This is how we measure success at the McKamey Animal Center…one forever home at a time. And while we’re always looking forward to our future and to the future of the animals, we often stop and take a look at our past — to find out where we’ve been and remember those dogs, cats, and other critters with whom we have crossed paths. Take a moment and come along on our successful journey with us.
Tamara Huskey says that adopted puppy, Jersey, is best buddies with Maggie, a puppy they got the week before Jersey (shown below). They bonded quickly and enjoy napping and playing together - what a life!
Pascha (formerly Monet) was adopted by Lindsey in December 2009. Pascha enjoys chasing squirrels and birds in her new backyard but when not distracted has learned to sit, lie down and stay. She gets to travel with her mom just about everywhere including work where she cuddles on her special bed. Pascha loves to be in her mommy’s lap or arms and even gets along well with Toulouse, Lindsey’s cat. She recently went on her first hike with Lindsey’s friend and her dog - they enjoyed running through the forest and chasing critters - the dogs that is!
Cheeto (formerly Fish Man) is enjoying his new home with the Mahaffey Family. He’s keeping his 8-year old Dalmation companion, Duchess, active and playful instead of crotchety. He also loves chasing the feather duster like he’s chasing his tail!
Fletcher T. Bobo (formerly Bucko) is enjoying his new home in New Hampshire.
Layla (formerly Tweetie) in her new home in New Hampshire.
Yale, Treasure and Dodger were sent to a rescue group in Rhode Island. This is just one example of how we’re networking with groups all over the country to find forever homes for every animal.
We received an extremely nice note from recent cat adopter, Carolyn Mitchell. While we don’t normally post every letter that we receive, we thought this one deserved special attention. Photos of Brick are first and the letter follows. Decide for yourself whether or not this is a great story!
Last Christmas I went out to McKamey and spent the morning helping with the cats. I thought it would be a day when volunteers might be scarce and I wanted the opportunity to get to know – at least superficially – as many of the feline residents as possible.
At the end of the morning, one cat seemed to me the most in need of a home. His name was Brick.
He was terribly shy. When I picked him up, he froze stiff with terror in my arms. In the getting-to-know-you room, he quickly burrowed behind me and never came out. Back in his condo, he sat in the litter box so he could be as close as possible to the rear wall of the compartment. He reminded me a bit of a Great Dane. His head was so large in proportion to his body.
The next day I returned and adopted him. The adoption was announced over the PA system and everyone applauded the news. On our way to my car, two of the staff members followed us out to say good-bye to Brick and express their delight that he was going home.
Brick quickly lost his shyness around me and within a week he was very much at home. In his past, he had spent some time in a garage, so traffic sounds startled him and he sought refuge under the bed. Now he’s much less sensitive to automobile noise. And when guests come calling, he walks confidently into the room and greets them.
In the spring Brick was extremely interested in all the activity outside and I feared he would want out. But as the weeks passed and the heat increased, he has become content in my little bungalow, galloping from the screened front porch to the screened back porch, climbing to the top of the kitchen cabinets, skating on an area rug and of course sleeping in my arms every night.
We have great fun arm wrestling. I wear two gloves on my right hand for protection, and we go at it a couple of times a day as an outlet for our human-feline energy and aggressiveness. I have to laugh at the comical killer-cat look he gives me during these matches that end with treats for Mr. Brick.
Brick also has a window in the living room from which he can observe the proceedings in my holly bush and dogwood tree, in our postage stamp front yard and on the street. He is most intrigued by a gray stray with a white-tipped tail that I feed on the front steps. He does not care for the stray but I am trying to teach him philanthropy.
I have opened up the basement – which you enter from the kitchen – but Brick will walk only to the basement door at the top of the stairs and then quickly turn and move away. This behavior mystified me since all my other cats adored the basement – something of the Palisades Park for puddy cats with cobwebbed hiding places, dim areas to explore and the occasional critter to chase. Then one day it hit me. Brick thinks the basement is the garage.
My deep gratitude goes out to everyone at McKamey who took care of Brick during his stay there. I guess you can tell I am over the moon about my big, bad, beautiful baby boy. And I think he’s pretty proud of himself for making it through the hard times and maybe even realizes that while his new home is very modest, he’s very rich in love.
When I got him, Brick weighed 7 pounds and change; now he’s pushing 12 pounds. That profoundly sad countenance I thought would never leave his face has given way to a hopeful look and when he sleeps it’s clear his mouth line forms a smile.
Faith (formerly Princess) Burton - this was the very first adoption from the Center in July 2008!
Cocoa Elliott
Sophie and Patrick Elb
Wilson (formerly Jarek)
Dirty Frank Brethen
Trix (formerly Rachel)
Hines (formerly Cowboy)
Kalle and Asha Brown
Red (formerly Alvar) on the left with his two sisters.
Hoover (formerly Little Sammy) with his new family.
Zeppo Caylor is adjusting well in his new loving home.
