These are tales (or "tails" as we call them!) that you send to us, telling how wonderfully your adoption experience with "our kitties" has turned out! We love 'em! Keep those cards and letters coming!!
ABBY
Hi Brittany,
I just love Abby. Will send you photos thru separate email since they were on my phone. Her coat pattern is just stunning. Everyone that sees her just loves her. She is a big girl now, about 14 lbs, not fat, but just big boned. She gets along with the other kitties in the household and really loves sleeping in my lap whenever I am in the recliner watching TV. She also sleeps at the foot of the bed at night with the other three. So glad we crossed paths. Thanks for all you do to give these wonderful kitties loving homes.
Mary
RIDLEY and ODIN
After we got home, we put them in the room and left them for alone for a little while to just chill. Then Ed went in and sat with them and they both rubbed against him! Ridley was all over the place sniffing, but Odin was more cautious. Ed went in again this morning, and then me later. Lots of rubbing and some chirps from Ridley! Eating well and using the litterbox. We call them Bonnie and Clyde now. Sharing some pictures to show how well they are settling in with our other kitty. EDGAR and EVELYN
I just wanted to send you a cute picture of Evelyn and Edgar! They are adorable and my family is thoroughly enjoying them. We have renamed them Amber and Asher .
MIA and VIDA
Well, “the girls” have pretty much taken over our home and seem assured that this is not just another temporary housing arrangement. They spend a lot of time in the sunny window seat in our bedroom, where we have positioned 2 beds, 1 heated. In the attached photos, this morning they first were curled up in the heated bed.
Mia, with her long, heat-retaining fur, needed to cool off; so she moved to the unheated bed.
While they get next to us for head rubs and, in Vida’s case, belly rubs, they’ve yet to sit in our laps. Perhaps they just need more time.
Diane and I very much enjoy their company and appreciate the opportunity to provide them with a caring, loving home.
HALO and TRIGGER Merry Xmas from Reina(Trigger) and Haley (Halo)
MILEY Miley was taken in by FFGW almost a year ago when her owner passed away. Shuffled from house to house trying to find a place to settle, the family contacted us saying she needed a new home. One of our many amazing foster families took in eight year old Miley, keeping her safe, happy and loved. We moved Miley to one of our partner vets, Just Cats Clinic in Reston, VA where they help show our adoptable cats in their amazing front playroom! Miley adjusted quickly and one week later she met her person. Her new Mom emailed us and said, "Brittany, I thought my search would take much longer to find the kitty I was looking for, until I walked in and met Miley!" That's all we needed to hear! Miley is celebrating this Thanksgiving in her Forever Home!! You can see she's made herself a part of the family after a rough year.
WINNIE NITRO and JAVA
Hi Brittany and Lindsey! We are so in love!!! The boys have settled in so well
They are still getting use to Lucy Loo and Sandy (our fur doggie girls). Java has let the girls get more closer to him than Nitro has. Nitro seems more into finding things to get into Java seems to act like a big brother to Nitro.
They have been playing together and they are also eating very well. They know where the litter boxes are and really have just settled in nicely!
We went out to dinner last night and when we walked into the door the boys came running down the stairs to great us! They are really just so sweet and are getting spoiled rotten!
This morning they were hanging out in the sun in our foyer.
POMPOM and BONBON The girls are doing wonderfully. They are lovely companions. They want to be around us all the time. They have full run of the house now, but prefer to hang out wherever we are. We have renamed them Demelza and Prudie. I put a red collar on Delmelza so that I can tell them apart, although when they are together, Delmelza is the smaller one. They spend a lot of time napping, although they spend time racing around the house. Last night a neighbor girl came over and played with them and they loved her. They are sweet and we love them. Thank you
Edna Update Received 11/20/2019 - BO Bo and Jackson are doing great! We have transitioned to living without barriers. The only small exception is when I am going to be out of the house for a long time. I think they are both ready for that one last step. I am just moving slowly because I can. They do great without supervision at night and when I step out for short periods. Jackson is so happy to have a buddy join him as he dashes around. Sometimes the running course includes the bed at 4 am, but I am just glad to endure it because they are both enjoying each other's company so much! LOL!
