In memory of our beloved shelter residents who crossed the Rainbow Bridge far too soon. You are part of our history, and will not be forgotten.
 Thistle |
 July |
 Megan |
 Marcus |
 Tony the Tiger |
 Faith |
 Maribel Mittens |
 Trixie |
 Alester |
 Mostus |
 Hope |
 Jefferson |
 Lover Boy (“Lovey”) |
 Ruby |
 Aster |
 Buddy |
 Large Marge |
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MERRY
Merry is an elderly kitty. Because of her extremely friendly nature, we believe she was someone’s pet. Sadly, she ended up in a feral colony, having to fend for herself. At the colony, the wonderful woman who provided food for the cats developed an attachment to her – Merry would hop into her car every time the woman came to feed the cats. During one visit to the colony, our caregiver noticed that another cat with whom she had bonded was missing. She began to fear for the safety of our Merry. She decided that, since Merry had already jumped into her car, she would just drive away and take Merry to safety.
Unable to take her to her own home, our caregiver brought Merry to stay with a relative. Merry was infested with fleas, seriously underweight, and in need of some very necessary, basic care. Before a veterinarian had the opportunity to examine her, Merry got into a minor scuffle with the relative’s dog and disappeared for a few days.
When our caregiver found Merry again, someone had attempted to wrap this poor girl in duct tape! Using coconut oil and tender loving care our caregiver was able to remove the tape, but much of the sticky residue remained, creating mats that had to be removed by shaving her belly.
During her first vet visit Merry was diagnosed with severe hyperthyroidism. PFOA made arrangements to have her treated at the hyperthyroid clinic. Before she could be treated for hyperthyroidism, she was returned to the vet for additional testing. On the second visit the vet found that Merry had fluid in her abdomen. An ultrasound showed a suspicious shadow in her liver that looked like it could be cancer. PFOA has set her up in our isolation trailer with comfortable beds, cat trees and all the food she can eat. We will support her with steroids and methimazole for her hyperthyroidism, along with all of the love and affection that our staff and dedicated volunteers can provide.
Despite all she has been through Merry is very affectionate. She loves attention from people, rewarding them with purrs and soft kneads with her paws. We hope that everyone will visit Merry and share in giving this little gal all of the love she so richly deserves. Every day with sweet Merry is a gift, and she has been doing much better than we ever expected. Perhaps she will be with us for much longer than we anticipated. Nothing would make us happier.
MARTHA
.MARTHA was born in May, 2001 and came to PFOA in February, 2002. She loves attention and “talks” to the volunteers who regularly visit her. She was recently placed in a foster home, where she has adjusted well and has a happy home.
BUCKY
BUCKY is a male Lhasa Apso purchased from a pet store and sold as an 8-week-old puppy. Originally from a puppy mill, Bucky chased cats, fought with other dogs, nipped care-takers, resisted potty training and generally misbehaved. After 11 homes, he has found a wonderful foster home willing to accept his naughtiness and keep him from harm’s way. While mostly loving and affectionate, Bucky’s unpredictability makes him unsuitable for adoption, so he will remain in PFOA’s care for his protection.
FAGIN
FAGIN was born in April, 2003 and has been at Safe Haven since July, 2003. He is a green-eyed, short-haired black male who can best be described as a “big lug” full of love. He “head butts” and leans into his human and feline friends to show his affection. He likes brushing and belly rubs on occasion, too. Fagin is currently under dietary restriction in an attempt to lose some excess weight. He currently lives out at Barker House.
BOBBIE JO
BOBBIE JO is an adorable special-needs Manx kitty. She came to us in the fall of 2012 when we received a call from an elderly gentleman that there was a kitten dying under his deck. When we arrived, we found a tiny kitten in a real mess, but she had no intention of dying – this little girl is a fighter! Bobbie has done very well, but as is common with some Manx cats, she does not have good bowel and bladder control. While this has greatly improved, she still requires special care and attention, and will probably do so for the rest of her life.
LUCY-ALICE
One day, in early 2011, a sweet, gentle, affectionate little Manx kitten named Lucy-Alice was adopted from PFOA. Lucy-Alice resembled a very small, very colorful Lynx, with her gorgeous green eyes, pointed tufted ears, and calico tabby markings. It was easy to fall in love with her, and she found the best of homes with a couple who adored her.
What her loving parents didn’t know, was that some Manx cats are afflicted with Manx syndrome, a spinal disorder. The mutation that causes the loss or shortening of the tail also affects the spine, spinal cord and nerves. As a result, cats with this condition may have problems with bowel and bladder control. The condition generally shows up in kittens by the time they are four months old.
Lucy-Alice did not show any signs of Manx syndrome until a year after she was adopted. Of course, by this time, Lucy-Alice was a much loved member of her new family. When she began to have little “accidents”, they hoped that they were just that – simple accidents. But they were attached to Lucy-Alice. She was so loved. “Maybe she will grow out of it,” they thought. “It will just take a little more time.”
After considerable more time, they had to acknowledge that Lucy-Alice would not grow out of it. Their decision was heart-wrenching, but unavoidable. They contacted Nancy, the Shelter Director at Peninsula Friends of Animals. Could PFOA take Lucy-Alice back? This was not a decision to be taken lightly. Lucy-Alice would require a substantial investment of time and money. A generous gift from a very special supporter allowed PFOA to set up a special area, called “Turtle Towers”, for Lucy-Alice and an older kitten, Bobbie Jo, who also has Manx syndrome. Unfortunately, Bobbie Jo, having lived her first years of life as a single kitty, did not enjoy the company of gregarious Lucy-Alice and trouble broke out between the two girls. It became apparent that the best thing would be to separate the pair.
