PENINSULA FRIENDS OF ANIMALS

FROM THE HOME FRONT
TALES OF THE SAFE HAVEN KITTIES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY MERRY

WEEK 61: THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

Hi everyone!

Nobody went home this past week, but have I gotta deal for you! It’s June, and y’all know what that means? You do? You’re right! June is ADOPT A SHELTER CAT MONTH! This is real important, because shelter cats, as we all know, are some of the most deserving cats and many of them have been through such hard times. When you hear their stories, you just want to yowl! Well, us kitties do, anyway. And we have several new kitties who will be ready to go home soon—prob’ly this month or maybe the next.

Y’know, the way he follows people around, he almost reminds me of a dog. In a good way, you understand. He’s got that streak of devotion and companionship that most people relate to the canine world. They think most of us felines are much more independent, but not Bow Tie! He’ll take as much love and attention as anyone is willing to give. So with Bow Tie, you’re getting the best of both worlds: a devoted, loving companion who uses a litter box instead of having to be let out real early in the morning to do his “thing.”

Oh, and before I finish for this week, I need to ask for—believe it or not—more paper towels! Not for me, you understand. I’m purrfect (but I bet you already knew that!) We need them to clean up after those kitties who are lots messier than I am!

Lovingly,

PURCHASE OUR POTHOLDERS!

Our potholders are POPULAR! They come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, primarily dog and cat prints, flowers, tea and coffee, kitchen and garden themes. They make excellent gifts, or buy them for your own kitchen. They come in sets of two, and are made of sturdy cotton fabrics with a mylar heat-shield center. For pricing, check with the vendor of your choice, listed below. You can find them at:

• Bag Ladies of Sequim WA, 161 W. Washington St, Sequim, WA. Contact: Victoria (360) 504-2660 (Wed-Sat, 10am – 5pm)
• Hardy’s Market, 10200 Old Olympic Hwy, Sequim, WA 98382, (360) 582-0240 (Mon – Sun, 6am – 9pm)
• Jardin du Soleil Lavender, 3932 Sequim Dungeness Way in Sequim, (360) 582-1185 (Mon-Sun 10am – 5pm)
• Old Post Office Sweets & Gifts, 751 Carlsborg Road in Carlsborg, (360) 681-8014 (Tuesday through Saturday, 8am – 5pm)
• Patricia’s Pet Shop, 501 S Lincoln St, Port Angeles, WA 98362, (360) 457-6919 (Mon – Fri, 10am – 6pm; Sat 9am – 5pm)
• Purple Haze Lavender Shop, 127 W Washington St, Sequim, WA 98382, (360) 683-1714 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm; Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 12pm-4pm)
• Safe Haven, on Highway 101 between Sequim and Port Angeles, (360) 452-0414 (Tuesday through Saturday, 11am – 4pm)
• Sunshine Lavender Farm, 274154 Hwy 101, Sequim, WA 98382 (sells potholders during Lavender Festival)
• Wild Birds Unlimited, 275953 Hwy 101 in Gardiner, (360) 797-7100 (9am – 6pm daily)

If you have a favorite fabric and would like to order custom potholders, contact Safe Haven at (360) 452-0414.  We will do our very best to accommodate you.

BOW TIE

Domestic longhair, Male
Color: Black & White/Tuxedo
Size: Medium
Age: Senior
Special needs: none

Bow Tie is a very dapper traveling man. Originally adopted from a shelter in Arizona, he spent a few of his nine lives with three different senior ladies who adored him and whom he adored, as well. After his last sweet friend went into a care facility at the age of 105, Bow Tie came to us hoping to find a home that will be his last!

At 11+ years of age, Bow Tie is in excellent health except for some eating restrictions—-he will need to be on a low fat canned-food diet for the rest of his life. He is one of the most loving and affectionate cats we have ever had–he never meets a stranger. Bow follows you from room to room chatting away, and he loves to snuggle in your lap and your bed. He is a constant and most devoted companion, and he LOVES to be brushed and petted. Almost dog-like in his interactions, Bow Tie would prefer to be an only feline child–just because he wants so much of your time and attention.

If you have a LOT of time and love to give to a most deserving boy, please give us a call to meet Mr. Bow Tie!!

FROM THE HOME FRONT
TALES OF THE SAFE HAVEN KITTIES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY MERRY

WEEK 60: THE CUTEST DUO EVER

Hi everyone!

We didn’t have anyone from the shelter go home this week, but we still have something to celebrate! Y’see, a while back, Ann, one of our founding humans, took in a little three-legged dog named Barley. Now Ann has saved hundreds and hundreds of kitties, and she designed this great cat-friendly home so she could take care of them better. Everyone thinks of her as this wonderful cat person, but she’s really an animal person. So when Barley needed a home, she said “why not?” and that’s how Barley went to live with her. But Barley is quite a handful even for a younger person, and Nancy, our Shelter Director, recognized that and found a real nice furrever home for Barley. He’s gonna live with another three-legged dog and an old cat, two bunnies, and a pair of PFOA kittens that’ll be ready to go home in a couple of months. Barley just adores his new Dad, and follows him around all day when he’s working in the yard. And Barley is really getting a lot of attention, and gets to be real active. And now Ann doesn’t have to chase after him any more, and her cats have their home back, all to themselves. I tell you—it’s a win-win!

And speaking of toys, if any of you out there can sew and would like to make us some catnip-filled kicker toys, that would be purrfectly meowvelous! OK, ‘nough with the big words. We’d all really like them. We go bonkers for things with catnip, and if we can play with them, that’s the best! And if you were wondering, the reason they call them kicker toys is ‘cause we go nuts over them and grab them and kick them with our back feet—like a bunny kick. It’s a natural reaction for us, as well as grrreat exercise (some of us need that more than others). So if you’d like to help out, you can get some cool ideas from the internet. Just Google “kicker toy”. Ooooh … don’t I sound techy?

Lovingly,

TOULOUSE

Domestic shorthair, Male
Color: Orange & white classic tabby
Size: Medium
Age: Young
Special needs: none
BONDED PAIR TO BE ADOPTED TOGETHER

Toulouse and his sister and best bud Marie were born in August of 2020. The two of them are both love bugs – as affectionate as a pair of kitties can be. Toulouse is a lug of a young boy who pounces and plays with all the toys. He especially likes chasing the balls around the room. Marie loves to investigate all things new. She is a snuggler who cuddles on your chest and loves to be loved. Both brother and sister absolutely love being in a person’s lap. They are playful and used to kind, older children. They are people pleasers, for sure, and are the cutest duo ever!

MARIE

Domestic shorthair, Female
Color: Siamese
Size: Medium
Age: Young
Special needs: none
BONDED PAIR TO BE ADOPTED TOGETHER

Marie and her brother and best bud Toulouse were born in August of 2020. The two of them are both love bugs – as affectionate as a pair of kitties can be. Marie loves to investigate all things new. She is a snuggler who cuddles on your chest and loves to be loved. Toulouse is a lug of a young boy who pounces and plays with all the toys. He especially likes chasing the balls around the room. Both brother and sister absolutely love being in a person’s lap. They are playful and used to kind, older children. They are people pleasers, for sure, and are the cutest duo ever!

FROM THE HOME FRONT
TALES OF THE SAFE HAVEN KITTIES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY MERRY

WEEK 59: MERRY TAKES TIME OUT

Hi everyone!

Well, I figure I’ve gone for over a year now with my weekly column! Time flies when you’re having fun, and boy has this ever been fun. But I just realized I’ve never taken a vacation. What’s up with that??? People get to take vacations so I’m thinking I’m entitled too! Donchthink?

So I’m gonna leave you with one final Image. It’s vacation time! And that’s when kitties do what kitties do best! It’s nap time. Night all!

Lovingly,

FROM THE HOME FRONT
TALES OF THE SAFE HAVEN KITTIES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY MERRY

WEEK 58: L’IL LOVELY LUNA

Hi everyone!

If last week was a double good news week, you’re gonna love this week ‘cause we had three kitties go home! I just told y’all about Roxy last week, and she’s in her new home as we speak! And there were two other kitties that I never had the chance to tell you about ‘cause they were sorta like a revolving door. Rascal III is a little orange and white kitten—he’s adorable, and it didn’t take him long to go home. His new name is Peach. And he has two small dogs to play with, so we think he’s going to have a great time. He’s about 1/4 the size of each dog, and he rules the roost! And Moonbeam, who’s an adorable little snugglepuss, just did move from quarantine to her playroom, and some people came to visit her and loved her right away, and she went home yesterday!

She’s real affectionate and loving, and when people give her a head scratch, she prances and makes donuts with her front feet. And she makes the most interesting sound when she talks to people. Instead of it sounding like “meow,” it comes out more like a chirp. And she loves people—even older kids! She says she used to sleep with her people in her first home. And don’t tell, but she also used to jump up on the counters. She may have to fix that little habit—most people I’ve met think that’s a real no-no. I’m not sure why—if they don’t want us up on counters, they should eat on the floor, like us! That’s what I say!

And speaking of cats and families, we have a momma cat who just had four adorable little kittens, and so we really need a foster home to take care of them for about nine weeks, ‘till the kittens are old enough to come to Safe Haven. And we need it IMMEDIATELY. So let us know if you’d like to be a foster family. We had such a great response from the last time we asked, and we’re hoping some of you out there would still like to foster kittens. It’s real important to give the little guys a good start in life. And let me tell you, these kittens are sooo cute and their mom is very sweet and loving. So call or write if you can help with this beautiful new family!

Lovingly,

LUNA

Domestic shorthair, Female
Color: Classic brown tabby
Size: Small
Age: Young
Special needs: none

Luna is a very sweet, petite brown tabby.  She has beautiful markings, one of the most beautiful classic tabby swirl pattern we’ve seen in quite some time.  She is just about a year old, and her most interesting characteristic is her meow – it’s very soft and more chirpy than meowy.  She is great with people, both adults and children – she loves to follow people around the room, and sleep with them.  Very affectionate, she prances and makes donuts when people give her a head scratch.  She enjoys the company of other cats, but is quite able to entertain herself if no other feline friends are available.  She loves to play fetch with her little feather ball.  When the weather is nice, she goes outside to her catio and rolls around on the concrete.  This little girl is quite ready for her new forever home.  So make an appointment to meet Luna.  She’s irresistible!

FROM THE HOME FRONT
TALES OF THE SAFE HAVEN KITTIES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY MERRY

WEEK 8:  THE GIRLS MOVE DOWNSTAIRS

Hi everyone!

Remember a couple of weeks ago when I reported about all the good news at the shelter?  Well, with all the resident kitties leaving for their forever homes, the shelter is … how shall I say … kinda quiet!  But, I hear that new friends are on their way to Safe Haven!  Room B2 downstairs is empty, ‘cause each of the three bonded pairs (Hollis and Blue, Jackie and Dubbs, and Ariel and Brewster) found their forever home together.  So, I’m working my way down the shelter, and find that B3 now has new kitties.  Well, maybe not “new” – Lacie, Lucie and Suzie moved from their room upstairs (normally a kitten room) to B3 after Hannah and Bethany left.

If you remember, Bethany was getting fluids twice a week, and everyone felt that she would be happier at Barker House with other kitties like her.  And Hannah – she found the nicest home with a lady who is a first-time cat owner and fell head over heels for Hannah.  From the reports we get, we think Hannah feels the same way.

