Gidget's Story
Gidget came to us in early 2022 after having been fostered for some time by our partners at FeralLife Guards. Her story, before rescue, was heartbreaking. Gidget’s human was ill and spent time in and out of the hospital frequently, often leaving Gidget alone for a week or two month after month. When he passed away, someone came by occasionally to put food and water out but Gidget was essentially abandoned and neglected for far too long. By the time FeralLife Guards were contacted and brought her into their care, she was mad at the world. Add to that the fact she was now in a multi-cat living situation and not the least bit interested in making friends with other cats. Although they loved and cared for her so well, Gidget was not making much progress towards being adoptable, so they reached out to us. They knew she’d be able to have her own spacious condo and that we would be patient and loving with her for as long as she needed to trust again. For weeks, we allowed her to live in one of our large, quiet intake rooms to minimize her stress and exposure to strangers. We were only able to “pet” her with long handled brushes and a back scratcher labeled, “Gidget’s petting stick.” Slowly, she learned she was safe and began to allow some pets from some regular staff and volunteers. The more she interacted, the more she showed interest in moving into general population. We gave her the one cat condo that didn’t have any immediate kitty neighbors. We were overjoyed when she’d jump down from her cat tower to rub on our legs and even allowed pets with our hands from time to time, if we were good (and lucky)! By late summer, with no interest from adopters, we were able to get her into a wonderful foster home with a woman who had lost the kitty love of her life and was looking to help a kitty in need. Gidget did far better in her foster home than we had prepared for or hoped. She explored and lounged around like she owned the place (such a cat, right?). Although she was friendly with her foster mom, it took about five months before she was ready for serious cuddling. We also learned that she loves laser pointers, blankets, sleeping up against her human, and she’s chatty - especially if she’s in another room and looking for you.
After about six months in foster, with still no inquiries from potential adopters, it was agreed by all she should come back to the shelter with the opportunity to be seen by visitors. As good luck would have it, upon our announcing she was back, a nice man contacted us about her. He’d been following her story for some time and wanted to come meet her. We were cautiously optimistic. He came. They met. He wanted her! His application was processed and approved. He was provided all the information we could share to maximize the chances of it being a successful, life-long adoption. In late January 2023, after approximately a year in rescue, Gidget was adopted.
Imagine our collective relief and joy when he sent us an update with photos just a few days later, “Gidget (and I) is settling in. She sat with me this morning off and on for about an hour. She explored the house yesterday (she’s skilled at opening pocket doors and the sliding closet doors). Thought you might like to see a few pics.” And boy did we love them, especially the one of her in his lap - in less than a week! It made all the months of worry about her worth it to see her “home.”
We are able to provide large, comfortable spaces, most with windows for the cats to watch birds and squirrels, and our caretakers and volunteers will adapt to the unique needs of each animal whether that requires a lot of petting, brushing and cuddling, or something less. Gidget taught us cats who don’t want to be touched by a human hand might really enjoy a gentle rub with a back brush or scratcher. Each pet teaches us something that will help us help more pets in the future.