Lucy-Alice is one of the sweetest, most loving kitties anyone could ever hope to meet. Everyone who spends any time with her falls irrevocably in love with her. And that’s what happened when Tracy, Animal Caretaker at Barker House, first met Lucy-Alice in the summer of 2016. On a bright, sunny day, a couple of months later, Tracy came to pick up Lucy-Alice and take her to her new home at Barker House, a small PFOA facility designed for the care of special needs animals. Lucy-Alice will probably remain at Barker House for the rest of her life. There are very few people who have the type of facilities, and the time, money and dedication needed to provide a good home for her. PFOA is committed to providing Lucy-Alice with the best quality of life possible.
We are grateful to the sponsors who contribute to the care of Lucy-Alice, as well as our other special needs animals. While we still hope that Lucy may find her own family to love and care for her, it is not likely. So, for the rest of her days, Lucy will enjoy her life with her beloved caregiver in the sunny warm rooms of Barker House.
GEORGE
Domestic Shorthair, Male
Color: Brown/white tabby
Size: Large
Age: Adult
Special needs: none
George is a sweet, gentle cat who is reserved until he gets to know you – then he is happy to share his love and be your best buddy. George would like a quiet peaceful home where he would be the center of attention, but he does get along with cat-friendly dogs and other cat-loving felines. He would love to find his purrfect forever home so he can curl up and sleep right next to his favorite person.
RHODES
Domestic Shorthair, Male
Color: Orange/white tabby
Size: Large
Age: Adult
Special needs: none
Rhodes arrived at Safe Haven as one of nine cats from an “unhealthy hoarding situation.” The outstanding characteristic of these kitties was their poor socialization and fear of strangers. Rhodes, like the others, is uncomfortable with people. He tends to hide from people he doesn’t know, and he is extremely shy.
However, once he gets to know someone, he genuinely enjoys being petted and scratched. It takes a very special cat to have gone through what Rhodes has and be able to eventually tolerate affection. It will take a special, patient person or family for Rhodes to become truly comfortable with a new home. However, anyone who is willing to put forth the extra effort will enjoy a quiet, gentle, easy-going fellow who will offer a lifetime of warm companionship.
FROM THE HOME FRONT
TALES OF THE SAFE HAVEN KITTIES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY MERRY
WEEK 10: REVOLVING DOOR
Hi everyone!
This week I’m not gonna save the best news for last, ‘cause this is, like, totally exciting!
When you think of a bonded pair of kitties who would really love to have a furrever home, who comes to mind? Peeka and Boo, that’s who! These sisters have been through so much change and loss in their lives—way too much for their 8 1/2 years! Well, they now have that furrever home they wanted, and the change in Peeka was really fast. The first night they were home, Peeka crawled up on her new dad’s chest and made herself comfortable! Here’s the first photo we got from her new family—a relaxed, friendly cat, sitting in the middle of the room, watching her mom get ready for the day.
Now, back to shelter news. Last week I mentioned that we had several new kitties come to the shelter. One of them, a very nice young kitty named Mike, moved downstairs a few days ago. He’s a cutie, with a boyish meow and beautiful, long, silky soft fur.
He was a stray, pretty much on his own, until he found a house with a kitty door. So he started going in and out, and adopted the people who lived there. Of course, with a kitty door comes … kitties. There were several of them living there, and Mike must have decided that one more couldn’t hurt, so he immediately made friends with all of them. Well, most of them. He really tried, but there was one cat that did NOT like him—at all.
Well, the cat was there first, so the people didn’t have a choice. They really liked Mike, but he couldn’t stay. So, they brought him to Safe Haven. They knew he would find a great home.
And … guess what? Just after he moved downstairs, a couple came to the shelter to meet Mike, and they decided that he should come home with them. He hasn’t left yet, so we’re still calling this a pending adoption, but I’m pretty sure it’s gonna work out purrfectly for Mike.
Doncha just love it when it’s all good news?
Lovingly,
FROM THE HOME FRONT
TALES OF THE SAFE HAVEN KITTIES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY MERRY
WEEK 11: DON’T STEAL MY FOOD!
Hi everyone!
I know almost all of you remember Miss Pepper. She’s that beautiful calico tabby with the gorgeous green/gold eyes who went home in March. Well, we have to admit that not every adoption works purrfectly, and unfortunately Miss Pepper’s didn’t. No fault of Miss Pepper—unfortunately, some unforeseen circumstances came up in her new guardian’s life and it was best for Miss Pepper to return to Safe Haven.
So, Miss Pepper is back! We think she won’t be here too long, though. A nice couple is coming to meet her next week, and we’re hoping it will be the purrfect match.
But for now, she’s downstairs in B4, making friends with Garland. We think it’s going pretty well, considering that Miss Pepper is quite the independent lady. After all, she’s a calico, just like me! And that’s ALMOST a tortie! She’s younger than me, and her coat is, well, absolutely gorgeous. It’s so soft and silky, with a very cool design. I hafta admit that I’m just a bit green with envy. I think my green eyes are glowing!
Feeding time was fun to watch this morning. Miss Pepper loves to have breakfast in bed. So Tracy has started feeding her in the cat tree. Miss Pepper is quite the lady, with good table manners. In other words, she likes to take her time eating. Garland, on the other hand, is somewhat lacking in gentlemanly manners.