OK … back to LL&S.  Now that they have moved downstairs, the girls have a wonderful catio where they can spend outdoor time (when it isn’t raining, ‘cause Lucie does NOT like to get her feet wet!)  They really love their outdoor time – on the hot days they can roll around and lay on the cool ground.  And they have a neighbor in the catio next to them.  Garland moved from the Pole Barn building to B4.  He’s learned to trust people again and is very friendly and enjoys petting and attention. And, being a very handsome bachelor cat, he naturally attracted the attention of the girls.  Well, maybe not ALL of them.  Lacie and Suzie have been kinda flirty with him, but Lucie thinks that boys stink and she’s not having anything to do with him.

The girls have had a lot of fun watching the birds and deer in the bushes around the catio.  That keeps them very busy, and they spend lots of time doing it.

I hear that they love it when people read to them.  But, when they just sit still and listen to books for long periods of time, they don’t really get enough exercise.  At least it seems like that.  Staff is really careful not to use the “f” word, but all three kitties are just a tad bit pudgy!  I think Suzie is doing a little better than her two older sisters – one of the volunteers mentioned that Suzie looked like she had lost a little weight after she moved downstairs.  And she is the most active of the three – she loves to play that game with the ball in the round scratcher.  I think she’s taking advantage of all the new activities.  And, of course, there IS the handsome bachelor next door!

I know they miss seeing all of you.  As you know, they are all very affectionate.  They rub against you and love to be petted.  We are all hoping that the shelter can reopen soon.  Staff is not exactly sure what the “new normal” will look like for Safe Haven.  Everyone is using that term these days – we kitties are wondering exactly what it means.  I’m sure we will find out – sooner or later.

Hope it’s sooner, ‘cause we miss you!

Lovingly,

FROM THE HOME FRONT
TALES OF THE SAFE HAVEN KITTIES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY MERRY

WEEK 57: ROXY RETURNS

Hi everyone!

So this week I have twice the good news as normal: we had TWO kitties find their furrever homes! Mrs. Patmore (“Mrs. Patmore Comes Back”) found a purrfectly wonderful home, and we were all so happy for her. And the very same day, Rascal (“Rascal or Monkeyshines?”) found his furrever home and said “bye-bye” to everyone at the shelter. It took him a little longer ‘cause he had to go see the cat dentist, but he got all fixed up and is all good now!

When she’s not checking things out, she loves attention—’specially having her rump scratched. She likes it so much that she gives head butts the whole time she’s being scratched. And she does sit on your lap—for awhile—’till she decides that it’s time to entertain herself again, and off she goes.

I’m thinking she prob’ly will do best with an adult family. She’s just that kind of gal. And I’m hoping she finds just the right family pretty soon. She’s such a doll—so cute and sweet. She deserves a great home.

And speaking of great homes, we kitties who live here at Safe Haven full time sure like it here. And I wanted to share something with you—it’s a need that really doesn’t have anything to do with us kitties, but it sure would spruce up our home. Y’see, it’s getting to be springtime, and lots of people like to do gardening in the spring. Has something to do with the “thank goodness winter is over” idea. And I’ve heard staff saying that it would be nice if we could get the front yard looking pretty again. So if any of you out there have gardening skills, I think there’s some weeds that need pulling and some bushes that need trimming. And if you’d like to donate some bark (no, not the dog kind—the kind that you put around plants and make them look all pretty), that would be grrreat.

Lovingly,

ROXANNE (“ROXY”)

Domestic shorthair, Female
Color: Gray & white
Size: Medium
Age: Adult
Special needs: none

Roxy was adopted from Safe Haven about six years ago and renamed Roxanne. She was just a youngster, around a year old. Sadly, her human mom recently died, and her dad had to move to a care facility. Roxy is now back at Safe Haven looking for her new forever home. She’s a sleek, gray and white cat with a tuxedo pattern, and a short, smooth coat. As we write this, she has only been out of quarantine (our normal intake process) for a day, and she has adapted quite well. She runs over to the door when she hears visitors enter. She likes toys, and one of her favorite things is to carry little toy mice around. When she has her rump scratched (another of her favorite things), she gives head butts while purring softly. She is very curious, always on the go, and able to entertain herself quite well. She does like to sit on a lap now and then, but she’s much too busy checking things out to spend much time there.  So if Roxy sounds like your perfect cat, give us a call!

FROM THE HOME FRONT
TALES OF THE SAFE HAVEN KITTIES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY MERRY

WEEK 56: A SPECIAL HOME FOR PHILIP

Hi everyone!

Remember Ollie, from “All About Ollie”, Week 31? Well, Ollie just found her new furrever home this week! Isn’t that purrfectly grrreat? We’re all real happy for Ollie, and we think it’s gonna be a purrfect family for her!

And now I’d like to tell you all about Philip!

No one could get close to him for awhile, but we have staff and several volunteers who won’t give up on any cat.  So they kept trying to make friends with him, and finally he got more comfy with the people that he knew.  And Sara and John were able to get some real nice photos of Philip, too.  But when Nancy came to do the video, he was a little scared ‘cause he hadn’t been in the movies before, so most of the video takes place in his favorite hidey-hole out in his catio.  It’s OK, though.  We all need a safe place sometimes.  Philip just needs one a little more!

Danette reminded me the other day that the shelter really needs a good shop vac.  I think I know what that is—it’s the machine that makes all sorts of noise but gets areas nice and sparkly clean.  Staff needs it for cleaning the shed and other outdoor-type areas.  They don’t plan to use it inside the shelter ’cause a lot of the cats are scared of the noise.  But not me!  I’m tough!!  So if you can donate the funds, or have a new or nearly-new shop vac just sittin’ around getting dusty, we have a home for it!

Oh yes, one more thing!  This is real important (to me, anyway)!  The people around the shelter are now calling me “glamourpuss” ‘cause I just got groomed.  It had been awhile since I went to the cat beauty shop, and let me tell you—I was a mess!  My fur was all greasy-looking, and I was shedding a lot.  Now I’m beautiful, and my fur is real soft and shiny.  I heard Danette talking about me on the phone, so I walked over and head-butted her, just to let her know that I agreed and was very happy with my new do.

Lovingly,

PHILIP

Domestic shorthair, Male
Color: Brown tabby w/white
Size: Large
Age: Adult
Special needs: none

Philip is a very sweet, very shy young adult.  He’s a brown tabby with a spotless white muzzle and bib.  Philip needs a quiet, all-adult, cat-savvy home where he has time to adjust and blossom into a wonderful feline companion.  He does very well with visitors when they spend the time to get to know him.

ORCHID

Domestic longhair, Female
Color: Black/white
Size: Medium
Age: Adult
Special needs: none

Orchid is a very pretty black and white kitty.  One of nine cats rescued as strays and brought to Safe Haven, she is still somewhat shy.  She takes some time to come out to meet new people, but after she feels comfortable, she will come right out for pets and loves.  And with a very familiar person, she will purr, roll around and make biscuits while she’s being petted and scratched behind the ears.  She is almost ready to go home, and needs patient, cat-savvy people who will give her the time she needs to adjust to her new home.

MRS. PATMORE

Domestic shorthair, Female
Color: Torbie
Size: Large
Age: Young Adult
Special needs: none

Mrs. Patmore was adopted from Safe Haven about five years ago. She was a young mother, a little over one year old, with four kittens (“the City Litter”). Sadly, her person had to return her because she was going on a long trip and had to move. Her person nicknamed her “Love Bug” or “Bug” for short. They were very attached to each other – Mrs. Patmore slept with her person and loved to get attention. She was very affectionate, and loved her safe, enclosed catio. She is still adjusting to the loss of her person, but we believe she will be coming around soon.

Mrs. Patmore is very shy and really doesn’t like other cats. She feels more strongly about dogs – has a “love/hate” relationship with all dogs, minus the “love” part. We think she probably doesn’t like small children either, although she gets along well with adults. And she gained quite a bit of weight, relatively speaking, in the last five years, and is now on a diet to get back down to her proper weight.

FROM THE HOME FRONT
TALES OF THE SAFE HAVEN KITTIES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY MERRY

WEEK 55:  MRS. PATMORE IS BACK

Hi everyone!

Remember back in week 47 I told you all about Sweetie Pie? It was called “Sweetie Pie Really Is”. She was recently adopted, but came back real fast ‘cause it just wasn’t a good fit between her and her people. Sometimes that happens, and of course we always welcome the kitty back. So Sweetie Pie came back and I bet she wasn’t here more than a month, and she got adopted and went home Saturday! Cool, huh?

So now I get to tell you all about another cat who came back. Her name is Mrs. Patmore (isn’t’ that an interesting name for a cat?) She was here about five years ago. She was a young mother then, just over a year old, and she brought four beautiful kittens with her. We called them the City Litter ‘cause their names were Hollywood, Chicago, Frisco and Bismarck. Clever, huh? And the kittens all got adopted and then it was Mrs. Patmore’s turn, and she got adopted too.

She prob’ly doesn’t like little kids either. But she really loves grownups.

So she’s back with us and just had her vet check. The vet even took some blood and ran some tests, and said Mrs. Patmore is very healthy. Except … she needs to lose some weight. Looks like she put on a pound or three after she was adopted, and now she’s kinda large. And having to be put on a diet might not set well with her—she’s a torbie, and that’s kinda similar to how torties and calicos see the world, and none of us likes to be told what to do and what not to do. Except me, of course. And I may have gained a little weight since coming to Safe Haven, but that’s ‘cause I was kinda skinny when I got here. Not so with Mrs. Patmore.

The only photo I have of her (above) is from when she was here before, in 2016. I think she was out getting her vet check when our photographer came to take pictures. But that’s OK—it shows how purrty she is, and how nice she looks at her fightin’ weight. Not that she actually fights—it’s just a expression!

Lovingly,

FROM THE HOME FRONT
TALES OF THE SAFE HAVEN KITTIES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY MERRY

WEEK 54:  MORE SPECIAL CATS!

Hi everyone! Happy National Pet Month!

I was gonna tell you all about one of our new kitties, Blueski, but she’s going to her new home this week! Cool, huh? So, instead, I’ll write about what I was gonna write about before Blueski joined us, but now I can write about it instead. Did that make any sense? Makes purrfect sense to me! That’s my cat brain at work. Anyways, last week I told y’all about some of our very special kitties, and this week I want to introduce you to a few more.<\Ssan>

When they first arrived, Fagin had a huge weight issue. People called him a big lug full of love! He sometimes had difficulty walking across his playroom, and couldn’t even jump up on the ladder/bed! Staff immediately put him on a restricted diet, and after a while, Fagin began to lose some weight. Verrry slowwwly. But he was going in the right direction! After a year or two, he could make it up to the middle level of the ladder/bed. And let me tell you—that was real progress! Everyone was so proud of him. And Tracy has been taking real good care of him, and he’s a lot healthier now—and able to do lots more things.

We have another Manx Syndrome cat, Bobbie Jo, who lives in Turtle Towers and was roomies with Lucy-Alice. Her condition is quite a bit worse than Lucy-Alice. Bobbie Jo came to us as a kitten. An older gentleman found her underneath his deck, and he was sure she was dying. When Staff arrived, they found this tiny kitten—in a real mess—but she wasn’t about to die on us. That was almost nine years ago, and she’s doing pretty well, just requires lots of special care. (And lots of baths!) And she’ll need special care for the rest of her life, just like Lucy-Alice.

Oh! While we are on the subject (you remember the subject—bathroom issues), I wanted to let y’all know that I had a bladder infection a couple of weeks ago. People tell me that this is pretty common with older female cats (just like older female humans). But Staff got me the right meds, and fixed me right up. I’m feeling much better now, thank you!

Lovingly,

FROM THE HOME FRONT
TALES OF THE SAFE HAVEN KITTIES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY MERRY

WEEK 53:  OUR SPECIAL CATS!

Hi everyone!

