An Update on ALL Five Fellows!

We sure loved watching our Fellows grow and blossom while they were in our care.  They all found wonderful homes and their parents generously supplied with updates on all of their babies for me to share with you today!

First up is Seymour Fellows. You may recall he was adopted by Victoria and Ian, who also adopted Agnes Pettibone and Myra/Myron Ulysses Clover (who now goes by Dixie).  Vic provided us with an update on the whole crew!

Agnes Pettibone - 9 years old. Our resident "Lady of the House". She is sweet and dorky and shares a special bond with her human, Ian. She can be very flirtatious, especially with the gentlemen that come to visit. She prefers to chew the stringed part of any wand/feather toy. At Christmas time, she is the naughty one who won't leave the presents alone.

I have so many updates from our adopters, some of the posts are spilling into this week!

Dixie Clover - 2 years old. Our resident "Tomboy in Fancy Dress". You can't help but notice Dixie's amazing smokey belly fur and floofy tail. We had no idea when we brought her home that she would literally blossom into the beautiful fluffy cat she's become. She's playful. Loves to be held and carried around and has frequent conversations in a quiet little meow.

Seymour Fellows - 4.5 months. Our resident "Little Meezer Man". It feels like this most recent addition to our family has always been with us. This little cat is a lover with a wild streak that is highly entertaining. He is a confident little dude (thanks, to Laurie's care) who has captured our hearts. Especially, Dixie's heart.

We added Seymour because Dixie is still young and has an energy level that Agnes isn't always interested in matching. We added the new kitten with the hope that he would be a good playmate for Miss D. and,in turn, maybe free up Agnes to enjoy more uninterrupted naps. It could not have gone better. Every time I turn around, Dixie and Seymour are embracing for a cuddle/grooming fest or "wrassling" each other. The chase scenes are hilarious because of the difference in their sizes but Seymour is growing fast and our vet says he's likely to be a big a boy.

We have been so fortunate to have found our loves, these cats, (including Henry Pettibone) through The Itty Bitty Kitty Committee. Laurie is dear to us and we can't thank her enough. We're proud to be IBKC Alumns and love this community that cares for these and all cats.


 And up next, we've got Oakley and Robin from their mama, Andrea.


Here are a few brotherly love pictures. I only have cute sleeping photos because otherwise, they're in constant motion.

When their tummies are full in the morning they've both been climbing into my lap to help me watch the news and drink my coffee while they take the first nap of the day. Makes getting to work on time a tad bit challenging!

I'm now calling Oakley, Saul, and Robin, Louie, but you're welcome to use whichever names you like. :)

They are both doing great. The house is a veritable kitty play land, they checked out perfectly at the vet, and are both just love bugs when they aren't charging like the wind around the house.

And last but not least, we have an update on Maurice and Emmet!


Hi Laurie, Here's the latest on my two Fellows!

The boys just had their first road trip over the weekend. We went to Portland for a family get together. They mostly slept in the car - I only had to pull off the highway once to retrieve Emmet as he tested the limits of their car seat tether!

They visited a friend at her house, saw her cat Singer, and got loves from the humans. They stayed in their first hotel room and had so much fun exploring and playing that they were better behaved than I could have hoped. They spent their first night at my parents' house and met the fam. The last picture is the boys in the guest room, lounging.

Emmet and Maurice are growing like weeds! They are absolutely charming. Emmet is outgoing and fearless. He has figured out how to climb the kitchen cabinets using the drawer handles! Maurice was the first one to figure out the puzzle feeder. He can still be a bit shy, but he overcomes it more quickly with each new experience. He likes to sleep up high atop the cat tree. As Maurice's points have darkened, the stripes on his legs and some marking on his back have gotten more defined.

Both boys come when I call them (mostly). They are affectionate and playful, and so full of energy! We are now working on learning to walk on leashes.

I love them both so very much! Thought you might like to read about their progress and know they are thriving.