Today, Garland decided he was hungry, so he jumped up on the cat tree while Miss Pepper was eating. She ran outside, ran up her ramp, turned around and stared at Tracy, watching her every move. You don’t have to speak Cat to understand “Bring me my food!” The next thing I saw was Tracy coming outside with the plate of food. And just to make sure Garland didn’t steal the food, Tracy waited outside until Miss Pepper had finished eating.
Miss Pepper loves her catio, even if she does have to share. So, as I write this, we had a slight break in the rain, and Miss Pepper? Well, she’s out there, dodging rain puddles and having a great time. She even coaxed Garland out (even without food), but he got his paw wet, decided that was a bad idea, and scurried back inside.
Even with the rain, it was another wonderful day at Safe Haven!
Lovingly,
MIKE
Domestic Shorthair, Male
Color: Black
Size: Medium
Age: Young
Special needs: none
Mike is a very sweet, young cat, with a boyish meow and beautiful silky long fur. He was on his own until he found a house with a kitty door, started going in and out, and adopted the people who lived there. Joining an existing family of cats, he got along well with all of them, and loved his human friends, too. The only problem was that one cat did NOT get along with him, so his people brought him to Safe Haven knowing he would find a great home.
At about 11 pounds, Mike never met a meal he didn’t like–he is definitely not picky about what he eats. His ideal forever home would have other kitties he could make friends with, and an enclosed catio where they could all enjoy nice weather together.
MISS PEPPER
Domestic Shorthair, Female
Color: Calico tabby
Size: Medium
Age: Adult
Special needs: none
Miss Pepper is a beautiful calico tabby with interesting markings and striking green/gold eyes. Her fur is unusually soft and silky. She’s a very cool cat and easily adapts to changes in her environment. She is independent and will do well with either a retired couple or person(s) who work out of the home. Quite capable of entertaining herself when her people are gone, she nevertheless will be glad to have human company at the end of the day. Come meet our Miss Pepper!
GARLAND
Domestic Medium Hair, Male
Color: Black/white tuxedo
Size: Medium
Age: Adult
Special needs: none
Like Rhodes, Garland came to PFOA as one of nine cats from an “unhealthy hoarding situation.” While most of the others still need considerable socialization, Garland is a curious, friendly little guy. He has a kind of “hall monitor” personality in his present situation – which means he is quite interested in the comings and goings of the other cats who share his space. He might even be called nosy, but in a good way, unless maybe you’re one of the other cats.
He enjoys being petted and scratched and welcomes attention from both men and women. With the proper technique, if you scratch his jowl just right he will lean into it and lean and lean and…finally flop on the floor. Garland is a quiet, gentle fellow with good manners. Currently, he doesn’t seem to favor being picked up, but he seeks out attention and affection and stays for more. He has made tremendous progress since coming to PFOA and in a safe, loving home should continue to grow as an affectionate companion.
LACIE
Domestic Shorthair, Female
Color: Brown/white tabby
Size: Large
Age: Senior
Special needs: declawed
Lacie and her sister Lucie are bonded 12 year-old kitties. When 8 year-old Suzie joined their household, they adopted her as their kitten. The three cats are very sweet and friendly. When a person’s lap is handy, all three of them want to be in it – at once! They have never been around children, but have had two small dogs in their lives. They are now looking for their new forever home together.
LUCIE
Domestic Shorthair, Female
Color: Brown/white tabby
Size: Large
Age: Senior
Special needs: declawed
Lucie and her sister Lacie are bonded 12 year-old kitties. When 8 year-old Suzie joined their household, they adopted her as their kitten. The three cats are very sweet and friendly. When a person’s lap is handy, all three of them want to be in it – at once! They have never been around children, but have had two small dogs in their lives. They are now looking for their new forever home together.
SPATZIDomestic Shorthair, Male
Color: Brown w/white
Size: large
Born: January 12, 2005
Special needs: none
These two boys, while not brothers in the strictest sense of the word, are very bonded to each other. Spatzi is a beautiful Siamese mix, and his companion of the last ten years is Spanky, a very handsome tuxedo cat. These are two of the gentlest souls you will ever meet. They are the text book example of well-behaved, loving cats. Spatzi is the more outgoing of the two, often greeting you at the door with a friendly meow and a leg rub. Spanky tends to be more laid back, often lounging in a bed or cat tree. He is easily approachable and loves to be petted and fawned over. Spatzi is in early renal insufficiency and is easily maintained with the fluids he is given twice weekly. Come and meet these two handsome boys and you will discover their purrfect personalities for yourself!
SPANKYDomestic Shorthair, Male
Color: Black w/White (Tuxedo)
Size: Medium
Born: July 1, 2008 (approx)
Special needs: none
These two boys, while not brothers in the strictest sense of the word, are very bonded to each other. Spatzi is a beautiful Siamese mix, and his companion of the last ten years is Spanky, a very handsome tuxedo cat. These are two of the gentlest souls you will ever meet. They are the text book example of well-behaved, loving cats. Spatzi is the more outgoing of the two, often greeting you at the door with a friendly meow and a leg rub. Spanky tends to be more laid back, often lounging in a bed or cat tree. He is easily approachable and loves to be petted and fawned over. Spanky has diabetes and receives twice daily insulin shots, but is quite well regulated. Come and meet these two handsome boys and you will discover their purrfect personalities for yourself!
PURCHASE OUR POTHOLDERS!Our potholders are POPULAR! They come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, primarily dog and cat prints, flowers, tea and coffee, kitchen and garden themes. They make excellent gifts, or buy them for your own kitchen. They come in sets of two, and are made of sturdy cotton fabrics with a mylar heat-shield center. For pricing, check with the vendor of your choice, listed below. You can find them at:
If you have a favorite fabric and would like to order custom potholders, contact Safe Haven at (360) 452-0414. We will do our very best to accommodate you.