Happy National Pet Day! I’m feeling pretty good today! Remember my last issue—the one where I told you all about Izzy? Well, Izzy found a wonderful new furrever home, and went home yesterday! Isn’t that just grrreat!! And fast!

We have several brand new kitties at the shelter. Seems like they are starting to come in faster than we can find homes for them. But they’re all pretty new and I haven’t gotten to know them all that well yet. So I’d like to do something different this week. I’d like to talk about some of the special needs kitties that I’ve gotten to know while they were at Safe Haven. They’re pretty much permanent residents at PFOA. Some of them have come to us when their people died or got real sick, and some of them have health problems that their owners couldn’t afford to have fixed, so their owners did the best thing for their kitties and brought them to Safe Haven.

We have lots more SNC’s that you’ll meet in my column, and one that you have already met! That’s me! I’m a special needs cat as well. I had something called hyperthyroidism when I first got here, and Staff gave me a bunch of unpronounceable stuff. I got over that, but now I have a heart condition. But I’m feelin’ much better than when I first got here. And I wanted to let everyone know that special needs cats require lots more care and medicines, which translates to lots more $$$. Many of you are sending monthly donations for special needs cats, and that helps us take care of them! We really appreciate your donations. And if y’all are interested in sponsoring some of our special needs kids, you can email PFOA for more info.

We’ve been getting lots and lots of fan mail from y’all, and I wanted to share all the good words with everyone. I couldn’t figure out how to fit it into this column, so I talked to Danette and Marilyn, and they decided that we needed a place on the website where y’all could read it. We put our heads together, and now we have … “We’ve Got Mail!” There’s a button right on the home page of the website, just below the big photo of one of our kitties (it gets changed a couple times a month). If you click on the button, presto! A window pops up with all the latest comments and email. Check it out and let me know if you like it!

Lovingly,

SPANKY

Domestic Shorthair, Male
Color: Black w/White (Tuxedo)
Size: Medium
Born: July 1, 2008 (approx)
Special needs: none

These two boys, while not brothers in the strictest sense of the word, are very bonded to each other. Spatzi is a beautiful Siamese mix, and his companion of the last ten years is Spanky, a very handsome tuxedo cat. These are two of the gentlest souls you will ever meet. They are the text book example of well-behaved, loving cats. Spatzi is the more outgoing of the two, often greeting you at the door with a friendly meow and a leg rub. Spanky tends to be more laid back, often lounging in a bed or cat tree. He is easily approachable and loves to be petted and fawned over. Spanky has diabetes and receives twice daily insulin shots, but is quite well regulated.  Come and meet these two handsome boys and you will discover their purrfect personalities for yourself!

SPATZI

Domestic Shorthair, Male
Color: Brown w/white
Size: large
Born: January 12, 2005
Special needs: none

These two boys, while not brothers in the strictest sense of the word, are very bonded to each other. Spatzi is a beautiful Siamese mix, and his companion of the last ten years is Spanky, a very handsome tuxedo cat. These are two of the gentlest souls you will ever meet. They are the text book example of well-behaved, loving cats. Spatzi is the more outgoing of the two, often greeting you at the door with a friendly meow and a leg rub. Spanky tends to be more laid back, often lounging in a bed or cat tree. He is easily approachable and loves to be petted and fawned over. Spatzi is in early renal insufficiency and is easily maintained with the fluids he is given twice weekly.  Come and meet these two handsome boys and you will discover their purrfect personalities for yourself!

ISABELLA (“IZZY”)

Domestic shorthair, Female
Color: Brown tabby
Size: Medium
Age: Adult
Special needs: none

Meet Isabella, or “Izzy” for short. Izzy is such a doll! She really likes to snuggle – sitting on people’s shoulders, nuzzling their necks. If she thinks someone is not paying attention to her, she talks to them. Of all the cats, Izzy is the one who most likes to be picked up and cuddled. She is also the Queen Bee in her playroom. She lets her roommates know that, in a non-aggressive manner. Izzy came from a family situation, and in addition to other cats, she is comfortable around adults and older children. She tolerates large dogs.

OLLIE

Domestic shorthair, Male
Color: Black
Size: Medium
Age: Young
Special needs: none

Stay tuned for more Ollie info

FROM THE HOME FRONT
TALES OF THE SAFE HAVEN KITTIES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY MERRY

WEEK 52:  TIME FLIES!

Hi everyone!

Although y’all may not get this until tomorrow, I’m writing this on Easter Sunday, and I want to wish all of you a very Happy Easter. I know that the last two celebrations of this important day have been much different than any of us could have imagined. Here’s hoping that next year the “new normal” is a little closer to the “old normal!”

Today is also an important day for yours truly. Y’see, this is the 52nd issue of FROM THE HOME FRONT. My math isn’t so good, but my secretary is much better at it, and she told me that 52 issues equals one year (‘cause we send one out per week, and apparently there’s 52 weeks in a year!) So we are at the end of the first year of our little column, and I think that’s cause for celebration too. Don’t you? Hope you don’t mind if I send a few balloons your way! Balloons are always a good idea, I’m thinkin’.

We had an exciting couple of days this week. Three of our kitties found their furrever homes! Sushi, River Pearl and Ellis each went to their very own home! Isn’t that grrreat? We were all so happy for them! I’m not surprised it didn’t take very long for them to find homes—I got to know each of them when I wrote about them in my column, and they were real nice. I think they liked being talked about too, ‘specially when it helped them go home.

Oh, and before I forget, iGive has doubled their donation for shopping at CHEWY.com! From April 1 through April 15, iGive is donating 4.8% of the amount you spend at CHEWY.com. So if you are running low on any stuff you buy from CHEWY, and you can order before the 15th, just sign into your iGive account and click the CHEWY.com button. PFOA will get twice the normal donation, and that helps all of us kitties! Isn’t that grrreat?

Lovingly,

FROM THE HOME FRONT
TALES OF THE SAFE HAVEN KITTIES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY MERRY

WEEK 51:  MEET MR. BLUE EYES!

Hi everyone!

Another one of our own found his furrever home this week! I featured him in my column about six weeks ago! Remember “Goin’ to the Dentist?” That was Adam, the big longhaired tuxedo, and he found a purrfect new home. This is ‘specially grrreat ‘cause he’s an FIV+ kitty, so he has just a couple of special requirements. He hasta be the only kitty in his new home, and he hasta have a super-safe outdoor area so he doesn’t risk passing his condition on to another cat. That would mostly happen if he got into a fight, so we don’t want to take any chances. So we are all real happy for him.

So I hope Ellis finds that purrfect home soon. He’s such a special boy (even if he does have a bit of an independent streak) and I’d love to see him with his very own family!

And, before I forget, I want to mention that the annual Petco Share Your Love Story campaign for 2021 has started. That’s where you can send in a story about your kitty (adopted from PFOA, of course!) The stories are due by September 20th, and Petco posts the winning stories so lots of people can read them. And, if one of your stories gets first place, PFOA also wins—$100,000! Isn’t that something? That would cover a LOT of cat food and veterinary services!  So we hope you would like to share your story!

Lovingly,

ELLIS

Himalayan/Siamese, Male
Color: Sealpoint
Size: Large
Age: Adult
Special needs: none

Ellis is a middle aged long-haired Siamese/Himalayan mix with gorgeous blue eyes. He is very sweet and loving, but also has an independent streak, and is quite chatty. He comes flying inside his cattery to visit folks if he is outside on his patio, but really does enjoy and require a catio or cat- proof yard where he can enjoy the sun and breeze, but be safe from predators and other dangers.

If you are a cat-savvy person with lots of love to give this extra special cat, please give us a call, He really is a special boy!

SUSHI

Domestic Shorthair, Male
Color: Brown tabby
Size: Medium
Age: Adult
Special needs: none

Given up because of allergies and new to the shelter, Sushi is an exceptionally friendly nine year-old male tabby. This boy just loves to cuddle and wants to be your best friend. He has lived with other cats in the past, and needs a home where his family will have plenty of time to spend with him. If you want a kitty to be the center of your world, give us a call to meet sweet Sushi!!

SWEETIE PIE

Domestic Shorthair, Female
Color: Black/white tuxedo
Size: Large
Age: Young
Special needs: none

Sweetie Pie is a cute and tidy three year-old Tuxedo. Given to a retired couple for Christmas when she was only a kitten, severe allergies have forced her folks to give her up. Very sweet and social, this good sized girl will be a wonderful fit for a loving home where she can find the security she needs for the rest of her nine lives. If you are looking for a young kitty to be a quiet and gentle friend who is still playful and fun, perhaps this girl might be just the ticket!

RIVER PEARL

Domestic Shorthair, Female
Color: Grey
Size: Medium
Age: Adult
Special needs: none

River Pearl is the most charming and endearing girl ever!!  Adopted from us nine years ago, she was sadly returned when an elderly family member proved to have serious allergies to cats.  Adorable with her little round face and compact body, River Pearl makes you smile just to see her.  The first to greet you and happy to nestle in your lap, she goes with the flow as her name implies.

This sweetheart will do best as an only cat where she can be the queen bee in her own personal hive. While she has been around a variety of animals and folks, at this stage of her life she deserves a home where she will be cherished and adored as an only child.

If you are looking for a cat who wants to be your best friend, please give us a call to meet this wonderful girl–she really is special!

RASCAL

Domestic Shorthair, Male
Color: Orange/white tabby
Size: Large
Age: Senior
Special needs: none

Rascal is a busy, playful and affectionate orange and white shorthair tabby, whose owner recently passed away. He thrives on attention and especially likes his ears scratched. He would love a new forever home, especially if it has an enclosed catio where he can watch the birds and other wildlife – safely!

FROM THE HOME FRONT
TALES OF THE SAFE HAVEN KITTIES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY MERRY

WEEK 50:  RASCAL OR MONKEYSHINES?

Hi everyone!

The Adopted Cat of the Week is Skittles! She went home earlier this week. Yay, Skittles!

We have another real cool newbie, ready to find his furrever home. His name is Rascal, and I think the name fits … in a good way! Rascal is a senior kitty, just a couple years older than me, and he had a real grrreat home until his original guardian passed away. They lived in Parkwood, and another lady who lived in the area was kind enough to give him a new home. But … before he understood that was his new home, he escaped out the door and was missing for a whole month before he showed up again!

He’s a very handsome orange and white boy. Check out his photos—he has very cool orange circles on his snowy white fur. I’ve never seen a cat with those markings before. And he has a real zest for life. He loves his laser mousie (who wouldn’t—those things are really fun!) And we thought maybe his name should be Monkeyshines, ’cause he has the best time racing up to the top of his cat tree and hanging over the side. He’s very friendly with everyone, even with the dog he used to live with! Imagine that!

And since Rascal is here because of allergies, I’d like to offer a few ideas if you find you are allergic to your best friend. If you can limit the areas where your pet is allowed, especially your bedroom, this would be a good start. Plus, your kitty would have his or her very own bedroom! Lots of people take steroid shots, but there are some natural herbs that may work too.

Also, you can get an air purifier and put it in an area where you and your kitty spend lots of time. Some people have done well eating lots of foods with Vitamin C, like oranges and strawberries. We kitties are NOT fond of these, but I know people like them. And then there’s the best suggestion that none of you will thank me for: clean your house often and thoroughly. Wash your bed sheets in real hot water. And when you are grooming your cat, find a nice safe place outside to do it. That way the dander and hair don’t get in your house. And wash your hands and face after you groom him. You’ll both feel better!

I have one request this week, and it’s an important one. We just got a kitty who is going to have her litter of kittens any day now, and we desperately need someone who can foster the mom and kittens ‘till they’re old enough to come to the shelter. So if you can do this, let us know! Thanks very much!

