Becoming a Rescue Mom

I feel like I should apologize for going full crazy cat and dog lady, but you clicked the link. So in all fairness, you knew exactly what you were signing up for… 😛

Close to a year ago, I uploaded a post sharing my pet favorites (read it here). I had so much fun putting it together because what’s better than editing photos of your fur babies? Nothing. That’s what.

Adopting has become widely popular, but there are still people that have a major hesitation or prejudice to it. Each adoption experience is unique, and my only hope is to bring awareness to the subject. If you have been thinking about adopting, maybe today’s post will solidify your decision. Or at least gives you something to consider.

Brace yourselves for major cuteness overload!

Daryl (like Daryl Dixon from The Walking Dead) was our first rescue so it’s fitting for him to start today’s post. We jokingly call him our “firstborn” son. I never understood the obsession with cats before we adopted Daryl, but my mindset quickly changed. When we first saw him, he was caged with a smaller, grey kitten. If our circumstances were different, we would’ve adopted the grey one too. As we were filling out his paperwork, a very rude shelter employee told us that the grey kitten was sick, and Daryl was most likely a lost cause too. We were heartbroken, and left the shelter. We knew that we did not have the finances to properly care for a sick kitten. Ten minutes down the road, I told Kevin that something didn’t feel quite right. He agreed, and we went back. We talked to another, more friendly employee, and she said that the kittens were NOT sick. They had diarrhea from switching their food, but nothing else. She apologized for the inconvenience, and we brought Daryl home. Six years later, and I can officially report that besides a few loose screws, he is perfectly healthy.

Daryl has a permanent grumpy face, but would never hurt a fly. No, seriously, he wouldn’t. Hurting a fly requires exercise, and the only exercise he tolerates is walking to his food bowl. He is the most patient and easy going out of the three. Daryl is not the brightest bulb, but that’s what makes him so special. He would rather chase shadows or eat curl ribbon than groom himself. Even though he’s socially awkward, that does not stop him from following us everywhere. Adopt a tuxedo, and you can kiss privacy goodbye!

His hobbies include begging for treats, glaring at anyone and anything, begging for treats, pushing random objects off of surfaces, and begging for treats.

We spent Christmas out of state the year we adopted Daryl, and even though we had a neighbor frequently check on him, he was SO lonely. When he heard our garage door open, he screamed. It was the most heartbreaking thing I have ever heard. In that moment, we knew he needed a companion. Fast forward to February, and a coworker told me one of her friends found a litter of kittens in a dumpster. Whoever did that is a disgusting human. I’m just happy that my coworker’s friend found them, and gave them a safe, temporary home. She lived on a ranch, and put the kittens in a stable. When I first saw Loki, he was sleeping and looked so peaceful. He was the only one that listened when I called him, and that’s part of why I chose him. He seemed sweet and innocent. Well, that was my first mistake.

Loki lives up to his name… a little too well. He was a terror the first couple of years. He has calmed down with age, but I supposed mischief is just in his nature. One of his most annoying traits in the beginning was stealing food. We gave him plenty of cat food, treats and wet food, but it was never enough. He loved opening ALL of our cabinets and drawers at night. It was so creepy, and we joked that we had a ghost living with us. Looking back, we should’ve baby proofed our home. He stole whole loaves of bread, and hid them under our bed. He learned how to flip our butter dish, and would proceed to EAT the butter (SO gross). I was forced to buy special containers for their food because he consistently yanked their food bag off of the refrigerator. Unlike Daryl, Loki is too smart for his own good. He even learned how to swipe sandwiches from Kevin’s lunchbox. I talked to my vet, did some of my own research and figured out that he was “scavenging”. Many rescue cats do not know when they will get their next meal so they hoard. Now that he trusts us to feed him, his scavenging habit is a thing of the past. BUT if he’s given the opportunity, Loki will happily swipe your pizza slice or sandwich.

His hobbies include yelling, chasing his crinkle ball, yelling, cuddling and yelling some more. His charming personality makes up for the mayhem he creates.

You are probably most familiar with Penelope or her first name, Cha-Cha. She was nine months old when we rescued her which means we missed her early puppy years. She bounced to a few local shelters in order to give her more opportunities to be adopted. Her time was almost up (if you catch my meaning), and I hate to think what would’ve happened if we waited longer. I had no knowledge about Penelope being on that list until we signed the papers. We also know very little about her previous owner, but what we do know is not promising. She was extremely nervous around Kevin, and terrified of brooms. We know without a shadow of a doubt that she was previously neglected, and possibly abused. It took a LOT of patience and treats for him to fully earn her trust. They are best friends now, and I’m second best.

We originally crate trained her to help with her separation anxiety, but she no longer needs it. Penelope has learned that we always return, and it’s the perfect time for a nap.

Penelope is the most stubborn out of the pets, and will not rest until she gets what she wants. I blame the terrier in her! She will do just about anything for chicken, green beans or Greenies. She loves the beach, snow and would follow her squeaky tennis ball to the ends of the earth. She is always ready for an adventure, but could also spend the whole day sleeping. If you’re sitting on the couch, she’s on your lap. There is no other option.

Her hobbies include squeaking her ball, barking at air, squeaking her ball, going on car rides, squeaking her ball and eating Greenies.

Everyone has a different experience with mixing cats and dogs. Our overall experience was easy and pleasant, and they coexist just fine. We took it very slow, and let them warm up to each other at their own pace. Safety was always our #1 priority. Loki wanted to be Daryl’s friend immediately, but it took Daryl about a week to accept him. The cats welcomed Penelope into their domain with open paws which we did not expect. I truly believe that their young age played a huge role in their carefree behavior.

I hope you enjoyed learning more about my gremlins! Adopting a pet can be a very intimating process, but it’s one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do. If you have any questions or concerns regarding adoption, don’t hesitate to ask! I may not have all of the answers, but I could at least point you in the right direction.

Do you have a rescued fur companion? What are their names?

All my love,