MEGAN
Megan was a gorgeous Maine Coon, whom we adopted out as a kitten in 2000. She returned to us when her “mom” passed away and her “dad” could no longer care for her. This sweet, but a bit shy girl, was exceptionally bonded to her elderly person and loved to snuggle in her lap and cuddle with her in the sewing room. She was in early renal insufficiency, and we gave her sub-q fluids once a week.
When Magnificent Megan’s needs because too great for shelter life, she moved to a wonderful permanent foster home, where she was dearly loved. We are happy that she was blessed to spend her last year surrounded by love, and given every comfort. She crossed the Rainbow Bridge on March 26, 2019. She is greatly missed by her foster family, as well as her many friends at PFOA.
CATNIP & SIP at our new venue: Fox Bell, April 6, 2019
EVENT PHOTOS
LUCY-ALICEShorthair Manx, Female
Color: Calico Tabby
Size: Medium
Born: October 8, 2010 (approx)
Special needs: Manx Syndrome (mild)
Lucy-Alice is an adorable, outgoing little short-hair calico mackerel tabby Manx with a white bib and green eyes. Born in October of 2010, Lucy-Alice was originally adopted from Safe Haven as a kitten. She returned to Safe Haven in March of 2014. She is very sweet and loving, craves attention, and is a gentle soul.
She did not display symptoms of Manx Syndrome, a condition affecting many Manx cats, until she was a year and a half old, and her issues are relatively mild. She loves having visitors, and thrives on the attention readily given to her. She is such a sweetheart and so full of love for people that it’s hard to leave after spending time with her. While we still hope that Lucy may find her own family to love and care for her, it is not likely. So, for the rest of her days, Lucy will enjoy her life with her beloved caregiver in the sunny warm rooms of Barker House.
PEEKADomestic Shorthair, Female
Color: White with black spots, green eyes
Size: Medium
Born: October, 2011
Special needs: none
Peeka and Boo are a bonded pair of sisters with a sad history. Trapped as older feral kittens, we worked very hard to socialize them so they could find homes. Adopted out as teenagers, they were soon returned when their folks moved. Then after four years with an elderly lady who loved them and respected their bond, that home was lost when their owner passed away. Boo has turned out to be a lovely, social cat who is quite adaptable. She is the rock that anchors her sister, Peeka, so we would like to see this pair be adopted together.
Peeka, however, is still shy and reserved with folks she doesn’t know. Aside from her time at PFOA she has lived a rather isolated life with exposure to very few people. While she sees more people here at the shelter than she did in either of her homes, her reclusive nature causes her to be overlooked, and few visitors have been able to make a connection with her. She will require a quiet home where she is allowed to blossom and learn to trust again at her own speed. A striking kitty with her black spots and green eyes, she is worried and nervous around strangers, but can be friendly with those she knows. If you have the time and patience for this kitty who has had so much change and loss in her short life, you will be rewarded with a devoted friend. Peeka requires a cat-savvy home where she can live with Boo for the rest of her life!! Please call to meet this sweet pair.
BOO
Domestic Shorthair, Female
Color: Black/white
Size: Medium
Born: October, 2011 (approx)
Special needs: none
Peeka and Boo are a bonded pair of sisters with a sad history. Trapped as older feral kittens, we worked very hard to socialize them so they could find homes. Adopted out as teenagers, they were soon returned when their folks moved. Then after four years with an elderly lady who loved them and respected their bond, that home was lost when their owner passed away. Boo has turned out to be a lovely, social cat who is quite adaptable. She is easily approachable, friendly and sweet. She is the rock that anchors her sister, Peeka, so we would like to see this pair be adopted together.
BETHANY
Domestic Shorthair, Female
Color: Tortie
Size: Medium
Age: Senior
Special needs: Kidney disorder requiring fluids twice a week
Bethany is a beautiful blue tortie who is very sweet natured and has a wonderful personality to go with her good looks. Bethany previously shared a home with some golden retrievers so she is a cat who has demonstrated the ability to get along well with dogs. If you are a fancier of tortie girls you will want to meet our Bethany. She is quite the charmer and totally irresistible!
LEO
When Leo went home, his new mom created a wonderful booklet of Leo’s first few days in his new home. Click on the first photo to the right to see the slide show. We think you will enjoy it as much as we did!
PHOENIX
Domestic Longhair, Male
Color: Black
Size: Medium
Special needs: none
A beautiful pair of black cats seeking a good indoor home, that’s our Nyla and Phoenix. Originally adopted from PFOA almost nine years ago, the bonded pair was recently returned because of a change in circumstance of their owner. Nyla is the older of the two at 10 years and Phoenix is a year younger. They have been together since Phoenix was a kitten, living together in the tack room of a fancy barn with access to an enclosed catio. From their catio they were able to interact through the fence with livestock and some friendly dogs on the property.
Both of them may seem a little shy upon first meeting them but once they get to know you, they are affectionate and loving kitties that love being groomed and fawned over as they so deserve. Phoenix is a black longhair male with expressive green-gold eyes. Both Nyla and Phoenix really love being brushed and given attention. The two are best buddies and must be adopted together. Come and meet this outstanding pair!