Debbie

Thank you so much for sharing these wonderful updates, Vic, Andrea, and Debbie!  It's so great to know the whole batch is doing so well (and Agnes and Dixie, too).  We're so glad they're in you loving homes and thriving!   Smooches to all!  xoxo!

Here's Who We're Helping

Once upon a time, five little kittens and their mama were discovered on a property in rural Pierce County.  The Community Cat Team members who found this family assessed the situation and determined the best solution for all.

Mama Cat, a young, black and white wild one, would be spayed, vaccinated, microchipped and ear-tipped, then returned to the home outside that she knew.  She would continue her life there -- not being a pet, NOT producing any more litters of kittens, taking shelter in outbuildings and being cared for by the humans that fed her and the other feral cats on the property.

There was another plan for her babies, who were weaned, 6 weeks old, hissy,  frightened, and had fleas, ear mites, runny eyes, and upper respiratory infections -- they would become foster kittens and wards of the Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County.  

Here is a photo that was taken shortly after they arrived at the shelter. 

In their foster home, they got healthier, learned to trust, then went on to find some amazing homes.  Now, they are all living good lives as indoor-only house cats with humans who adore them.  They are loving. They are loved. 

Thanks to our Community Cat program, mama cat, also known as Mrs. Fellows, is living the life that suits her best.  Her babies, Robin, Oakley, Maurice, Seymour, and Emmet, are doing the same. All are happy and healthy.   

Mama Fellows,  I think you would be quite proud of your boys. As their foster mom, I know I am.

Thank you, Community Cat Team, for seeing the potential in these kittens and giving them a chance. I know the whole IBKC community loved getting to know them and watching them blossom.

Thank you for recognizing that the life of a community cat is just as valuable as the life of an adoptable, social animal.  There are so many versions of what "happily ever after" can mean  --- thank you for thinking about what that definition might be for every cat or kitten you meet out there in the field. And thank you for making it happen.  

Thank you for ALL YOU DO to help the cats and kittens of Pierce County. It's hard and often heart-wrenching work, we know, but what a difference you are making.   

Today, all we raise goes to the Community Cat Program to help cats and kittens like the Fellows out. We have a $5000 matching donation challenge on the table and every dollar we give will be matched by our dear friend, Cynthia.

BUT WAIT, there's more!  IF we complete this match by 7:00 PM (PST) tonight, she will be donating an extra $5000 to the Community Cats Program! SO, we absolutely can not miss this match!  

To make a tax-deductible donation, please visit our fundraising page.  

Thank you, Cynthia, for seeing the value in this program and choosing to support it. And thank you for giving so generously.  

Thank you, Everyone, who does the same!  

A Bowl Full of Crazy

Seymour, Oakley, and Robin went in to get snipped yesterday and returned wide-awake and full of crazy around 5:00 PM.

I put the kitten-filled carrier on the living room floor near Charlene and Wylla, who were trying their best to cool their bellies on this hot afternoon.

I opened the door, the boys gave the girls a quick hello sniff, then ran full-speed to their room and started wrestling.  Even though the afternoon sun made this room ten degrees hotter than the rest of the house, they didn't seem to mind -- I think they were just really happy to be in their familiar space after a day spent at the shelter.

They paused the game for a snack, I pulled down the shade, then closed the door hoping they would settle down now that their bellies were full.  For a few minutes I heard the rustling of mylar balls and scuffling kittens, then a long silence followed by a loud crash.

I went to investigate and discovered that someone, I'm guessing Seymour because he was the rowdiest yesterday, had climbed up on the table and knocked the stainless steel bowl off of the kitten scale.

The bowl was the perfect size to contain two kittens, and Seymour and Robin were enjoying a tussle inside. The slippery surface made it extra fun.  Seymour won the match, and Robin hopped out and joined Oakley, who was half asleep on the bed.

Seymour spent the next few minutes flopping around inside the bowl on his own and chasing his tail until grew tired, then climbed out and joined his brothers.