Lovingly,

FROM THE HOME FRONT
TALES OF THE SAFE HAVEN KITTIES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY MERRY

WEEK 49:  OUR RIVER QUEEN

Hi everyone!

We’ve had a red letter week or so at Safe Haven! Palmer, who had been adopted a couple of weeks ago by the nicest retired couple, got to go home on Saturday—he had to wait for his checkup for his ears before he could leave for his furrever home. And we had one more kitty adoption, but the kitty isn’t going home until next week, so I’m gonna wait till then to tell you who that is.

Anyway, she was adopted from us nine years ago, and arrived back a little over a month ago. It was kinda sad, ‘cause her people loved her and were real sorry to give her up, but I guess they didn’t have a choice. Y’see, when their elderly mom joined the family, they found out that she was allergic to kitties. But River is back, and just as charming as ever. She’s such a cutie! She has a little round face and she’s a smallish kitty. Not real tiny, just compact. And she loves to curl up in people’s laps.

I always like to end with good news, and I get to do that again this week! A huge thanks to all of you who buy lots of stuff from AmazonSmile and have told them that PFOA is your charity of choice. We just received the AmazonSmile quarterly donation: $367.42! And since the *smile* program began, we’ve gotten a total of $3,596.23!! That’s pretty darn good considering it doesn’t cost y’all a single penny. It’s all coming from Amazon because you’ve participated in their program! So thanks again, on behalf of our staff and all the kitties at PFOA!!

Lovingly,

FROM THE HOME FRONT
TALES OF THE SAFE HAVEN KITTIES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY MERRY

WEEK 48:  ORCHID BLOSSOMS

Hi everyone!

It’s catch-up time! We’ve had a couple of kitties go home last week, and I’m sooo happy to tell you who they are. And I’ve added a small photo so you can put the faces with the story.

So before I leave, I just wanted to remind everyone that spring is coming. You humans have a strange way of celebrating spring—you go ‘round and change the time on all the clocks! But you also celebrate a different way—by doing spring cleaning. And if you would like to help us, there’s a whole list of cleaning supplies on our Wishlist (on the website or Amazon) that we always need—’specially in the spring!

Lovingly,

FROM THE HOME FRONT
TALES OF THE SAFE HAVEN KITTIES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY MERRY

WEEK 39: FOUR FOR THE PRICE OF TWO!

Hi everyone!

I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday.  I sure did!  I kinda missed having staff and volunteers bring food and people play music.  And everyone is always so nice to us kitties, ‘cept that they don’t feed us snacks!  But I know that last year it just wasn’t possible.  We are all hoping for a better year in 2021.

Their names are actually Third and Spec.  Spec is the 26 pound kitty (I hafta say—again—”wow!”)  He’s called Spec because he’s an all-black cat with just a little speck of white under his chin (or maybe because he’s such a special cat).  His brother from a different mother is Third, and I have no idea where Third’s name came from.  I just think it’s a cute name.  Third has absolutely gorgeous blue eyes—a very unusual color for most kitties (‘cept Siamese, of course).  The two of them make up about four kitties, weight-wise.  So if you always wanted lots of kitties, this is the easy way—you get four for the price of two!  What a deal!!

And before I say “bye for now,” I want to give a huge Paws Up to Koenig Subaru.  They chose PFOA as one of their Hometown Charities for their Share the Love event this year, and the event ends January 4!  That’s today, if I did my math correctly.  And as you know, that’s not one of my best talents!

Lovingly,

FROM THE HOME FRONT
TALES OF THE SAFE HAVEN KITTIES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY MERRY

WEEK 37: QUEEN OF HER DOMAIN

Hi everyone!

This is so great!  I get to report that Rufus has left the building!  He went to his new furrever home this week, and it’s just purrfect for him!  He gets to be outside (safely, of course!) part of the time, and is going to be his new person’s special indoor friend the rest of the time.  I’m soooo happy for him!!!  I bet you knew that, though, ‘cause I just used seven of these thingys [!] in one paragraph.

At ten years old, Tiger is a middle-aged kitty.  She says that means that she’s all done with those busy kitten years and has lots of mellow years ahead.  I sure like her point of view—she’s the same age as me, and I like her outlook on life!  She’s a night owl and loves to explore and check out things that go bump in the night.  OK—I hafta admit that’s not an original Merryism—that’s Kimmie’s description, and it sure fits!  I’d say that she’s got lots of jump left—her favorite spot is the highest perch on her cat tree.  I think she likes being queen of her domain.  And her favorite wish is to go home this year!  Wouldn’t it be great if she could celebrate New Year’s Day quietly with her new, purrfect family?

In other news, we have a couple of new cats.  Palmer just arrived, and Spitfire will be here next week.  My secretary had emailed Danette asking about new kitties, and Danette was responding to the email when I decided that she hadn’t paid enough attention to me and I went over and stood on her keyboard and stared at her (which is kitty-speak for “pay attention to me!”)  So the sentence about Spitfire coming next week ended up as “Spitfire next weei.”  My secretary thought that was pretty funny!  I think Danette did too.

And since this is my last letter to you before the next one, and since the next one won’t go out until a week from now, y’all have a purrfectly joyous holiday season!

Lovingly,

FROM THE HOME FRONT
TALES OF THE SAFE HAVEN KITTIES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY MERRY

WEEK 47:  SWEETIE PIE REALLY IS!

Hi everyone!

Happy March! I know it’s supposed to come in like a lion, but that’s kinda scary for a little kitty like me. Lions are soooo big! And they have super big claws and teeth. Anyway, we will see if the March weather is anything like February has been. I don’t think it’s been too bad at the shelter, but my secretary says she’s had rain, wind, snow, sleet and a little bit of something that looks like hail. So I guess I’m glad to be at the shelter!

Oh, before I forget, I want to thank our grrreat supporters who donated to sponsor free Spay/Neuter clinics last month. Y’know, even though Spay/Neuter month is in February, it’s real important to have these clinics all year long, ’cause there’s a backlog of cats and dogs of low income families who can’t afford the regular pricing! And so your spay/neuter donations will be just grrreat!

Lovingly,

FROM THE HOME FRONT
TALES OF THE SAFE HAVEN KITTIES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY MERRY

WEEK 46: SUSHI IS A CAT, TOO!

Hi everyone!

I think I talked about new kitties coming to the shelter in my column last week.  And—exciting news—we have several newbies now.  In particular, a mother/son combo came to Safe Haven.  Their names are River (the mom) and Sushi (the son). 

Now, you would think, wouldn’t you, that these two would be bonded and want to go to their new furever home together?  That would seem logical.  Except for the fact that Mom and Son are not the best of buds.  I guess you humans prob’ly know what I’m talking about.  I’ve heard that happens sometimes in the human world.

He loves to cuddle with people and seems to want to be their new best friend.  I think he’d love a furever home where he’s the center of attention, and a new family who has lots of time to spend with him and make him feel real special.

I heard that we are doing pretty well with this ugly COVID stuff, and we are now in something called “Phase 2”, which apparently means that we kitties can now have visitors, although they are very limited—I think we can only have one or two at a time—and they still need to mask up.  They tell me that this is for everyone’s safety, and I understand that and think it’s a very good idea.  ‘Scept we love to see people!  We can recognize the regular volunteers by their scent, and the masks don’t bother us ‘cause we know what you look like.  But when we have new visitors who we haven’t met yet, we don’t have a good idea what you look like—just the eyes!  (The eyes tell a lot about a person though!)  But we like it that y’all are continuing to be real careful, and we can wait until it’s safe to see your nice faces again!

So I’d like to close with a bit of good news, ‘cause good news is always a good thing.  (Did I really say that?)  Since we’ve been closed, people who really like our shelter and want to help have been real grrreat about contributing, so we kitties have enough to eat and kitty litter to fill our boxes and vet care, if we need it.  And of course, every new rescued kitty gets a grrreat vet check to make sure they’re real healthy before they go to their new homes. 

And, staff tells me that some of our devoted supporters who have crossed the “Rainbow Bridge” have willed legacy gifts (big words) so they can continue to help us kitties! 

Isn’t that just … grrreat?

Lovingly,

ADAM

Domestic Longhair, Male
Color: Black/white tuxedo
Size: Very Large
Age: Adult
Special needs: FIV positive

Adam is a very large, very handsome black and white tuxedo boy. (Our photographer had to use a wide-angle lens to capture all of Adam!) He has a beautiful, thick long coat and loves to show it off! He is a very affectionate, very friendly cat – probably likes people a little more than other cats. And, because he is an FIV positive cat, he needs to be an only cat (we think he won’t mind a bit); or, he can be with another FIV positive cat .

SKEETER

Domestic Shorthair, Male
Color: Orange tabby
Size: Medium
Age: Young
Special needs: none

Skeeter is a stray who had been through a Trap/Neuter/Return (TNR) program, and as a result, has a tipped left ear.  He’s a beautiful young cat, between 1 and 2 years old.  At his foster home he got along well with large dogs and the other cats.  His foster mom would have loved to keep him, but unfortunately one of the older cats in the household was picking on him.  His foster mom had also mentioned that once he trusts you he will be all over you, even to the point of wrapping himself around a person’s neck.

LEO DEO NEO

Domestic Shorthair, Male
Color: Orange Tabby
Size: Large
Age: Young
Special needs: none

Leo is a wonderful three year old–big and happy and friendly! While he does get along with some other cats, he tends to be a bit bossy and would probably do best as an only kitty with adoring humans who want a playful and interactive companion. Leo came to us when his owner passed away, and he was, sadly, separated from his mother and sister when they were adopted by a family member. He was initially quite sad to have lost his feline and human family and the only home he had ever known in one fell swoop, but has quickly rebounded to his normal cheerful self. If you can provide Leo Deo Neo with a forever home that will cherish him for his many remaining years, we would love to introduce you to this special fellow!!

PITTI-PATTI

Domestic Shorthair, Female
Color: Tortoiseshell
Size: Medium
Age: Young
Special needs: none

What an adorable polydactyl tortie!! Exceptionally friendly and always kneading with those cute extra toes (hence her name) this beauty was abandoned and living under a trailer near Forks. A good Samaritan was feeding her, but brought her to PFOA to find a loving home of her own. As do most adult torties, Patti would prefer to be the only cat and the queen of her domain. Probably 3-4 years old, Patti would enjoy a quiet home where she is adored and cherished–she will repay you with lots of love in return.

This girl is a staff favorite.  If you are looking for an all-around great kitty, give us a call to meet Patti.

FROM THE HOME FRONT
TALES OF THE SAFE HAVEN KITTIES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY MERRY

WEEK 34: GINGER IS THE NEW ORANGE

Hi everyone!

We had a wonderful pair of kitties join us last week (or maybe the week before—time flies when you’re having fun!) Their names are Miles and Zoie, and they are orange and white with short hair (just like me, if you don’t count all my brown fur). Actually, Tracy says they are ginger colored, but they look orange to me! Cats don’t get techy about fur color, y’know! Miles is the bigger kitty (after all, he’s the boy cat), and he’s a mostly ginger tabby. Zoie is a beautiful, dainty little tabby kitty with lots of white and gorgeous ginger markings.

They are really active and both play a lot. When Tracy moved Frannie downstairs, she said they sounded like “a bunch of monkeys” running around above her.

Oh, and before I forget, I overheard Staff talking about a special event, and it’s here! It’s #GIVINGTUESDAY and it’s all about you generous people helping others. It got started 8 years ago and is a day that inspires people to do good. So, we kitties would really appreciate it if you are planning to donate and would remember PFOA. That’ll help lots more kitties like us!