NYLA
Domestic Shorthair, Female
Color: Black
Size: Medium
Special needs: none
A beautiful pair of black cats seeking a good indoor home, that’s our Nyla and Phoenix. Originally adopted from PFOA almost nine years ago, the bonded pair was recently returned because of a change in circumstance of their owner. Nyla is the older of the two at 10 years and Phoenix is a year younger. They have been together since Phoenix was a kitten, living together in the tack room of a fancy barn with access to an enclosed catio. From their catio they were able to interact through the fence with livestock and some friendly dogs on the property.
Both of them may seem a little shy upon first meeting them but once they get to know you, they are affectionate and loving kitties that love being groomed and fawned over as they so deserve. Nyla is the more outgoing of the two. She is a black shorthair female with huge round green-gold eyes. Both Nyla and Phoenix really love being brushed and given attention. The two are best buddies and must be adopted together. Come and meet this outstanding pair!
PATRICK
Siamese, male
Color: Sealpoint with white mittens
Size: Large
Born: January, 2007 (approx)
Special needs: Hyperthyroid, stage 3 kidney failure
Pat the Cat was left out in the cold when his owners passed away. A good Samaritan give him a place to stay on his way to Safe Haven. Pat is a handsome Sealpoint Siamese. He is in stage 3 kidney failure and requires fluids daily.
TIGER
Domestic Shorthair, Male
Color: Dark Tabby
Size: Medium
Age: Older kitten
Special needs: none
Tiger is the son of MoMo, and the “adopted son” of Grey (who thinks she is Tiger’s mom). Tiger is the most trusting boy ever! He has absolutely no fear, and loves people. He looks like he is going 100 mph just sitting still. Coming from the same household, Tiger, MoMo and Grey are bonded and have a very good relationship. All three kitties need to go to an indoor-only home, but they do enjoy time out on their safe catio. They are looking for that purrfect forever home for the three of them!
HANS
Domestic Shorthair, Male
Color: Gray w/white
Size: Medium
Age: Young
Special needs: none
Hans is very much a host and wants everyone to be happy. Just over a year old, Hans is very protective of and devoted to his sister, Heidi, and the two of them are bonded and must be adopted together. Heidi is initially shy, but only for the first few seconds. After that, both kitties are very outgoing and friendly – they are all over you wanting pets and loves. These very nice cats will do well with a family. If this sounds like your home, please call for an appointment to see these two wonderful kitties. You’ll be glad you did!
HEIDI
Domestic Shorthair, Female
Color: Gray tabby w/white markings
Size: Medium
Age: Young
Special needs: none
Heidi is a beautiful gray tabby, just over a year old, with striking markings (including an unusual white tip on her tail). She is very much devoted to her brother, Hans, who is very protective of her and equally devoted to her. The two of them are bonded and must be adopted together. Heidi is initially shy, but only for the first few seconds. After that, both kitties are very outgoing and friendly – they are all over you wanting pets and loves. These very nice cats will do well with a family. If this sounds like your home, please call for an appointment to see these two wonderful kitties. You’ll be glad you did!
LILLY
Domestic Shorthair, Female
Color: Tricolor
Size: Medium
Age: Young
Special needs: none
Lilly was a feral kitten who lived her first year of life at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds. She was rescued when she showed up with a damaged paw and a litter of kittens, and after a bit of a journey, including a week at the vet and several weeks at another shelter, she ended up at PFOA.
Lilly is very sweet and she does like other cats. Unfortunately, she is extremely shy around people. Staff and volunteers at PFOA are working to socialize her, but progress is slow and we do not consider her adoptable at this time. Hopefully, with a lot of TLC and socialization, she will be a candidate for adoption in the future. Until that time, we have an adoption hold on her.
SUZIE
Domestic Shorthair, Female
Color: Gray
Size: Medium
Age: Adult
Special needs: declawed
Suzie is a sweet 8 year-old female who has spent most of her life with Lacie and Lucie. The three of them are bonded and need to find a home together. Because Suzie is younger than the sisters, Lacie and Lucie consider Suzie their kitten. The trio has never been around children, but they have had two small dogs in their lives.
MOMO
Domestic Shorthair, Female
Color: Dark Tabby
Size: Medium
Age: Young (about two years old in April, 2020)
Special needs: none
MoMo is a wonderful dark tabby. She’s a bit reserved until she gets to know you, and then she is a wonderful kitty to be around. She is very friendly and does engage in conversation (chirps) with anyone who is interested and willing to listen. She is very connected to her son, Tiger, as well as her friend, Grey. All three kitties need to go to an indoor-only home, but they do enjoy time out on their safe catio. Coming from the same household, the three of them are bonded and have a very good relationship. Grey, MoMo and Tiger are looking for that purrfect forever home for the three of them!
GREY
Domestic Shorthair, Female
Color: Grey Tortie
Size: Medium
Age: Adult (about five years old in April, 2020)
Special needs: none
Grey is a grey tortie who also thinks she is Tiger’s mom. She loves to bathe him. All three kitties need to go to an indoor-only home, but they do enjoy time out on their safe catio. Coming from the same household, Grey, MoMo and Tiger are bonded and have a very good relationship. They are looking for that purrfect forever home for the three of them!
FROM THE HOME FRONT
TALES OF THE SAFE HAVEN KITTIES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY MERRY
WEEK 9: SAFE HAVEN’S HALL MONITOR
Hi everyone!
Some of you may remember the sad story of the Pole Barn Nine. For those of you who haven’t heard about them, they are a group of nine very skittish, unsocialized kitties who were rescued from a bad situation. Someone had accumulated too many cats and couldn’t care for all of them. They have been at Safe Haven almost nine months now, and even though our staff and some of the volunteers have made a special effort to make friends with them and show them that they are finally safe, many of them are still quite scared and hide a lot.
