Paddy

Paddy, the latest rescue (or was it Peppercorn) was picked up on Saturday to spend the night with me before I brought him to his new home in Hamlin.  It was a nice drive by the way...  The Parkway, along the lake.  Paddy was just a sweetheart.  I even cuddled with him in bed in the morning.   Never have I felt so guilty taking a cat from its foster home to place him in a new home.  These people were just the sweetest, and they so loved Paddy.  But off he went to his new home on Sunday.  Last report last evening was that he was still scared and hiding under a chair all day, but I am praying there were better results this morning.  Regardless, its normal and natural, and he will come around, and he will survive this, and he will be one fat and happy cat soon.  He's been through a LOT in his short time on earth.  His new mom is just wonderful.  Great home for him to thrive in.

His foster mom wrote him the sweetest note before she had to say goodbye to him.  I wanted to share this with you. Melted my heart:

Dearest Paddy; 

As we prepare ourselves to say goodbye to you tomorrow I want you to know what you have given to us in the short time you've been here. Joy... because there is always plenty of love to give another dog or cat. You've also been a excellent teacher for Brownie & Grace. Brownie has learned to share his space & it's the cutest thing when you two look at each other. Grace now just sniffs you & there is no hissing or any noise. You look at her like oh she's just a dog. You showed her how to be tolerant.

When I hold you it's the baby burping position you love, so your face snuggles into my shoulder. When you lay on Bill it's just relax & lounge, and oh the purring. The sweetest sound ever! But when we say our goodbyes know you'll be taking a little piece of my heart with you (because to love a animal they have to have a part of you), and a prayer for a long healthy happy life in your forever home. You were the best first foster cat anyone could wish for!                   

Love,Your foster mommy & daddy

Fostering is saving an animal's life, literally.  It could be for as long as a year, or sometimes, as in this case, a week.  And its always promised that if you can no longer foster the animal, I will take it back.  I will figure out something.  

Fostering means bringing in a cat or dog — or parrot, or baby pig, or any other homeless pet — with the goal of nurturing them for a while until they can be adopted out to a permanent home with a family who’ll love them forever. Watching a cat that has been on the street, hurt or abused, enter your home is a beautiful thing. Though they may not be settled, they seem to know they are safe and loved. It is truly remarkable watching the cats transition from skittish, scared little animals to trusting, flourishing members of a family.

Don’t be put off fostering because you think it’ll be too hard when your sweetie gets adopted.
It’s never easy to say goodbye to these beautiful souls, but seeing their happy ending makes it all worthwhile  And just when that chapter comes to an end, there is another one waiting in the wings for a chance to be saved.

Have a great day!

"Will it be easy?  Nope.  Will it be worth it?  Absolutely."