Circes Heads for a New Home
It was the epitome of a Rescue and it couldn't have been more representative of what Rescue is all about.

Packing Circes up with all her belongings, I looked forward to seeing Katherine again. A woman in her 80's, Katherine had contacted me two years ago looking for a Siamese friend to replace the one she had recently lost. An experienced 'meezer' owner, Katherine came highly recommended from the Feline Foundation in Washington, to whom she had originally applied.

The first Siamese we placed with her was my 24th rescue. Cleopatra had come to us from Manhattan, NY, when her owner passed away, leaving no provisions for the cat. Luckily for Cleo, a neighbor jumped in when it became apparent the only option was the NYC pound, and took Cleo in. The neighbor, discovering that she was highly allergic, contacted us shortly thereafter to see if we could arrange to get Cleo into our program.

A mature meezer of 10, Cleopatra came to us with a woeful wail but a wonderful personality. From the beginning she was a trooper, sharing her stories with us but never once really complaining. The stress of the move and the new environment had resulted in ringworm, a fairly common fungus in rescued cats, which unfortunately for her, meant a 4-6 week isolation in Nik's upstairs bathroom.

Meanwhile, the search continued for a new owner. Cleo became a popular kitty on the Rescue website, where many ¹SICC members followed her tale. She was so popular, we received several offers to pay for her adoption fee, as we continued to search for her new home.. As luck should have it, Katherine came along at just the right time, and following the 6 week isolation period, we drove Cleo to her new home, accompanied by many internet hurrahs.

Unfortunately, Cleo left us for the Rainbow Bridge several weeks ago. Swallowing her sorrow, Katherine immediately contacted us, offering to provide a loving home for yet another needy meezer. As circumstances would have it, Circes had just arrived from a family in Ohio, forced to rehome her due to their child's asthma. A petite wedgehead seal, Circes met all the requirements - declawed, loving, lap sitting, needy - they would be a perfect pair.

As I loaded Circes in the car, I remembered the warm, glowing feeling that came over me the first time, as I watched Cleo and Katherine instantly form a bond of friendship. As they sat there, arm in arm, the tears of happiness fell from everyone's eyes, and the true meaning of rescue was more than apparent. The fact that Katherine was willing to open her heart to another needy cat, and on top of that, a mature cat, was a testimonial to her dedication to the many rescued cats looking for good homes.

I'll Handle This one Myself
Although Katherine lives a good two hours from me, I had chosen to do this transport myself. Normally, we use members of our Meezer Express, a 750 volunteer strong transport team that works together to relay Rescue cats between the Shelters and their new homes. However, I was anxious to see Katherine again, remembering the warm glow I left with after my last visit years ago. I was delighted, too, that my daughter would be coming with me; At age 11, her busy summer social schedule was packed, and she had made it clear her preference would be to spend the day at the pool and not with her mother rescuing yet another cat. However, with Katherine being such a long distance away, I was not comfortable leaving her alone at home and insisted she accompany me. I also had an ulterior motive in that I wanted her to experience first hand, as I have, the joy and satisfaction that Rescue brings.

The two hour drive passed uneventfully, with Circes complained initially, but then settling down for remainder of the ride. I firmly believe these cats know much more than we give them credit for, and I have no doubts that Circes realized she was headed to her new home. When we arrived at the apartment, we were greeted in the lobby by Katherine who, with a big smile on her face, welcomed us and looked expectantly at Circes. Circes meowled her hellos in return and we then headed upstairs. Once again, the glow of satisfaction upon seeing Katherine and Circes bonding encompassed us all - looking over I could see the understanding and appreciation cross my daughter's face. Watching Katherine and Circes interact, it was hard to tell who needed the other one more - and we left grinning from ear to ear.

Next page> A Different Kind of Visit > Page 1, 2