All of us here send you thanks, lots of nose-kisses and a paws up (that’s like a high-five, and sometimes a high-six)!

Lovingly,

FROM THE HOME FRONT
TALES OF THE SAFE HAVEN KITTIES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY MERRY

WEEK 20:  RHODES MOVES IN

Hi everyone!

Safe Haven is running real low on adoptable kitties! I bet you didn’t know that, if you haven’t been able to visit in a while. This has to be an all-time low, at least as far as I can remember, and I’ve been here almost three years!

So, this week I get to talk about some of the kitties we have had for a while, but don’t get too much written about them. Yes, I’m talking about the “Pole Barn 9,” a group of kitties that have been through some pretty rough times. They came from a place that people refer to as a “hoarding situation” where their caretaker passed away and the kitties had no one to care for them. They were either never socialized, or have been through so much that they are pretty scared of everything: humans, other kitties (‘specially ones they don’t know), other critters, things that go bump in the night … you get the idea! They arrived last September, so they’ve been here almost a year.

With the shelter relatively empty, our staff had a great opportunity to bring these kitties into some of the play rooms so they could see and hear people—and other cats—and maybe they could get over being so scared. And that turned into quite a project, ‘cause some of them are more scared than others!

The first one of the PB9, Garland, was lots less scared than the rest of the kitties. Remember him? I wrote about him in Week 9—Safe Haven’s Hall Monitor. He’s been inside the shelter for some time now, and some people are coming in a couple of weeks to meet him and maybe take him home! Wouldn’t that be great!

Last week Rhodes got to move to the main shelter! So that’s two!!

Rhodes is doing really well, ‘specially since no one could touch him for weeks! He’s a big orange and white tabby, and he’s gradually becoming much more comfortable at Safe Haven. He does tend to hide from people he doesn’t know, but if you spend enough time with him, he’ll come around … all the time! And when he decides that someone is a good cat person, he does actually relax, and enjoys being petted and scratched.

And if you don’t believe me, just take a look at the video that Nancy made! Nancy is what’s called the videographer. That’s a fancy word for “takes moving pictures.” I had to look that word up, ‘cause we have more than one Nancy and I had to make sure you knew which one I was talking about. And that “vid” word is a really long one. But it was pretty easy to find ‘cause it starts with the letters that it sounds like. Not like that long word for when you get a bad cold that gets worse … sounds like it should start with an “n” but actually starts with a “p”. Try looking that one up, ‘specially if you are a cat!

OK … I got off the subject. Sorry about that.

Anyway, I’m hoping that Rhodes continues to do really well with people. He’s a very handsome cat, and I think people will be impressed with him. He’s orange, too. People seem to like that. (I’m not sure why, ‘cause torties are the prettiest!) And pretty soon we will be able to bring in more of the Pole Barn 9, and I’ll write to you about them too.

Lovingly,

FROM THE HOME FRONT
TALES OF THE SAFE HAVEN KITTIES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY MERRY

WEEK 21:  OUR NEW SENIOR CATIZEN

Hi everyone!

As much as we would like to get everything purrfect the first time, we all know that sometimes a kitty’s purrfect furever home isn’t … well … as purrfect as we would like.  Sometimes it’s a change in the caregiver’s situation, or the caregiver is no longer with us, or, much as we would like to get everything right, sometimes it’s just not a good fit.

She was adopted as a kitten, and had a good life until her human family went through some tough times.  Daisy ended up staying in an extra room, and wasn’t getting the amount of attention she was used to having.  And Daisy definitely needs attention.  She’s really a nice, friendly cat if you give her a chance to get to know you.

Fortunately, her person recognized that this was no longer a good situation for Daisy, and she brought her to Safe Haven so Daisy could find a better home—preferably a mature, single-cat home with no dogs.  You see, Daisy is really scared of dogs, and she actually attacks dogs who are nervous around cats.  I think people call that a defense mechanism.  Sounds right!

Daisy did live with another cat when she was younger, but she can be real bossy.  We think she will do best if she can find a nice home where she can be the Queen Bee and get lots of attention.  It needs to be a quiet home, ‘cause Daisy is afraid of loud noises.

After she had been at Safe Haven a couple of weeks, she was moved to a room on the first floor, and got to meet Finn.  You remember Finn from a couple of weeks ago?  He started out life as Blitzen and came back after he lost his “Dad”.  I think Finn and Daisy took a little time to get to know each other—they are both very shy—but then Finn was gone for a couple of days because he had to go to the vet and Daisy was the only one in her room.

FROM THE HOME FRONT
TALES OF THE SAFE HAVEN KITTIES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY MERRY

WEEK 22:  THE VELCRO BOY

Hi everyone!

We have a big, sleek, handsome, very outgoing boy at the shelter, and I’d like to tell you about him. His name is O’Henry, and he’s what’s called a Snowshoe Siamese. He’s a seal point, and the main difference between a Snowshoe and a regular Siamese is pretty obvious. At least, it is when someone points it out! Snowshoes have white feet. Like snow. Get it?

Here’s a nice photo of O’Henry.  Take a look—you’ll see what I mean.

O’Henry really loves being outside. He goes out on his catio and lays in the sun and watches the birds for hours. Keeps him quite entertained. Which is a good thing, ‘cause he had a bad leg when he came here, and everyone wants to see him get better real soon so he can run and jump with the best of us. And he can’t do that until his leg is all better.

Even though he sometimes acts like a dog and talks real loud and real often, O’Henry is one cool cat. Nancy says he’s a “real hoot,” which is kinda funny, ‘cause he’s a cat, not an owl! So we’re lookin’ at an animal who looks like a cat, acts like a dog and sounds like … an owl? Maybe a screech owl? (I’m so funny!)

Lovingly,

FROM THE HOME FRONT
TALES OF THE SAFE HAVEN KITTIES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY MERRY

WEEK 23:  SHARE YOUR STORIES!

Hi everyone!

And if you missed meeting her, here’s a nice photo that our Sara took a day or so before Angel went home. Notice anything? She’s a tortie—just like me. No wonder she didn’t stick around long!

So, instead of writing about Angel Kitty, I’m gonna do something a little different this week. In case you didn’t know, my stories about our kitties have helped many of them find their forever homes. I’m really happy about that! And I found a way that you can help even more of my kitty friends by sharing your own stories. My human friends can say it better than I can, ‘cause it’s from an email that came to the shelter recently, and I don’t read so good. So here’s their message:

From loving head butts to cozier naps, and all the magical moments in between, cats make our lives better. Share how your special kitty or pair of kitties, adopted from PFOA, has changed your life. Your stories will help us earn up to $100,000 from @petcofoundation this Holiday Season and you can win a Petco shopping spree.

Share your story at https://petcofoundation.org/holidaywishes by September 23 and please let us know when you’re submitting the story by emailing us at pfoa@olypen.com.

I know that there are lots of great stories out there about my friends who have found their wonderful forever homes, and we would love to have you share them.  Purrsonally, I don’t hear too much about my friends who have gone home, and it would really be great to know how they are doing!  I kinda miss them!

So that’s my message for this week.  We didn’t get much warning on this, and the deadline is creeping up.  If you share your home with a cat, I KNOW you are familiar with the creeping thing!  And we would love to hear from you!

One more thing—guess what I did this week?  I went to the pet groomer!  If you thought I looked great before, I look absolutely stunning now!  I even feel better, so I’m walking around the shelter office more, making a nuisance of myself.  I just love walking all over Danette and Kimmie’s paperwork!  I even sat on the copier and somehow the copy button got pushed, and they have a picture of … well, it’s of where I sit down!   I’m not showing it to you, ‘cause this is NOT an “R” rated column!

Danette and Kimmie are so nice.  They don’t get upset or anything.  They just pick up their papers, clean off my paw marks, and carry on with their work.  I love these gals!

Lovingly,

FROM THE HOME FRONT
TALES OF THE SAFE HAVEN KITTIES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY MERRY

WEEK 24:  SMOKE AND RAIN

Hi everyone!

Well, we had a semi-revolution at the shelter last week. ‘Cause of all the bad stuff in the air, we were not allowed to go outdoors. I suppose Staff would have allowed it if we were willing to wear masks, but that boggles the mind. No self-respecting feline would consider wearing a mask! That would be as bad as wearing a harness—for most of us.

So we woke up Saturday morning and found all the cat doors locked shut and the sliding doors closed. None of us could go out on our sun porches and catios! Sara and John came to take some photos later in the morning, and ended up with a bunch of angry cats on their hands! Not many photo ops that day!

There is good news, though: two of our kitties went home! Kylo Ren has a great extended family: in addition to his new parents, he has three cats and three dogs to play with! And O’Henry found a wonderful home with a very nice young man who has lots of experience with Siamese cats! Isn’t that great?

A new cat joined us last month, and he is out of quarantine and in his new playroom now. His name is Rufus and he’s a Russian Blue-type cat.

He’s very nice and super friendly, but he will require a catio like we have at the shelter. Nancy says he should really be an indoor cat but he gets “owly” if he doesn’t get to go outside. You see, Rufus is a natural hunter! His specialty is birds, and he’s really good at it, so he has to have an outdoor fully enclosed yard to protect the wildlife.

I’m so happy that we are starting to get more emails from regular readers of our little weekly newsletter. They tell us how much they enjoy having my column in their inbox every week, and they are also very helpful. I received an email last week pointing out that I am really a calico, not a tortie, because I have a coat of three colors, including white. Torties don’t have white, or if they do, it’s just a little spot or two. And, of course, I said in my last column that Angel Kitty is a tortie too—just like me. So I want to correct that! Angel Kitty is really a calico—just like me! I think the whole thing got started because of my purrsonality. Even though I’m a calico, I have been accused of having a generous dose of tortitude, so one day I just decided I could be a tortie. That’s how that got started. And I want to say to Sally: Don’t apologize. I’m really glad you took the time to write! Thank you.

And the best news: After a full week of horrid air, the smoke is finally going away. That should put everyone in the shelter—human and feline—in a much better mood. We kitties can go outside again. Only thing is that it’s raining! And most cats don’t like rain. At least, the ones I know don’t. So we have to schedule our outside play time very carefully!

Oh, and one more thing: the Petco Holiday Wishes campaign ends Wednesday, September 30. If you adopted your animal companion from us and would like to tell everyone how wonderful he/she is, just write a story (500 words max), add at least four (max 6) of your favorite photos, and submit it online to https://www.petcofoundation.org/holiday-wishes/. You get bragging rights, and you might even win a prize!

Lovingly,

FROM THE HOME FRONT
TALES OF THE SAFE HAVEN KITTIES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY MERRY

WEEK 25:  LOVE IS IN THE AIR

Hi everyone!

It is soooo nice to be able to go outside and breathe clean, fresh air. The cat doors are all unlocked, and everyone at the shelter, cats and humans alike, is in a much better mood. And now that everyone is feeling better, I’d like to approach a somewhat sensitive subject (that’s SSS for those of you who like short cuts!) It’s CLEANING! And yours truly contributes just as much to that need as any one else—including Tippy! Yes, I know we kitties make messes when we are eating, as well as when we make room for more food. (I wonder if that’s where the phrase “tail end” came from?) And, as Danette just pointed out, you humans contribute as much, if not more, than we kitties! Well, I’m not sure about that! But we do need morning volunteers to clean! Much as I’d like to have them just come in and play with me, it’s important to us kitties to have a clean environment. Keeps us healthy.

And the more time she spent around Rhodes, the more she liked him. And Rhodes really liked her. He talked to her regularly through the fence in the play yard (we kitties DO talk to each other—we just don’t let you humans know!) And the nicest thing happened. Lilly fell in love with the boy next door! She moved in with him so they could spend all their time together. I think Rhodes loves her too.