It’s too bad, because if they would talk to some of us kitties who have been here longer, we would tell them that they are finally in a safe place, like the name of our shelter.
Garland is one of the Pole Barn Nine, and he has learned to trust people. The others are still struggling with trust issues. Garland is kind of a born leader also. He’s really interested in the comings and goings of the other kitties. He likes to keep track of the others. Some kitties think he is nosy and have started calling him the Hall Monitor. I wonder where they heard that name?
So, with the other kitties still scared and Garland doing pretty well, Garland got to move to the main shelter. He’s downstairs in B4, and I think he and Suzie might have a thing going. Remember I talked about the handsome bachelor cat last week? Well, that’s Garland. But now Suzie has competition, ‘cause Miss Pepper just came back to the shelter a couple of days ago, and Miss Pepper and Garland are roommates!
I’m thinking it won’t be too long before Garland finds his furever home. He’s really a nice cat around humans. (I think he likes people lots more than other kitties!) He loves to be petted and scratched under the chin. I was watching Kimmie scratch him one day, and he was really getting into it. He kept leaning toward her hand, and leaned so far that he fell on the floor!
Well, that’s enough about that. We had several new kitties join us at the shelter, and I’ll talk about them as soon as they get moved downstairs. But I saved the best news for last—Nyla and Phoenix went to their furever home last week! Isn’t that great? They have been waiting so long for just the right people to come along, and now they have a nice new home. We will all miss them here, especially Peeka and Boo, but we are all very happy for them too!
Lovingly,
FROM THE HOME FRONT
STORIES OF THE SAFE HAVEN KITTIES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
FLICKA AND FRANKLIN
WEEK 2: FROM POTHOLDERS TO MASKS
Hi everyone!
We have noticed a lot of activity at the shelter lately. Something to do with masks and the Potholder Ladies. So we investigated, and here’s what we were told:
For almost 15 years, a group of hardworking, talented seamstresses has produced what is now well-known as PENINSULA FRIENDS OF ANIMALS World-Famous Purrfect Potholders. From their grassroots beginning in 2006, when two founding members made and sold over 500 potholders, a net of $5,000 for the kitties, the team has expanded to sixteen members. Net revenue from potholders last year brought approximately $23,000 to benefit the PFOA rescue animals. Over the last 15 years, this hardworking group has produced over 18,000 sets of potholders. The revenue from these potholders totaled almost a quarter of a million dollars for the kitties!
Now, within the space of a few months, another priority has emerged. Thinking about what PFOA can do to help combat the coronavirus pandemic, several PFOA members came up with the same idea, almost simultaneously: can the Potholder Ladies make masks instead of potholders? When Danette Grady, our Executive Director, checked with them, she found that a core group of Potholder Ladies was already on it, with one of the team also making gowns.
They had obtained the mask pattern from Clallam County Emergency Department, who is collecting finished masks and distributing them to local first responders and to the hospital. Potholder Central has a supply of donated cotton fabric, but they ran into a glitch trying to obtain the right type of elastic. Not a huge surprise when they found that most places were sold out. However, they found an online source and ordered enough to make a good beginning, with a follow up order in process.
From one yard of fabric and just under 5 yards of elastic, they can produce 12 masks. Working from their homes, they prewash the fabric using hot water and dry it on the hottest setting to eliminate any future shrinkage. Their goal is to produce 1,000 masks.
In addition, one of the team members made gowns, which are worn by doctors and other health care workers in non-surgical settings.
This hardworking team of 9 people produced 1007 masks and 20 gowns for Clallam County Emergency Management; 16 of the masks were donated directly to a medical clinic in dire need of masks. They also produced 277 masks for PFOA. Their efforts supported so many individuals in our community and beyond who are on the front lines working to combat this disease. To the team: thank you for all that you do. Stay safe. Stay healthy!
We think this is amazing, and we hope you do too!
Affectionately,
Flicka and Franklin
FROM THE HOME FRONT
TALES OF THE SAFE HAVEN KITTIES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY MERRY
WEEK 8: THE GIRLS MOVE DOWNSTAIRS
Hi everyone!
Remember a couple of weeks ago when I reported about all the good news at the shelter? Well, with all the resident kitties leaving for their forever homes, the shelter is … how shall I say … kinda quiet! But, I hear that new friends are on their way to Safe Haven! Room B2 downstairs is empty, ‘cause each of the three bonded pairs (Hollis and Blue, Jackie and Dubbs, and Ariel and Brewster) found their forever home together. So, I’m working my way down the shelter, and find that B3 now has new kitties. Well, maybe not “new” – Lacie, Lucie and Suzie moved from their room upstairs (normally a kitten room) to B3 after Hannah and Bethany left.
If you remember, Bethany was getting fluids twice a week, and everyone felt that she would be happier at Barker House with other kitties like her. And Hannah – she found the nicest home with a lady who is a first-time cat owner and fell head over heels for Hannah. From the reports we get, we think Hannah feels the same way.
OK … back to LL&S. Now that they have moved downstairs, the girls have a wonderful catio where they can spend outdoor time (when it isn’t raining, ‘cause Lucie does NOT like to get her feet wet!) They really love their outdoor time – on the hot days they can roll around and lay on the cool ground. And they have a neighbor in the catio next to them. Garland moved from the Pole Barn building to B4. He’s learned to trust people again and is very friendly and enjoys petting and attention. And, being a very handsome bachelor cat, he naturally attracted the attention of the girls. Well, maybe not ALL of them. Lacie and Suzie have been kinda flirty with him, but Lucie thinks that boys stink and she’s not having anything to do with him.