It was entertaining to watch, but I was grateful that everyone settled down -- it was a hard day for our little guys. They needed to take it easy.

Way to Go, Wilson!

Meet Wilson.



Wilson recently celebrated a birthday and he decided that he wanted to help the cats and kittens out by donating some of his birthday money to the shelter.

He came over to IBKC HQ one morning with his mom, Anne, and brother, Taylor, to spend some time with our Five Fellows and give us his very generous gift. The money was contained in a zipper pouch with a picture of a large orange tabby wearing a tag that read "Fat Cat" on it.  I seem to recall Opal and Ellis delivering their donation in a similar wallet years ago.




The boys were so sweet and gentle and really seemed to enjoy their time with the kittens. During the visit, I fielded many cat questions from them both.  Taylor described his favorite Garfield comics panel by panel. We played with the feather wand and the Fellows' other favorite cat toys. I learned all about their dog and their grandmother's cat.  We talked about where Wilson would like his donation to go to -- he decided he would like to see it used for vaccines and medicine for the shelter cats.


 

They boys have a copy of the IBKC book, and I think they were a little star struck when they got to meet the big cats,  Charlene and Wylla, who are featured in it.





It's always really inspiring to meet young people with such a giving spirit.

Thank you so much for your generous donation, Wilson.  I'll see that it's put to good use.  Thank you for thinking of the cats and kittens in need!


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The afternoon is slipping by and though we've put a good dent in today's matching donation challenge, we still have a way to go --- there's $1413 left and only THREE hours left to get there.

If you're in the position to give and would like to help the homeless cats and kittens out, please consider making a donation to our fundraiser.  Click HERE to learn all about what we're raising money for and to make your tax-deductible donation. Thank so much for your support!







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Goodbye Boys. Farewell Fellows.

Debbie sent me a very nice, long letter of introduction and shared many details about her history with animals and her current life. She explained she lived a peaceful existence and had lots of time and patience to devote to a kitten.  My first thought was Maurice. THIS was the kind of mama that would suit him best -- someone who was kind and understanding and would give him everything he needed to continue to grow into the confident cat I knew he would become.  And my second thought was Emmet. Kittens learn social behaviors from each other --- Maurice could benefit so much having his outgoing brother by his side.

Though she was on the hunt for one kitten, I suggested the pair.

I normally like to give people space and let them people pick their kittens. If they ask, I'll offer my opinion or make suggestions for pairings, but generally, I like to let folks decide on their own. But with this batch, I felt it was important to speak up a little more than I usually do to be sure this special set all ended up in the perfect homes that allowed them each to thrive.


Debbie considered the idea of the pair, then came over to meet them.  We had a good visit  --- when she first arrived everyone was jumping around in full crazy kitten mode, then they settled down so she could see their quieter side.  I was afraid Maurice might retreat, but he curled up in the kitty bed and allowed us to give him some pets and he gave us some purrs in return.  Emmet was his usual charming self and climbed onto her legs for his nap.

Though she fell in love with both kittens that day, she wanted a little time to think about committing to two animals.  So, we said our goodbyes, and my fingers were crossed while I waited to hear back from her.

The next morning, Debbie emailed with the exciting news that she wanted to adopt both Maurice and Emmet!

We got the boys on the surgery list, snip, snip, and they were ready for adoption.

We did the adoption on Monday afternoon, and though it was not easy to say goodbye,  knowing they would be in the care of such capable hands made it all bearable.

Debbie emailed a few hours after they got home to say the boys were already settling right in. It sounds as though they are off to a great start!

Thank you, Debbie, for adopting this set. You've got a very special pair of kittens, and I'm confident they'll bring you a tremendous amount of joy.  I know you're just the mama they needed and I am so happy you all are together.

And boys, we love you.  Thank you for coming into our lives and teaching us a few lessons on patience.  Watching you creep out of your shells was a lovely thing to witness. Thank you for trusting us and showing us your sweet selves. I'm so grateful for these days with you ---  I'll never forget our time together.