I am so happy to report there are no issues and they are loving their new found togetherness. They both love to play...a lot. The very first long time frame they were together was about 4.5 hours. They played nonstop the entire time. I only separated them so they could take a break! Since then there are no barriers, and they are either playing, eating, or sleeping.
In case any new fur parents want one example of an integration and how long it took, this was eight weeks. Meals were together starting at the door to Bo's area. I slowly moved the meal locations into common areas (hallway, living room, kitchen, bedroom) so they could have the pleasant thing in as many places as possible. The baby gates never worked for long. When I added a second one for added height, Bo just climbed over it, so I gave up! Haha!
Thanks!
Debbie
Update Received 3/22/2019 Good afternoon, I was just scrolling through your “Successful Adoptions” pages and found my Spike. I am going to attach a couple new photos, but he looks the same as the photo you have on the web site. He’s turning 12 this year. We are crazy for each other. He sleeps on my head every night. He has inspired art as my daughter has painted at least two portraits of him for me. Spike, and Henry whom I also adopted from you (2010). I don’t remember the name Henry had when he was with you. He has no eyes. He and Spike love each other. Henry gives Spike a bath every day, whether he needs it or not. He also washes my border collie’s face (dog). I had an old border collie when Henry joined our family, and she was very frail. He was her constant caregiver. He actually cried when she died. I wound up getting another BC pup pretty quickly because I couldn’t stand it without her. Henry took the new pup under his care right away. That dog is now 6. Henry also manages my German Shepherd (an “accidental” rescue in more recent times). Henry’s portrait has also been painted. Everyone who meets Henry wants a cat just like him. Isn’t that amazing? Yet Siamese rescue declined him saying nobody would want him. I say, “they only made the one." So thanks for rescuing cats. I thought I’d drop a line and let you know these guys are still great. Best regards, Kathryn M
Spike - All Toes Henry & Spike - bath time Bruce & Henry
Our precious Olive Oyl's mom updates us on life with her little girl: Olive is now completely at home and acting like a kitten. She and [her feline brother] Isaac play with a shared toy, wrestle, chase each other around, and lick each other without complaint. They also both sleep on the bed with me at the same time, taking turns lying on my chest for scratches and pets. [And] they both have decided that midnight is bedtime whether I go upstairs or not. I just notice that the cats have left the basement. I find them asleep in the bedroom…silly kitties. Sometimes they even sleep with their bodies actually touching. Regarding male vs. female cats (mom had been looking for a brother for Isaac and we persuaded her to consider Olive Oyl a/k/a Kitty Purry): Well, you were absolutely right. She’s the best little cat. She runs down the stairs so fast that you would swear she was flying and she’s got a vertical leap that would challenge any NBA player. She’s frequently just plain silly which is where she got her third nickname “Silly Britches” (it also fits because of her uneven back leg markings making her appear to have a bad pair of shorts on). In case you can’t tell, I’m smitten with little Olive Oyl!--Cheers, Mary Kay, May 2012 |
Spice Boy was a grouchy old man at 10 years old, who was given a second chance with a new home, and a new name: Mortimer. His new mom originally agreed to foster him short term, since his grumpy habits didn't endear him to many people. Despite a rocky beginning, he managed to wiggle his way into his human's heart by being a thoroughly cuddly grumpafuzz. Even though he is still a bit skittish, he is making huge strides overcoming his curmudgeony outlook. Mortimer will do basically anything for cuddles, though his humans think it's just because he loves to shed on clean clothes and trying to convince his mom that naps are better than passing law-school. He's also discovered a new-found kittenhood, thanks to his new grandma's home-made cat-toys and nip. His new mom couldn't imagine life (or naps) without her favorite old grump.--Left: Mortimer & Mom May 2012 |