The girls have had a lot of fun watching the birds and deer in the bushes around the catio. That keeps them very busy, and they spend lots of time doing it.
I hear that they love it when people read to them. But, when they just sit still and listen to books for long periods of time, they don’t really get enough exercise. At least it seems like that. Staff is really careful not to use the “f” word, but all three kitties are just a tad bit pudgy! I think Suzie is doing a little better than her two older sisters – one of the volunteers mentioned that Suzie looked like she had lost a little weight after she moved downstairs. And she is the most active of the three – she loves to play that game with the ball in the round scratcher. I think she’s taking advantage of all the new activities. And, of course, there IS the handsome bachelor next door!
I know they miss seeing all of you. As you know, they are all very affectionate. They rub against you and love to be petted. We are all hoping that the shelter can reopen soon. Staff is not exactly sure what the “new normal” will look like for Safe Haven. Everyone is using that term these days – we kitties are wondering exactly what it means. I’m sure we will find out – sooner or later.
Hope it’s sooner, ‘cause we miss you!
Lovingly,
FROM THE HOME FRONT
TALES OF THE SAFE HAVEN KITTIES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY MERRY
WEEK 7: CELEBRATIONS
Hi everyone!
This week we’re celebrating both the Memorial Day holiday and a very special celebration of Tippy’s 16th birthday! He’s been the official office administrator for as long as any of us kitties can remember, and I’m learning a lot from him. He actually has his own fan club of people who come specially to spend time with him when Safe Haven is fully open.
He loves to snuggle into their shoulder and purrs real loud so they know how happy that makes him. There must be an alarm clock inside of him because at 11 am he lets his office staff know it’s lunch time and he’s requesting that his Fancy Feast beef with gravy be warmed to just the right temperature for him.
He usually takes a long nap after lunch in his favorite basket bed with the cushiest blankets to snooze on.
When he wakes up, he usually takes a wobbly walk to check on everyone and make sure everything’s in order. After his walk, he asks to be picked up so he can look out the window at the birds on the feeder. They really fascinate him when they flutter by.
He really enjoys scratching on a special paddlin’ box a devoted fan sent him and it’s amazing to see him use his front paws to pull himself up on the couch. His Cerebellar Hypoplasia affects his balance but certainly not his strength—with his gymnastic ability, he looks like he’s training for the kitty Olympics!
We all wish Tippy the happiest of birthdays and I’m honored to be his new office
assistant.
Lovingly,
FROM THE HOME FRONT
STORIES OF THE SAFE HAVEN KITTIES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY MERRY
WEEK 5: INTRODUCING MERRY
Hi everyone!
We just got very good news from the shelter: Flicka and Franklin were adopted together, and are now in their furrever home! Isn’t that great? And, before they left, they wanted to make sure that our little weekly newsletter was in good hands. I was really pleased when they asked me to take over for them! Maybe it was because I used to talk to them every morning through their window. The shelter staff called it “yowling for several minutes” but we all knew it was just “good morning” and “how y’all doing” in cat speak.
Being a tortie, I KNOW I can do a good job. Perhaps not as good as Flicka and Franklin did, but I’m going to try my best to walk in their paw prints. I have lots of experience on computers – I love adding comments to whatever Danette is working on. Not sure if she likes that though – she goes back and erases all the 00000000 and xxxxxxxxxxxx I add when I take a short cut across her desk.
I’m not a young cat any longer – some people say I’m elderly, but that sounds so OLD! I do have some medical issues, so I have a different way of looking at life. As one of the official office cats, I can go out on the deck fairly often, specially when it’s nice weather. And I have lots of fun watching the adult kitties downstairs.
Also, I will hopefully have help from my roommate Tippy. I haven’t quite figured him out yet – he walks differently from me, and is affectionately known as a “wobbly” kitty. He doesn’t go out on the deck as much as he used to (he’s almost 16), but when it is really nice and warm, I think I can coax him outside and he can help me with my weekly reports.
So, I’m looking forward to reporting on life at the shelter. I really miss seeing all of you, and I miss all the attention you gave us, specially the nice man who came and read to me every week. I’ll be really glad when the shelter is open again!
Lovingly,
p.s. My friend Nancy is working on a video just for me! Be sure to check back this week – I think you will like it!
FROM THE HOME FRONT
TALES OF THE SAFE HAVEN KITTIES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY MERRY
WEEK 6: LOTSA GOOD NEWS
Hi everyone!
The news from the shelter keeps getting better and better! You all remember that last week I took over as Shelter Reporter when Franklin and Flicka went to their new furever home. Well, I have lotsa more wonderful news for you.
A couple of days ago, some really nice people came to the shelter— I think this wasn’t their first visit here, because they seemed to know all about us kitties and how much every staff member and volunteer loves us. They made a beeline straight for B2 (I watched them), and after a while, came back up the stairs with Blue and Hollis in carriers! Everyone seemed really excited, specially Blue, who had a home before. I’m not sure Hollis really understood, although Blue tried to tell him that this was a great thing, and they were going to a wonderful new home and live happily ever after! The people who were taking them home seemed like really nice people. I think Blue and Hollis struck gold—big time!