And before I end this week’s column, I’m going to repeat myself from last week: the Petco Holiday Wishes campaign ends this Wednesday. If you would like to write a story about your great PFOA kitty (or kitties), you only have a little time left. And if you need any help or would like someone to read your story before you send it in, I’d be happy to donate the services of my secretary and translator! And since you are reading this, she isn’t objecting … too much.

Lovingly,

FROM THE HOME FRONT
TALES OF THE SAFE HAVEN KITTIES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY MERRY

WEEK 26:  HOODOO? VOODOO!

Hi everyone!

Great news from the shelter. Finn went home last week! He found a wonderful and patient new mom and dad who understand that he’s really shy, and are OK with that. I think he couldn’t have found a better forever home! Everyone at the shelter is so happy for him.

So we have really been enjoying the nice weather (with CLEAN AIR!) at the shelter lately. The catios are a really nice place to spend time during the day. The sunshine feels so good! But we have to wait till the afternoon to do that ‘cause it’s been foggy in the mornings. Not as much fun when it is cold and damp and we can’t see each other! Too bad this is all coming to an end—real soon! Kimmie has this really cool phone that she can look at something called an “app” and see if we are going to have a nice day. And what do you think? Her phone says it’s going to rain for four days around the end of this week. No more sunshine! It happens every year about this time, though. You’d think, after all these years, I’d get used to this. It’s called “fall” which is a very odd name for a season ‘cause I can’t figure out what’s falling! I’m not sure it’s worth worrying about, though.

Oh, and before I sign off for this week, I wanted to let everyone know that, in addition to our world-famous purrfect potholders, we also have microwaveable bowls. They are also made by our Potholder Team, and are available from Safe Haven and other shops around town. People say they are really handy for when you are microwaving stuff and want to be able to take the food out without getting burned. I can’t imagine what that feels like! My paw pads (like other kitties) are kinda sensitive to heat. Don’t think that would be fun at all (provided I had paws that could lift dishes out of a microwave). But then, why would I want to do that? That’s one of the many things people do best!this, she isn’t objecting … too much.

Lovingly,

FROM THE HOME FRONT
TALES OF THE SAFE HAVEN KITTIES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY MERRY

WEEK 27:  BEST BUDDIES

Hi everyone!

I love it when I get to give all of you good news.  And I get to do that again this week.  VooDoo went home yesterday!  Isn’t that absolutely great?  And, he’s staying “in the family” – Tracy’s parents met him and fell in love right away, and the rest is history.  People say that a lot.  I’m not sure exactly what it means, ‘cause I never had to study history.  And if some of you out there haven’t met Tracy, she’s really great.  She’s the caretaker for the special needs kitties at Barker House, and since COVID she has also come out to take care of us kitties at Safe Haven a couple of days a week.

We had a new kitty join us this week.  Her name is Ocean (I’m sure there’s a story about her name) and we are just getting to know each other, so I’m not going to write about her this week.  Prob’ly next week.  Instead, I have some really great news about two kitties who have been here awhile.

Oh, and before I forget, Nancy took the greatest video of Rhodes and Lilly together.  Remember the really cute photo of the two of them in the cat tree looking at each other?  That photo was taken from Nancy’s video, and she sent us the whole video, and my secretary processed it so y’all can see it.  We didn’t have the video when the “Love in the Air” episode came out, so it’s featured this week on the From The Home Front web page.

One more thing, before I sign off for this week.  A really nice couple who support PFOA are moving, and they had to downsize.  They have a great TV and entertainment unit that they are selling to the highest bidder, and they are gonna donate all the money to PFOA for the kitties!  All the details, with photos, are coming out tomorrow (Tuesday) in the October eNews.  We don’t normally send out two emails together, but this is a really nice thing for these people to donate the money to us.  So if you could use this set, be sure to look for the email and check it out!  I bet you’ll like it.

Lovingly,

FROM THE HOME FRONT
TALES OF THE SAFE HAVEN KITTIES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY MERRY

WEEK 29:  FOUR MORE AT SAFE HAVEN

Hi everyone!

This is really great! Lately, I get to write about good news EVERY WEEK! Last week we didn’t have any kitties exit the building, but we had four new kitties arrive—together! That’s important too, because there are lots of kitties who need a helping hand and my human friends at Safe Haven help as many as possible be adopted into loving, furever homes.

OK—that’s my “Merryisms” for the week. And before I forget it, Danette just told me that the bottles of CATastrophic 2020 are “flying off the shelves.” Guess a lot of you out there like wine! Or maybe it’s Barky’s cool painting of Tippy! Anyway, thought I would let all of you know, so that you won’t wait too long and be disappointed if you can’t get some.
Lovingly,

FROM THE HOME FRONT
TALES OF THE SAFE HAVEN KITTIES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY MERRY

WEEK 30: TEACHING PROPER CAT MANNERS

Hi everyone!

Guess what? Garland and Dash found their new furever home—together! Isn’t that great? I’m so happy for them. They are such a great pair, and get along so well together—even if Dash is a little … shall we say, active? Anyway, they are best buddies and everyone at the shelter is so happy that they are together in their new home.

Anyway, she graciously accepted a new assignment to teach her roomie, Horus, proper manners and cat boundaries. I think she knows that she doesn’t get to go to her furever home until she’s finished teaching the little guy.  She’s very gentle, and super patient with him. He’s a little over six months old, and is kinda like a little brother. He follows her around the room, trying to impress her. And she puts up with him very nicely—she is a very patient, low-key kitty—until he gets on a good run and launches himself onto her back. She doesn’t get upset or anything. She just shrugs him off and bats him with her paw, trying to teach him how to behave properly.

I hope she’s very successful with Horus’s studies. I really don’t want her to leave, ‘cause I really like her, but she is so sweet and charming and beautiful that she really deserves her own home.

So, I’ll keep you updated on Ocean’s progress. She’s working hard with Horus, so I’m thinking it probly won’t be too much longer before we all see lots of progress.

Lovingly,

FROM THE HOME FRONT
TALES OF THE SAFE HAVEN KITTIES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY MERRY

WEEK 31: ALL ABOUT OLLIE

Hi everyone!

We had a grrreat week!  China, Garland & Dash,  and Thor & Sweet Pea were all adopted!  Thor and Sweet Pea were adopted just before they were scheduled to move out of the Quarantine room, so they never had to adjust to a new room.  They are brother and sister, so it’s specially nice that they found their new furever home together.  And Garland and Dash got to stay together too!  Life is good for Safe Haven kitties.

Since most of you haven’t seen Thor and Sweet Pea, I thought you might like to see photos of both of them.  Thor’s the big guy on the left, and Sweet Pea’s on the right—she’s the  cutie holding her paw up.

I hafta tell you I’ve been kinda busy this week.  When Ollie arrived, I had to help staff fill out her intake paperwork.  I’m sure they appreciated it.  I really don’t know what they’d do without me!  I offered to go check Ollie out—you know, make sure she’s healthy and isn’t sneezing or anything.  But they said that was OK—they’d take care of that.

Oh—one more thing.  I told you last week that CATastrophic 2020 was sold out, but I have a great deal for you.  If you would like a permanent CATastrophic 2020 keepsake, we have a limited number of 18” x 24” posters, and if you’d like one, they are $22, including tax.  Just call Danette and reserve one.  You can see the poster on my page on the website!

Guess that’s all I have this week.  But really, wasn’t it a grrreat week?

Lovingly,

FROM THE HOME FRONT
TALES OF THE SAFE HAVEN KITTIES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY MERRY

WEEK 32: LOTSA GOOD NEWS

Hi everyone!

We had another good week! Ocean found her wonderful furrever home, and Ollie did too! They didn’t go together—I think Ocean has had enough of active kittens, even though she’s just barely out of kitten class herself. But what a nice first birthday present for her! And Ollie! Wow—that was fast! She got adopted right out of Quarantine, just as soon as she got all her vet “stuff” done. I’m so pleased for both of them, and everyone else here at the shelter is pleased too!

Now, for the good news:

The staff were very excited that our Hallowe’en Trick or Treat invitation to local businesses was a huge success. It brought in pet food donations to us kitties and lots of it went to the pet food bank for cats and dogs in need. It’s real important to keep those animal companions together with their owners who are going through a hard time.

The staff were very excited that our Hallowe’en Trick or Treat invitation to local businesses was a huge success. It brought in pet food donations to us kitties and lots of it went to the pet food bank for cats and dogs in need. It’s real important to keep those animal companions together with their owners who are going through a hard time.

And that’s not all. There’s more big news! Actually, I’d call it purrfect news!

For the first time, PFOA has been chosen as a local Hometown Charity by Koenig Subaru in Port Angeles to benefit from Subaru’s annual SHARE THE LOVE Event. From November 19th, 2020 through January 4th, 2021, with every new Subaru purchased or leased from Koenig Subaru, Subaru will donate $125.00 to PFOA if their customer chooses PFOA as their charity of choice. If you’re planning on gifting yourself with a Subaru this Holiday Season, you can also gift us kitties through the SHARE THE LOVE event. It’s a real win-win! Y’know, I’d love to drive a Subaru, except it’s kinda hard to fit my paws around the steering wheel

Lovingly,

FROM THE HOME FRONT
TALES OF THE SAFE HAVEN KITTIES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY MERRY

WEEK 33: HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Hi everyone!

Thanks so much for the paper towels. After I begged for some in last week’s column, we had several people bring paper towels to the shelter. That is such a big help! And with getting new kitties in every week, some of them haven’t figured out yet that they aren’t supposed to make messes! My bad—one of my kitty volunteer jobs is to pass the word to the new kitties about the groundrules for Safe Haven, and I didn’t get the word out soon enough! And in case you can spare any, we ALWAYS need more paper towels!

We had the nicest, sweetest, most affectionate kitty join us this week. Her name is Frannie, and she’s a medium hair tortie (with the kind of hair that doesn’t mat). Here’s a photo of her. Isn’t she gorgeous? Kimmie says she’s between 7 and 10 years old, but I think she looks and acts a little younger. And she really, really loves people. She has the sweetest voice, and greets everyone who comes into her room. She’s nothing like some torties or calicos I’ve met—not an ounce of “tortitude” with this little gal! Yes, some calicos have tortitude too—not me, of course, but some do!

And y’know, the day after Thanksgiving is also called “Black Friday”. I’m not sure where the name came from, but it’s apparently The Thing with humans who like to get their holiday shopping done early. So … we have a great deal for you! On Black Friday, we are offering all of our remaining face masks for $10 each! That’s like … half price. It’s also 50% off, according to Danette. I’m not so good at math—it’s hard to count on my paws. Anyway, just call the shelter and order yours. And … holiday shopping with Amazon Smile and iGive earns dollars to help us kitties too!

Lovingly,

FROM THE HOME FRONT
TALES OF THE SAFE HAVEN KITTIES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY MERRY

WEEK 35: TUXEDOS ARE KITTIES TOO!

Hi everyone!

We got some good news this week. (I just love to start my column this way!) One of the newer businesses in Sequim asked us about selling our potholders and microwave bowls. It’s called Bag Ladies of Sequim WA, and it’s right on the main drag—161 West Washington. They are joining the eight other businesses in Sequim and Port Angeles who carry our potholders. So as long as the businesses are able to be open, you’ll be able to pick up presents for people on your Christmas list—including yourselves!

And now for our PFOA / FTHF Cat of the Week! Ta Da!! I’ll give you some hints. He’s black and white, and also known as a tuxedo. I think that’s because men generally wear black tuxedos with white shirts when they want to really dress up. He’s fairly young, which means that a) he has a lot to learn, and b) he’s eager to learn it.