UPDATE: Snow white Nyssa was adopted from FFGW on June 30, 1996 (find the original Happy Tale about Nyssa and her beloved brother Meli by clicking on the "More Happy Tales" link at the bottom of this page.) In Fall of 2011, Nyssa was 18 years young and, in the past year, became totally fluent in understanding Greek.... it was the only way her doting mom Sylvia could practice the language. She still has a true Siamese scream which she uses when she first awakens from her 5-6 hour morning nap and, when mom asks her what's wrong, she goes mute – she just wanted to make her presence known. But how she vocalizes when Sylvia is on the computer! (Sound familiar, cat people?) Nyssa has made a few concessions to the aging process, including finally accepting renal diet wet food—after initially giving it two paws down ("this is not real chicken or real turkey.. it's not real food"). And she still loves cuddles on the bed and rolling on paper (see her at right rolling on her paper with her favorite feather). Nyssa also loves to be brushed and she throws her forelegs totally behind her head and gives a big stretch, which mom calls her "beautiful girl stretch". And she does this on request! Nyssa, you ARE a beautiful girl!!!! With sadness, we report that Nyssa joined her beloved Meli at The Rainbow Bridge on October 22, 2012--we can only imagine their delight at being together again, even as our hearts go out to their mom, Sylvia, who misses them so! |
ALVIN and SIMONE
After having a wonderful and wacko cat for 20 years, our mom had to put Snuggles to sleep on a Monday. Our mom was very upset and applied to the Feline Foundation the same day. Mom wanted a kitten and Ms. Judy sent a picture of Simone (nee: Lydia) and mom and dad immediately scheduled a visit. Ms. Judy recommended me, Alvin (nee: Orlando), and mom warmed to the idea hearing that I was still very young at heart and that I would do good in a home with a kitten. On Friday night, mom brought home Simone and Saturday afteroon mom and dad met me at the door of my foster mom's and brought me home. Simone and I have adjusted well, as you can see, in less than a week. We know we've got it made and that we'll share Snuggles' space in mom's and dad's heart. |
SAWYERAloha, I'm Sawyer. I've had many adventures! The Feline Foundation rescued me as an orphaned and injured kitten. During surgery to repair a groin tear, my heart stopped, but the doctors saved me. I went to a foster home, contracted ringworm and was confined to a bathroom. Shortly after getting adopted, I moved to Hawaii for a year. Now I'm back in Virginia, living the boring life of eating, napping and playing. Boring is good! - Ruth and Tom |
RINGO and VALENTINEWe adopted Ringo 16 years ago, when he was 2. The adoption fair was at the Old Towne Alexandria school for dogs! Ringo is going to be 18 in May. Ringo and my son, Scott (22 now) grew up together. Ringo was the "show and tell" in my son's class every year from K-6th grade! Valentine came 2 years ago, when we lost our beloved Rose..(a FFGW cat too). Valentine is now 7 years old. She is a ball of energy and she keeps Ringo young! We love them both, they are a joy!! - Laurie |
ERNESTErnest is a very special cat in that he is a polydactyl (extra toes), and he has an amazing personality. We discussed that a cat would be a perfect companion for my niece who was about to graduate from med school and move to Texas to do her residency. But there was a problem. Ernest was found to have a heart problem that would require daily medication (a tiny pill) and sadly probably shorten his life. Fortunately for Ernest, the new Dr. was willing to take him anyway; after all he would be in good hands. Ernest put on his cowboy hat and moved to Texas. Her fiancée moved as well. Well Ernest, with all his charm, and my niece's fiancée have become best pals. Ernest has been dubbed “The Best Cat Ever.” Ernest is now a Texan getting Texas size love everyday. |
POLLYIn 2009 we brought 1 1/2-year old Polly home to our family of two adults, a teenager, an 8-year-old dog, and two parakeets. She settled in with the humans immediately. It took exactly eight weeks for Polly to establish her status with the dog of the house, who had never lived with a cat and did not have good manners. She cleverly asserted her place by cautiously advancing on, and proceeding to drink from, his water bowl while watching him carefully. She continues to drink from his bowl daily. They are now able to share the sunny spot at the front door, and enjoy boisterous play. Polly comes along with the family for beach vacations. She is content to remain in the beach house. She sleeps in our bed each night and enjoys spending time in our screen porch watching birds. She is a lovely, sweet, gentle girl and we are all in love with her. Thanks, FFGW for saving Polly! - Frances |
