Home sweet home

Blaze came into our program in April of 2017 and has been an absolute staff and volunteer favorite. She is an incredibly sweet and easy-going cat but has struggled to find the perfect fit because of her age and health issues.

Blaze tested positive for both calcivirus and feline herpes, which are contagious to other kitties. If that wasn't enough, our veterinarian team discovered she lives with a heart murmur, is in stage 1 renal failure, and struggles with IBS. Because of these health issues, she wasn't able to socialize with other kitties at the shelter and we could tell she was lonely. She wasn't eating well and became extremely emaciated. We were delighted when fosters stepped up to give her the comforts of a home (Blaze has been in three different foster homes during her time with us). Despite her challenges, Blaze has always been a dreamy, easy cat and we knew she would make someone very happy one day. 

Fast forward to May of this year, when a nice woman named Karina was interested in helping one of our kitties who needed it the most. We immediately introduced her to Blaze and they hit it off right away. We told her about about her health hurdles, let her know that she can be a picky eater, and acts like a toddler when taking her needed medications. Karina was unphased. Days after Karina took her home, she sent us a happy update: "Blaze is doing well, is eating more, and her daily meds are going smoothly!" This was huge.

Blaze's curiosity and confidence blossomed during her time in Karina's care. She put on a pound of much-needed weight and lived a life of luxury: napping on the couch, cuddling with her foster mom, hogging the bed, chasing lasers, and meeting her mom's friends. Karina found that one of the fastest ways to win her over was scratching under her chin.

Two months later, our Foster Coordinator, Ellee, let Karina know a potential adopter was interested in meeting Blaze. The thought of Blaze not being with her made her tear up so she took the plunge and adopted on the spot. It was official: Blaze was family for good. They celebrated by taking a road trip and Blaze loved the smooth highway roads and watching the trucks go by.

We are forever grateful to Karina (and all of our lifesaving foster heroes) for taking a chance on Blaze, for giving her everything she's ever wanted: the quiet lull of a home, the sun on the hardwoods, the space between the cushions just big enough to hold a kitty, and most importantly, someone who will celebrate coming home each night to a gentle companion like her.