Did you guess who this is yet? I’ll give you one more hint! When he started his learning process, he had a great teacher who just went to her furrever home three or four weeks ago.

This is where Ocean really helped him out, and made life easier for staff as well. Because they shared one of the kitty playrooms, Ocean worked with Horus constantly, 24×7, and was able to make a reasonable amount of progress before she went home. And much to everyone’s surprise, he was actually able to remember most of what she was trying to teach him. So he’s gone from obnoxious (my, that’s a big word!) to adorable. He’s finally at the point where staff feels he’s ready to be adopted. And all of us are really happy for him. He’s so cute and such a character; he’s sure to find a great home very soon.

I hope everyone is staying safe out there. All of us kitties and staff at Safe Haven are grrreat! And we really appreciate all the donations and checks y’all have been bringing to the shelter. I do have one minor request, though. From what I hear, this horrid virus is gonna get worse, ‘specially with all the holidays, so we really want to keep the shelter visitors to a minimum.

So that means bad news … it’s gonna be awhile before we can have visitors again. And all of us kitties really miss seeing you. But I really think after it gets worse it’s gonna get better. Fortunately, I have access to a TV so I get to keep up on all the latest. And until it gets better, it’s much safer for all of you to mail your donation checks and drop off your donated cat food and litter and all the other great things y’all bring us. If you call the shelter at (360) 452-0414, ext 3 (that’s Danette’s phone) before you come, staff will know to look for your donations and bring them inside the shelter. And if we all follow the rules (this is NOT one of the things cats do best, but we will try), next year things will start going back to normal. We can hardly wait!

So stay safe. We will too!

Lovingly,

FROM THE HOME FRONT
TALES OF THE SAFE HAVEN KITTIES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY MERRY

WEEK 36: ALL LOVE AND ALL PLAY

Hi everyone!

We didn’t have any of the kitties go home this week, although a couple of the kitties have been getting a lot of attention!  But, to make up for that, we had a bunch of new kitties arrive. 

Skeeter arrived about the same time as Tina and Turner.  (You’re gonna meet them in a couple of paragraphs!) He’s out of quarantine now, and in the same playroom with Tina and Turner.  He started out being really scared of everything, even his own shadow, but I think he’s getting a little more comfortable with his new room and his roommates. 

Next to arrive were Kitty Cat and Leo Neo Deo (Wow!  That’s a mouthful!!) 

And last Saturday, Dallas (Nancy’s husband) picked up Third and Spats, a couple of cats who belonged to a young woman who ended up in the hospital and was unable to continue to care for them.  She was good with them coming to Safe Haven, and glad they were being cared for.  Oh, and did I mention, Third is, without a doubt, the biggest cat I’ve ever seen!  He weighs 26 pounds!!  Can you believe it?  He actually doesn’t look that much overweight—he’s pretty well-proportioned—but it was a good thing that Dallas went to pick him up, ‘cause none of the rest of our staff here could possibly lift that much!  (And if they thought they could, they shouldn’t!)  Just think … that’s almost 3 times what I weigh!  But we’re not talkin’ about that … a lady never does!

I usually end this column with some “food for thought”.  I’ve heard humans say that, and the first time I heard it I thought, “These people are crazy!  You can’t think food, you can only eat food!”  But then I kinda understood.  They were saying that it’s important stuff.

Christmas is coming, and it’s a great time of year, ‘specially for humans.  But for their pets, it could pose some real problems, ‘cause there’s lots of things that some people may not think of.  So here’s your food for thought!

• Make sure your Christmas tree is tied down good, and isn’t wobbly, so’s it won’t fall on your pets and hurt them.
• If you’re gonna hang mistletoe or holly, make sure your pets can’t reach it! It’s bad for us!
• Tinsel and curling ribbon are also pretty bad for us, so you might want to decorate with something less toxic!
• Don’t go off and leave a candle burning. The light is kinda attractive to us kitties, and I’ve heard of cats catching their tails on fire!  Bad!!
• I’m sure you all know that chocolate is a no-no, even though we think it’s great stuff. So don’t put it under the tree.  We are smart critters and can unwrap chocolate candy faster than you can say “Santa Claus”.
• If you’re gonna celebrate with a cocktail, don’t leave it where we can slurp it down. That’s not as bad as chocolate, but it’s real close!
• Make sure we have our own hidey-space, in case the party gets real loud. We don’t like loud!

I bet y’all could think of some other no-no’s, but these are the main things that frazzle my fur.  I think the bottom line is … use common sense, and if you can, think smarter than your pet.

Lovingly,

FROM THE HOME FRONT
TALES OF THE SAFE HAVEN KITTIES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY MERRY

WEEK 38: THE YEAR OUR PETS SAVED US

Hi everyone!

We had a record adoption week: Frannie, Horus, and Tiger found purrfect homes! And Tina and Turner found their purrfect home together. Isn’t that grrreat? We are so happy for them!

This week I’d like to share a poem from Chewy, who supplies us with lots of cat food and litter. When my secretary read it to me, I knew it was purrfect for our times. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

Lovingly,

FROM THE HOME FRONT
TALES OF THE SAFE HAVEN KITTIES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY MERRY

WEEK 40: TWO NAMES GOOD; FOUR NAMES BETTER

Hi everyone!

We have a grrrreat event coming up next week: Miles and Zoie are going home! One of our long-time volunteers, who helps my secretary and me with this column every week, knew they are ‘specially nice kitties and need a ‘specially nice home. Of course, all of our kitties are really special! I’m so pleased for Miles and Zoie and happy for their new family too. I prob’ly shouldn’t take much credit for this, but I did write about them a few weeks ago, and I hafta say I’m really happy that I had a very small part in this grrrreat little story.

She’s real friendly—one of the nicest, most friendly cats I’ve met. She loves to be petted and loved, and she has lots of love to give back. And she’s pretty young—she’s only about 3 or 4 in people years. What’s amazing is that she was abandoned and living under a trailer near Forks. One of the people living nearby was feeding her, and then brought her to us so she could find a home of her own. She says she would really like to be the only cat in her new family. After all, she IS a tortie, and they do like to be the Queen Bee.

So that’s our Kitty of the Week. Glad you can meet her, even though this isn’t in person. And if you think you have the purrfect home for our little girl, be sure to give us a call.

Lots of people ask how they can help during the pandemic. Right now we could really use bleach and high-efficiency clothes detergent so staff can wash our kitty linens. Not that we are dirty! Anything but!! I think they just like to make sure everything is sparkly clean for us. Which is a really good thing, and all of us kitties are glad they are taking such good care of us!

Lovingly,

FROM THE HOME FRONT
TALES OF THE SAFE HAVEN KITTIES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY MERRY

WEEK 41: ONE KITTY – THREE NAMES

Hi everyone!

Wow did we ever have a red-letter week! Get that? RED-LETTER! (I’m so cute!) Eight adoptions in one week!! In addition to Miles and Zoie, Lilly and Rhodes went home together, and newbie Coco was adopted as well. Pitti-Patti (FTHF last week) just found her new home (that was fast!) And … Speck and Third just met their new dad, and are going to their new home next week.

Leo’s pre-Safe Haven story is kinda sad. He lost his home when his previous human companion died, and he lost his kitty mom and sister when they went to live with someone else in the family. I can only imagine what the poor guy felt like. Here he is, enjoying life, having a great time, and then, all of a sudden, he loses his feline and human family and the only home he has ever known!

The good news is that you can’t keep a good cat down. Leo was sad when he first arrived, but he’s now back to his normal cheerful, friendly, happy self. All of us kitties at the shelter are really happy for him, and we’re all rooting for him to find a great new furrever home! We think that won’t be a problem. He’s a really cool cat!

So that’s it for another week at the shelter! Pretty great week, huh? I asked Danette if there was anything we really need that I didn’t know about (HIGHLY unlikely—I pretty much know about all the goings-on at Safe Haven.) She did mention one thing that I shoulda thought of. Sometimes when people come to visit and they leave with one (or more) new feline family members, they hafta borrow a cat carrier. We usually get them back, but sometimes it takes a little time. So we could use a few more spare carriers—both medium and large cat-sized. If y’all would like to contribute something for our shelter, that would be grrreat! They need to be top-loading with the plastic tops, ‘cause it’s a lot easier to get us kitties in and out, ‘specially when we’re not exactly thrilled with being there!

Lovingly,

FROM THE HOME FRONT
TALES OF THE SAFE HAVEN KITTIES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY MERRY

WEEK 42: ROSIE ROUND-AGAIN

Hi everyone!

Just to follow up from last week, Speck and Third went home on Tuesday. I think they were prob’ly a little nervous—after all, they haven’t been here that long and prob’ly don’t know about how grrrreat it is to find a furrever home. Having been here a long time and hearing from kitties who have gone to wonderful homes, I tried to let Speck and Third know that it’s OK and they will be very happy. I know Speck and Third heard me. I bet they understood, too!

Oops—got off track there. Back to Rosie. We think she would really like to be the only animal companion in a nice quiet, loving home. She’s gonna take a little time to fully adjust. After all, she lived in her former home for almost 50 cat years! And that’s a long time for us. So I’m hoping she can find that purrfect new furrever home with people who love cats and are willing to give her time to adjust. Trust me—she’s worth it!

I hafta say that it’s been so much fun writing this column, ’specially knowing that it brings a smile to everyone who isn’t able to come to the shelter for their “kitty fixes” now. And y’all have been really generous with donations to make the kitties’ lives better, until they can go to their furrever homes. So here’s this week’s suggestion: I know that all of us kitties enjoy listening to the radio. Although we don’t understand much of the talk shows, the music is really nice, and adds a lot to our day. Right now we have radios in all of the kitty playrooms, generously donated by one of our grrrreat volunteers some years ago. Not that they are real old … they are certainly not as old as yours truly. But some of them are starting to break down and they are very crackly and our favorite programs don’t come in so good. Just the other day I was listening to “Cats,” and the radio died in the middle of Grizabella singing “Memory.” So, on behalf of the rest of the kitties who should NOT be subjected to musical deprivation, I’m suggesting donations for good quality radios!

Lovingly,

FROM THE HOME FRONT
TALES OF THE SAFE HAVEN KITTIES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY MERRY

WEEK 43: THE MAGIC MONTH OF FEBRUARY

Hi everyone!

We are really doing grrreat with adoptions. Leo of the three names, who was featured in our 41st column, went to his purrfect home on Tuesday. And the very next day, Rosie (our Week 42 kitty) left Safe Haven to go to her furrever home! How about that! Pretty cool, huh?

Right now it’s January, but by the time you read this, it’s gonna be February. Wow! Time flies!! No, not the little bug thing that the younger kitties like to chase around the windows. This “flies” is like, moving real fast. And if you’re a caring, responsible pet guardian, I bet you know what February is. Yep—you’re right—it’s Spay/Neuter Month. So, instead of featuring one of our grrreat Safe Haven kitties, I’d like to talk to y’all about how important it is to spay or neuter your pet. And I’d also like to share one of my favorite funny fotos. The kitty in the picture is one of our own who found his furrever home several years ago.

But not everyone can afford the cost of neutering, or the higher cost of spaying. So, for many years, PFOA has provided help for low-income families who couldn’t afford to “get ‘er done” without help. That’s why it’s the very first thing in our mission statement, and it’s real important. Our Spay/Neuter Coordinator, Sharon Palmer, does a fabulous job of coordinating our special clinics just for low-income families, and she’s done that for over 20 years! Talk about dedicated! 20 years is a really long time, ‘specially in cat years. 20 cat years is about 96 human years! Not many of us stick around that long.

