing around the house and voicing his concerns by meowing in his (huge) variety of tones. He enjoys sleeping close (or on) anybody nearby and greets everyone at the door with a very loud meow!"

Sabrina and Michael

SAPPHIRE
Adopted from the Ontario SPCA Barrie Branch

"After losing my kitten to liver failure I said I would never get another cat. Sapphire is the most affectionate, gentle cat ever. She greets me at the door when I come home from work. She sleeps by my head at night and licks my face and purrs. This little ball of fluff has brought so much joy and happiness into our home that I couldn’t picture life without her."

Jaycee Elliott

KESTREL AND TINSEL
Adopted from the Ontario SPCA York Region Branch

"I want to share the progress of my Furry Family and how I came to have a houseful of furballs! I had a cat (Cabela) and a dog (SunnyGirl). I wanted to get another cat as a companion for Cabela since her "big sister," Mischief recently died at 18-years-old.

I visited the Ontario SPCA almost daily while I tried to decide – and even though I was looking for a cat, I picked a dog (or she picked me?). I looked in the window of one of the dog rooms and Zheerah put her paws on the door and looked at me with her head cocked. Her half-pricked-ears were so cute I had to go in and say hello.

Zheerah sat right down in front of me and gave me this long, mournful story full of whines, moans, howls and gasps. Her cheeks were flapping and puffing out with the effort of the telling and her paws were trembling. When I petted her, she ran off and brought me a toy. Choosing a cat was a lot harder. I finally narrowed the list to two cats. I was leaning towards Kestrel, but when Tinsel started to run over to me and climb on my lap, I was torn. Since I couldn't decide between them, I took them both!

Zheerah and SunnyGirl are doing great. They love each other and make quite a racket playing together! They were joined by a "little" big brother when I took in my sister's four-year-old beagle-spaniel cross (Brio) because he was a country dog at heart stuck in the city.

The cats are also doing well. Tinsel and Kestrel settled right in. Both are very affectionate. I am quite happy with my Furry Bunch but they sure keep me busy! I wish the same success for other pets waiting for a home at the Ontario SPCA!"

Catarzyna Cybulski

GROVER
Adopted from the Ontario SPCA Barrie Branch

"This is Heather writing you. I adopted Grover from your Society. I am glad to say he is the best cat ever. Every night he sleeps beside me on my pillow, he lays with me while I’m watching TV, and he’s there waiting when I come home. He and my dogs get along wonderfully, he is the most playful cat I’ve ever met. He is doing wonderfully, we treat him like a prince! He’s strange though. He has this game where he carries a ball to the top of the stairs, drops it, then chases it down and does it again. It’s hilarious!!!

He's made best friends with my best friend’s cat. She lives two doors down. They play constantly. I love seeing him warm and all cuddled next to me at night, I feel so happy for him. I cannot imagine who would ever hurt him or not want him. I love him sooo much it‘s not even funny. Wherever I go (inside the house) he’s at my feet. You can’t even imagine how much I love this cat!!!

I thank everyone there from the bottom of my heart. Without you, and the marvelous work you do, I might not have my cat right now. You never gave up on him, and you have no idea how thankful I am for that. Please keep doing what you’re doing, so some other little girl can find her best friend and soul-mate. Lewis (my cat) thanks you also. Everyday I see the thankfulness in his eyes. Trust me…he knows what you’ve done for him.

Thank you for taking care of his wounded soul when he needed it most. I will always be thankful, and everyone there has my blessing. Forever grateful!!!"

Heather

TIGGIE
Adopted from the Ontario SPCA Orangeville and District Branch

"One day I logged on the Orangeville Branch website. Scrolling down through the dozens of beautiful cats for adoption, I stopped at a kitten with his sibling.

The one named Horatio had just been adopted, but the one with a big black splotch on his face was now looking for a home. His name was Houdini.

Jeanette showed me the two or three other cats that I had requested to see. Then she showed me Houdini. He was the smallest of all, and definitely the loudest.

He continued to cry until I asked if I could hold him. Like a baby, he stopped immediately. So Houdini won me over. He was adorable. My two daughters settled on a new name, "Tiggy".