SOFIESofie was adopted in September, 2008. She spent the first week or so under the sofa, but was able to establish very quickly who was in charge – I spent much of that week lying on my stomach on the floor in front of the sofa waving feathery toys at her. I found out from FFGW that Sofie had never been seen playing. I can testify that that has certainly changed. She especially loves paper balls (naturally, since I spent ridiculous amounts of money buying special plastic and straw and fur and wood balls!) and is a fantastic leaper and catcher-in-mid-air. The bottom line is that Sofie has definitely landed on all four furry feet in a place where she is loved and – I must confess – indulged. I am working on my cat parenting skills, but it may be too late… |
SAMANTHA and GABYSamantha was initially named Laura. She likes to “help” with any project and is a faithful companion. She enjoys hiding under her kitty quilt and playing with her sister Gaby. Samantha prefers to have her coat combed rather than brushed and loves to be kissed on the cheek. She is a gracious hostess and welcomes guests. She will be two years old in July. Gaby (short for Gabrielle) started her life with the name Marilyn. She is a curious, independent girl and loves to spend time exploring outdoors in sun, rain, sleet, or snow. She is very relaxed and will show her tummy to almost anyone. She likes to have her coat brushed and likes kisses on the back of the neck. When she drinks water, her right paw must go into the bowl. Gaby will be two years old in July. |
TUCKER AND SWEETIETucker (big white and orange male) and Sweetie (tiny white and black female) I adopted from FFGW a couple of years ago. Both cats are happy and extremely spoiled (as evidenced by Tucker's sizable haunches!) I live in a three story condominium that the cats explore thoroughly each day when chasing each other, talking to birds, harassing bugs, etc. There are also many places to investigate, their favorites being the ones not meant for cats. They get along great despite the size difference, as long as Tucker remembers that Sweetie is in charge. In addition to their friendliness they also make me laugh, which can be very therapeutic at the end of a long day. I am very happy to have them in my life. |
PIPER AND MARLEYWe adopted these two siblings after losing our beloved cat, Winston, 3 weeks shy of his 20th birthday. We turned to the Feline Foundation for assistance in adopting and I am delighted we did. These little darlings were on the brink of disaster when Martha Reitman, a foster volunteer, took them in and bottle fed them. Piper and Marley are now 6 months old and have brought so much joy to us. They continue to be very curious and adore chasing each other. They also enjoy getting up at 6:30 a.m. for breakfast! We are so grateful to the Feline Foundation and Martha Reitman for the ease of this adoption. |
DAKOTADakota has gone big time since being adopted in summer 2008! He moved from a two bedroom apartment to a two story big house, making the transition easily. Dakota enjoys stair-climbing, running down the big hallway, and sliding on the wooden floors. "Baby Daks", our term of endearment, also loves to drink water from the tap and lie on our chest to sleep at night. Daks also loves company and is the life of the party when we entertain. He owns this house. We cannot imagine our life without "Baby Daks". Thank you FFGW for rescuing Dakota! Dakota is the joy of our lives. We give him the best because he deserves the best! |
PIXIEI had to send this to you. It is priceless! Pixie is the BEST kitten and we are so happy to have added her to our family. Thanks so much! -Catherine |
SPIKESpike was adopted by us on March 28, 2008. He is shamelessly devoted to me in particular, but spreads his affection to all members of the family, including the dogs. His favorite toy is a Q-tip. Q-tips make him bonkers. Spike has to be in the middle of whatever I am doing. Last summer I was sewing tote bags to fund-raise for the FFGW and discovered Spike's love of sewing (see photo). Spike's personality continues to unfold in beautiful and mysterious ways. |
They are absolute joys. It has been such fun watching them grow up and develop their very different personalities. Daisy is quite sedate, but Cami is still the clown and the dominant cat. Not a day passes without being grateful that we have them and for the wonderful work you and others do fostering.