Oops … got off track again! Anyway, Sharon’s clinics are sooo popular that the regular ones are filled up all the way through March. So now she’s taking applications for the April clinic. She has a maximum number of pets that she can schedule for a clinic, based on whether it’s a cat or dog, and in the case of dogs, size matters. Oh, it also matters if the pet is male or female … we girls take longer to get fixed.

We have such wonderful supporters! Generous donors sponsored two additional clinics, and they’re filling up fast. PFOA and some of our donors stepped up to help with Spay To Save’s backlog of cats and dogs, ‘cause the STS staff couldn’t use the van ’cause of COVID-19 restrictions. (There’s that nasty pandemic at work again!) So, if you’d like to sponsor a clinic, just let us know. That would be grrreat!

So I want to wind this up by saying “thank you” to Sharon for her important work, and to PFOA for sponsoring and promoting the spay/neuter clinics. And thank you to all of you responsible people who take such good care of your pets. This really is a wonderful world, isn’t it?

Lovingly,

FROM THE HOME FRONT
TALES OF THE SAFE HAVEN KITTIES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY MERRY

WEEK 44: ACROBATICS AT SAFE HAVEN

Hi everyone!

It’s been a good few weeks at Safe Haven. Lots of adoptions (as reported by yours truly), and just a few new kitties coming in. Not that it’s bad news … it’s really good news for the kitty population ‘cause we have fewer homeless kitties roaming the streets!

I suspect (although I’ve no way of knowing for sure) that with people needing to stay home ‘cause of COVID, there’s more demand (and appreciation) for four-legged critters to share their homes and their lives. After all, when you need to be cooped up all day (‘specially ‘cause it’s cold outside and there’s not much yard work going on), a cat can be grrreat company! Think about it: we kitties don’t have to be taken for walks outside ‘cause we have litter boxes. We sit and listen very attentively when you humans want to talk, and we very rarely talk back. And we sleep a lot, ‘specially if there is a nice fire going, but are always willing to wake up for playtime.

I hope all of you are staying safe out there, and I wanted to wish all of you a slightly early Happy Valentine’s Day, and to thank all of you for being sweethearts to help support all my kitty friends. I know I’m a little early—it’s still a week away. But by the time you read this it will only be 5 or 6 days away. And my secretary just reminded me that if you’re always early, you’re never late!

Lovingly,

FROM THE HOME FRONT
TALES OF THE SAFE HAVEN KITTIES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY MERRY

WEEK 28:  TIPPY THE COVER CAT

Hi everyone!

And speaking of drop-dead gorgeous, I just came back from my latest visit to the cat groomer, and my new do is exceptional, even if I do say so myself.  I know this because there are several mirrors at the shelter, and I stop at each one and parade around a bit.  Of course, everyone at the shelter oohs and ahhs as well, so I pose at the mirror a little longer.  The mirror time is really taking time out of my regular busy schedule, but I manage to get all the important stuff done—like this column!

And Tippy is doing really good, ‘specially considering the special conditions he lives with.  Even though I know Tippy pretty well, I’m always amazed at how well he gets around as a CH [cerebellar hypoplasia] kitty.  When he wobbles and falls down, he picks himself right up and never gets upset or growly.  He just takes it all in stride.  He was born with CH, so I guess he’s prob’ly used to it by now. 

The humans who take care of all of us kitties say that Tippy’s CH isn’t painful and the rest of us can’t catch it, so that’s good to know.  I’m real happy that Tippy doesn’t hurt, and I imagine Tippy would feel real bad if he gave CH to one of us!  He’s that kind of guy cat.  But COVID-19 has prob’ly made more of an impact on Tippy than the rest of us.  Of course, we all miss seeing all of you volunteers and visitors to the shelter.  But I bet Tippy misses seeing all of you even more than the rest of us.  You see, he’s been living at the shelter since he was a kitten, so that makes 16 years of making good friends.  He’s really happy more of our volunteers are coming back (with masks on, of course) to spend time with us again.

Purrsonally, and I think I speak for all of us kitties, wine really isn’t our thing, but we know lots of our human friends really like it.  So I wanted to share with all of you what we are doing this year to carry on the Harbinger tradition.  And I also wanted to tell you that we are sending out invitations to our non-event, and they will be emailed out tomorrow.  So, if you are interested, be sure to look for that extra email from us this week!

Lovingly,

MEGAN

Megan was a gorgeous Maine Coon, whom we adopted out as a kitten in 2000. She returned to us when her “mom” passed away and her “dad” could no longer care for her. This sweet, but a bit shy girl, was exceptionally bonded to her elderly person and loved to snuggle in her lap and cuddle with her in the sewing room. She was in early renal insufficiency, and we gave her sub-q fluids once a week.

When Magnificent Megan’s needs because too great for shelter life, she moved to a wonderful permanent foster home, where she was dearly loved.  We are happy that she was blessed to spend her last year surrounded by love, and given every comfort.  She crossed the Rainbow Bridge on March 26, 2019.  She is greatly missed by her foster family, as well as her many friends at PFOA.

RHODES

Domestic Shorthair, Male
Color: Orange/white tabby
Size: Large
Age: Adult
Bonded with Lilly
Special needs: none

Rhodes arrived at Safe Haven as one of nine cats from an “unhealthy hoarding situation.” The outstanding characteristic of these kitties was their poor socialization and fear of strangers. Rhodes, like the others, was initially uncomfortable with people. He was extremely shy, and tended to hide from people he didn’t know.

However, he has gotten over his initial shyness.  Once he gets to know someone, he genuinely enjoys being petted and scratched. It takes a very special cat to have gone through what Rhodes has and be able to tolerate affection. He now genuinely enjoys being petted and scratched. Anyone willing to put forth a little extra effort will enjoy a quiet, gentle, easy-going fellow who will offer a lifetime of warm companionship. And … there’s a bonus! Rhodes has become very attached to his roommate, Lilly, who is very shy but LOVES Rhodes; the two of them MUST be adopted together!

ROSIE

Domestic Shorthair, Female
Color: Brown Tabby
Size: Medium
Age: Adult
Special needs: none

Rosalee (Rosie) was adopted from our shelter as a young adult almost eight years ago. Unfortunately, she was recently returned, and is now looking for a new home where she will be treasured for the rest of her life!

Rosie is a very pretty, tidy little girl with her snowy white bib and feet–she is quite social and friendly. Rosie is not a lap cat at this point, but she does like pets and attention. She enjoys a safe outdoor area, but prefers to spend the majority of her time indoors. She is a somewhat reserved and quiet girl at this point, but we can see her personality starting to emerge.

Rosalee would do well as an only pet in a quiet and loving home. If you know cats and are willing to give this girl the time to adjust to her new life, we think she will make a great addition to your world!

HORUS

Domestic Medium Hair, Male
Color: Black & White – Tuxedo
Size: Medium
Age: Young
Special needs: none

Horus is a cute little eight month-old black and white tuxedo.  He is energetic, loves to play, and really needs instruction in proper manners and boundaries.  As a result of being taken away from his mother and siblings when he was far too young, Horus tends to playfully nip and grab hands and legs when he wants your attention and interaction. Fortunately, along with his rowdy ways, Horus also is friendly , loving and melts on your chest for purrs and nap time.

Fortunately for all of us, a slightly older cat, Ocean, has volunteered to take on the teaching task.  She’s been working with Horus constantly – they share one of the Safe Haven kitty rooms – and has made some progress.  We are not sure how long it will take to whip this adorable boy into shape, and, of course, he needs to complete his schooling before he can even think of looking for a forever home!

LILLY

Domestic Shorthair, Female
Color: Tricolor
Size: Medium
Age: Young
Bonded with Rhodes
Special needs: none

Lilly was a feral kitten who lived her first year of life at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds.  She was rescued when she showed up with a damaged paw and a litter of kittens, and after a bit of a journey, including a week at the vet and several weeks at another shelter, she ended up at PFOA.

Lilly is a stunning cat, with a gorgeous white coat with orange, gray and brown patches. She is very sweet and she does like other cats. Unfortunately, she is extremely shy around people. Staff and volunteers at PFOA are working to socialize her, but progress is slow and she is still not able to be picked up. However, she has become very bonded with her roommate, Rhodes, and the two of them LOVE each other. Just check out some of their photos! They must be adopted together!

LACIE, LUCIE & SUZIE

Seniors Lucie (above) and Lacie, plus their “kitten” Suzie, found a wonderful new forever home together!  Their new family, “The Motley Misfit Pack” sent us a great update and lots of photos.  We wanted to share them with you.  Here’s the email, with photos below:

Hello!
I am not entirely sure who runs this account but I was just hoping to let you know the three lovely girls we adopted from you recently are doing wonderful. I’m very grateful to know they were well taken care of before we got them and I hope we can continue to provide a home they thrive in. The three senior ladies we adopted were named Lacie, Lucie, and Suzie. I just wanted to check in and have you know they are in a good home and seem to be very happy. They’ve already made a little bit of progress with their weight loss and seem to love to walk around and explore the house. There are some recent pictures of them on this profile in the more recent posts and the “cats” highlight. If you would like, you are welcome to check those out and I can send you some other pictures if you want.
Thanks for taking good care of the girls,
The Motley Misfit Pack

MISS PEPPER

Domestic Shorthair, Female
Color: Calico tabby
Size: Medium
Age: Adult
Special needs: none

Miss Pepper is a beautiful calico tabby with interesting markings and striking green/gold eyes.  Her fur is unusually soft and silky. She’s a very cool cat and easily adapts to changes in her environment. She is independent and will do well with either a retired couple or person(s) who work out of the home. Quite capable of entertaining herself when her people are gone, she nevertheless will be glad to have human company at the end of the day. Come meet our Miss Pepper!

CATNIP & SIP at our new venue: Fox Bell, April 6, 2019
EVENT PHOTOS

LUCY-ALICE

Shorthair Manx, Female
Color:  Calico Tabby
Size:  Medium
Born:  October 8, 2010 (approx)
Special needs:  Manx Syndrome (mild)

Lucy-Alice is an adorable, outgoing little short-hair calico mackerel tabby Manx with a white bib and green eyes. Born in October of 2010, Lucy-Alice was originally adopted from Safe Haven as a kitten. She returned to Safe Haven in March of 2014. She is very sweet and loving, craves attention, and is a gentle soul.

She did not display symptoms of Manx Syndrome, a condition affecting many Manx cats, until she was a year and a half old, and her issues are relatively mild. She loves having visitors, and thrives on the attention readily given to her. She is such a sweetheart and so full of love for people that it’s hard to leave after spending time with her. While we still hope that Lucy may find her own family to love and care for her, it is not likely. So, for the rest of her days, Lucy will enjoy her life with her beloved caregiver in the sunny warm rooms of Barker House.

BETHANY

Domestic Shorthair, Female
Color: Tortie
Size: Medium
Age: Senior
Special needs: Kidney disorder requiring fluids twice a week

Bethany is a beautiful blue tortie who is very sweet natured and has a wonderful personality to go with her good looks. Bethany previously shared a home with some golden retrievers so she is a cat who has demonstrated the ability to get along well with dogs. If you are a fancier of tortie girls you will want to meet our Bethany. She is quite the charmer and totally irresistible!

PATRICK

Siamese, male
Color: Sealpoint with white mittens
Size: Large
Born: January, 2007 (approx)
Special needs: Hyperthyroid, stage 3 kidney failure

Pat the Cat was left out in the cold when his owners passed away.  A good Samaritan give him a place to stay on his way to Safe Haven.  Pat is a handsome Sealpoint Siamese.  He is in stage 3 kidney failure and requires fluids daily.