Farewell, brave Fellows.  We will miss you.




















Before I wrap up this post, I wanted to remind you that we have a matching donation challenge today. For every dollar we give, our Awesome Anonymous Donor will be doubling it! To learn more about our campaign and make a tax-deductible donation, please visit our fundraising page.  Thank you, generous friends!

One Last Nap. One Big Match.

I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July. We stepped out for a bit for a BBQ but came home before the fireworks started to make sure everyone was OK. The Fellows didn't seem to notice the sound at all. The fireworks started at that time of the night when the kittens are at their craziest so they were too busy making their own noise to notice any booms.

Wylla didn't seem to be affected, but Charlene took to a safe spot and hid until the fireworks were over, then she crawled into her usual corner of the bed and stayed there until morning.  There were a couple of booms in the middle of the night, but thankfully our neighborhood was mostly quiet.

I hope you and your animals all fared well.

I'm thinking about my friends who work at the Humane Society today. On the 4th of July, so many frightened animals run off and get lost.  The 5th of July is the busiest day of the year at the shelter, and the staff will be working so hard today to help reunite families with their pets. I hope that every lost critter finds their way back home.

We took a day off from Fundraising for the holiday, but we're back today with a big matching donation challenge thanks to our Awesome Anonymous Donor.  She'll be matching every dollar we give until we reach the $2500 cap. The match ends at 7:00 PM (Pacific Time) tonight.  Hopefully, after having a day off, we're all rested up and raring to go!


As I mentioned the other day, raising money for the specific programs and funds, like the Foster Program and Senior Cats, is important, of course, but the days in between count too. On these days our donations go to the general cat fund which helps cover the day-to-day needs of all the shelter cats.

The general fund buys food, dishes, beds, blankets, litter boxes, kitty litter, toys, scratchers and all the essentials needed in every single cat and kitty cubby. It buys paper towels and disinfectants to keep the cubbies sanitary. It pays for vaccines, flea treatments, and the minor medical expenses for cats and kittens, too.

All of these necessary items help keep the cats happier and healthier while they wait for their forever families to walk through that door.

So, if you're in the position to give, please consider making a donation today! Every bit helps! It ALL makes a difference in the life of a shelter cat or kitten!

Thank you so much!  I'm so grateful for your generosity --and so is the Humane Society. And so are the cats!


To make a tax-deductible donation and help us meet our $2500 match today, please pay a visit to our FUNdraising page.  Thank you, Awesome Anonymous Donor, for offering up the fabulous match! And thank you in advance to all who help us meet it.


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As I mentioned on Monday, our babies have started leaving the nest. This photo below is of their very last nap together.  I can tell by all of them comments on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the blog, you're all super sad to say goodbye -- we are too. But boy, these kittens found some really incredible families and their futures are so bright!  I'll be sharing the first adoption tale in a bit, so don't stray too far.

Thanks!

Five Fellows in the Window

I know so many of us will be off having fun and celebrating the 4th of July, so I decided I would probably be wasting my time trying to wrangle donations all day, SO, I'll ask once today, then leave you all be!  

We had a good run yesterday, and we're getting REALLY close to the half-way point.  I can't wait until we cross that mark -- it always feels so good to be on the other side of it.  Thank you so much to everyone who's played a part in getting us that far. I appreciate you all so much!

If you want to toss a little in the kitty today,  please visit our FUNdraising page to make a tax-deductible donation. Or if you want to learn a little more about what we're raising money for and how our donations will be used, you'll find lots of information there.
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I've got a big batch of photos of our Five Fellows to share today. They were being even more adorable than they usually are (can you believe that?) and put on a show in our window.

We'll be wrapping up their chapter soon, so I'll be savoring the moments like this.






































Please be safe, everyone. Get your critters inside and keep them there all day and night -- it's not a fun holiday for our four-legged friends.

I'll post some more on Instagram today, but just once here on the blog.  
See you here tomorrow!

Happy Fourth!