-Nan and Ed
Her official name is now Twig and, in my house, is often referred to as the Twigster. She is a very “busy” kitty; she loves Q-tips, paperclips and shredding paper. Now that I am on to her, I have put the Q-tips and paperclips out of sight. The paper shredding goes on but I guess that’s why vacuum cleaners were invented.
I have had cats my entire life and have never seen such an alert and curious critter…she is everywhere and at the speed of light. When exploration and being in all places at all times have worn her out, she settles in for long naps. Once rejuvenated, she checks the house and the other pets to be sure all is well. She and Annie, my Bouvier, get along well, and she has found a playmate in Sophie, my four year old cat. They are always a source of entertainment.
She is a sweetheart and a welcome addition to my household.
-Suzanne
I adopted Corrigan in February 2009. He’s a big armful of love and enjoys observing the world from the window or the safety of the balcony. I don’t think he misses his days at the rest stop, but he did catch a couple of invading mice last year! And boy oh boy – is he a bed hog!
Boo was rescued at two weeks and I adopted her in November 2009. Corrigan needed company after we lost Betsy (another FFGW kitty). Boo is feisty, funny, a little wild, and really sweet when the mood suits her – all due to the love she got from her foster mom as an itty bitty fur ball. Boo is also turning into a really “Bootiful” kitty.
They get along great and are very tender with each other, though wrestling sessions can get a bit noisy. I feel so lucky to have two such wonderful kitties, and grateful to all the FFGW volunteers for spreading the kitty joy.
-Sharon
I adopted Jack (then "Star") in June 2008. He is such a playful and loving boy. Having his tummy rubbed is his FAVorite thing in the world (never had a cat that liked that, so I didn't catch on until he "taught" me - many pointed attempts jumping in my lap, rolling over on his back and staring at me expectantly until I "got" it!) He comes running whenever he's called and never lets my lap get cold while I'm working on the computer.
Jack had a severe eye infection when he was "rescued" as a tiny kitten, and I'm so grateful to FFGW for taking the extra time and expense to raise him and make him well - I'm certain without them this terrific cat would not be here today.
-Dana
I was still feeling the effects of having put down, November 2009, my precious 19 year old, Zen, when I happened to see Leo’s picture. It was love at first sight. After bringing him home, the adoption was and is well rewarded.
Maine Coons, of which he is or has a lot of, are not necessarily lap cats. He does have the distinctive “M” on his forehead. Well all 14 lbs of Leo are. He is affectionate, friendly, playful, e.g. a wonderful successor to Zen.
-Richard
Norah and Kairos are about to celebrate their first birthdays! They are both doing wonderfully--playful as ever and still growing.
Kairos has truly become a "mommy-and-daddy's" boy. He loves to be wherever we are, follows me around the house, and "knocks" on my office door whenever I close it. Norah, too, is an absolute love-bug. Any lap that is available she quickly occupies and her energy and "spunk" never cease to provoke our laughter whenever it inspires her to do something silly (for example, sometimes she abandons her toys to play with her big, poofy tail!).
They are a joy to have as part of our family and we're so happy they have each other. As the pictures indicate, they are--and have been since they came home--the best of friends.
-Chris and Erin