Strangely enough, none of the other pets even blinked when Tiggy walked into the house. It appeared that he belonged in our home. Tiggy has become the most laid back cat we have ever owned. He seems completely unfazed when our two big dogs play around him or step over him.

We cannot thank the Orangeville and District Branch enough for their wonderful support in helping us choose the perfect cat. Tiggy has Älled a very special place in our home.

Thank you again for the follow-up calls after adoption to see how Tiggy was doing. He is doing wonderfully! Thank you for the support after adoption, as well as the kit that we received to help us out. The articles on cat care, the food samples and toys were greatly appreciated. Keep up the great work."

Dehlia, Keith, Tara and Serena Yoon

DIESEL
Adopted from the Ontario SPCA Leeds & Grenville Branch

"Diesel did not have a very good start in life, however, he quickly had a fortunate turn of events. After being hit by a car, a small boy walking home from school saw him dragging himself towards the sidewalk. The boy picked him up and Diesel immediately snuggled into his neck. The boy ran home carrying Diesel. When he showed the injured cat to his mother, they both cried, and immediately took him to the animal hospital.

During a lengthy surgery Diesel's left hind leg was amputated, and the veterinary clinic called the Branch to share his sad story. Everyone here at the shelter was touched by Diesel's story and wanted to help out in any way we could. Unfortunately, Diesel's hero and his hero's mom were allergic to cats so they could not take him home as much as they wanted to. That's where we came in. We brought Diesel to our Branch, took care of him and gave him the love he needed while we nursed him back to health.

Shortly after he arrived at our Branch his future family came in to make a food donation and to take a look around. As soon as the family saw Diesel they fell in love. They waited patiently while he made his recovery at the shelter. When the time finally came for Diesel to go home everyone at the shelter was both happy and sad to see him go. Shortly after his new family sent us cards and pictures letting us know how Diesel was doing. We are so happy that Diesel found his perfect forever home and look forward to all the other Happy Endings still to come!"

- All the Ontario SPCA Leeds & Grenville Branch staff and volunteers

"Thank you so much for the special care you gave to Diesel. He has become a much loved member of our family. Even with his three legs, he is happily running around our house, playing with our two kids and dog. We know that he was loved by the staff and we really appreciate the wonderful care you provided him during his time at the Ontario SPCA."

- Diesel's family

CLARK
Adopted from the Ontario SPCA York Region Branch

"Clark is enjoying his new home. He loves chasing and bossing around our dog and playing with our son who is two years old. Clark has grown quite a bit and he is not shy about letting us know when he wants to eat, play or be loved. He has such a great personality as he loves to play and snuggle with us. Thanks!"

Krista, Marc and Hayden

PAULINE
Adopted from the Renfrew County Branch

My elderly mother adopted my cat Pauline after forming a deep attachment while cat-sitting. When my mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, Pauline became more and more important to her. Pauline and mom were a team - they watched TV together, slept together and read together.

Unfortunately, Pauline's life came to an end. Mom was devastated - she cried and cried and became increasingly confused. She was sure that there were two cats in the house, and that the one that had passed was not Pauline! "Had I seen Pauline?"

In less than a week I watched the spark leave my mother's eyes. Desperate to comfort her, I called the Renfrew County Branch and inquired about any female calico cats. Mom and I went to visit the shelter and our new "Pauline" immediately picked Mom out! She settled down in Mom's lap and went to sleep!

I am pleased to say that Pauline is Mom's constant shadow. Again, Mom is part of a team! Time will continue to rob Mom of her memory and abilities but she will never be alone - she and Pauline will share everything the future brings!

Nancy

BAILEY & BELLA
Adopted from the Ontario SPCA Lennox & Addington Branch

In September of 2006 I had to have a very special feline friend of mine put to sleep after spending the last 20 years together. The house seemed strange without a cat. We later discovered a mother and daughter cat up for adoption. We went to the Branch to see them. Bailey was the star of the show while Bella hid behind her mom. Because of their attachment to each other and Bella's dependence on her mom, staff hoped to find a family willing to adopt both cats together. They won our hearts and on May 11, 2007 they came to their new home! Both cats get along well with Romeo our 13-year-old dog and on occasion you will see them all laying together!

Deb Tatton and Ed Hill