The very next day, Carson and Spenser went to their new furever home together! It was really cool to watch these two get ready to go home. Carson had been adopted earlier this year by a really nice couple, and it’s too bad that it didn’t work out with the other cat in the family. I guess the other cat just didn’t want to share! So Carson came back pretty recently. And Spenser is also pretty new to Safe Haven—both of them just got moved from Quarantine to B1 a week or so ago. Since the two of them got to know each other in Quarantine, they kinda hung out together in B1. That was good, because the other two sets of kitties in the room were already bonded and didn’t pay too much attention to the newbies.
And now, for my report on Garland, the kitty I’ve been watching this week (when I’m not watching other kitties leave!) He is such a sweet cat, and loves to snuggle on people’s laps. He loves people, and was so sad when almost all of his human friends had to stay away. He had the best time filming his video for the Video of the Week on PFOA’s website. He got to snuggle and give kitty kisses, and he was a little sad when Nancy got done and had to leave. I’m thinking he’ll have a lot to say to our volunteers when they finally come back to visit. They should expect lots of hugs and kisses, unless, of course, Garland also finds his own furever home!
Lovingly,
THISTLE was born in March, 2003 and came to PFOA in July, 2003 with his twin brother, Fagin. He was a sleek, poly-dactyl neutered male with magnificent copper colored eyes and a sweet expression. Thistle especially enjoyed sitting on the back of the couch, both for the view and the closeness to his human friends.
As a special needs kitty, Thistle received regular medication to control his diabetes, kidney failure and hyperthyroidism. Sadly, on April 2, 2020, our beloved Thistle crossed the Rainbow Bridge. He will be very much missed by his past and current caregivers, as well as everyone at PFOA who knew and loved him.
His current caregiver, Tracy, was especially close to him. In her own words, this is how she remembers him.
Fagin & Thistle
“When I got to Barker House, Thistle was a very scared cat. I locked eyes with him on the second day I was there and I was in love. He was such a loving, kind and gentle boy. It took time but the trust he gave me melted me. We would go on walks around the house on the game trail, and say hi to the neighbors and their dogs. Thistle knew I would never let anything happen to him. I got very hard head bonks and cheek rubs on my face. He was a true house panther: sleek and mysterious, beautiful inside and out. I know he tried to stay with me and his brother Fagin. At the end, when he let me know it was time to say goodbye, I promised him I would take care of his brother. Not only did he have diabetes he was in kidney failure and hyperthyroid. We fought hard for a couple of months. I was privileged to spend an amazing 4 years with a truly amazing animal. He will forever have a place in my heart.”
FROM THE HOME FRONT
STORIES OF THE SAFE HAVEN KITTIES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
FLICKA AND FRANKLIN
WEEK 4: WATCHING NYLA & PHOENIX
Hi everyone!
We’ve been watching Nyla and Phoenix this week, roommates of Peeka and Boo. When we listen carefully, we can almost hear the deep, rumbling purr Phoenix makes when he’s happily playing King of The Mountain with Peeka on their play structure.
When Peeka’s at the very top, Phoenix sneaks up from behind and bats at her leg so she’ll run down and he gets to be King at the top.
His sister Nyla is much more sedate and prefers watching the frogs jumping under the bushes from her window. She kind of looks like a sleek panther with a shiny black coat and is the first one in the room to line up for a treat.
Their very favorite toy is a cardboard scratcher which Phoenix likes to keep to
himself. But since today is Giving Tuesday, which we hear is all about being kind and grateful, he’s going to share it with Nyla.
We’re hoping everyone will share a kindness with a friend today!
* * *
On this #Giving Tuesday, we thank you for sharing your generosity with us in so many ways. Your Acts of Kindness are an inspiration to our vital work.
Passing on kindness to each other and, in turn, our communities does make an extraordinary difference and gives us hope in this challenging time.
Each of you are truly appreciated.
Affectionately,
Flicka and Franklin
p.s. Don’t forget to click on the video link! Nancy worked hard on this, and we had lots of fun watching her, too!
FROM THE HOME FRONT
STORIES OF THE SAFE HAVEN KITTIES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
FLICKA AND FRANKLIN
WEEK 3: WATCHING PEEKA AND BOO
Hi everyone!
Welcome to Week 3 of our reports from the shelter. It’s a little bit late, because the lady who writes down our stories lost her laptop and was unable to talk with us for 5 days. Well, she didn’t actually LOSE it — more like it stopped working. She was NOT a happy camper!
Anyway, all is well, and we are here to report on Peeka and Boo. They are in the closest room to us (B1) and we have a nice cat’s eye view. It seems that Boo is starting to get a little stir-crazy, after watching all her favorite videos. So she’s trying out new yoga poses to teach Peeka, who would rather have quiet meditation time inside her hidey hole.
We had heard that Peeka was shy when she first arrived at Safe Haven, but after receiving a lot of attention from volunteers, she enjoys soft pets on her lovely fur.
They sure are fun to watch. We’ll keep you updated on more of our feline friends next week. Also, Nancy, one of our great volunteers, came in and filmed a video of Peeka and Boo enjoying their catio. Be sure you click on the link to watch it.
FROM THE HOME FRONT
STORIES OF THE SAFE HAVEN KITTIES
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
FLICKA AND FRANKLIN
FROM THEIR SECOND STORY PORCH
OVERLOOKING THE DOWNSTAIRS CATIOS
Hi Everyone!
As you all know, our shelter is closed, which means that none of us kitties can have visitors, and our visitors can’t see how well we are all doing. So, we decided to write to all of you so that you would know we’re all OK, safe and healthy. And we hope you are too!
From our kitten room on the top floor of Safe Haven, we can go out on our screen porch and look down on all the adult kitties as they relax outside in their catios, enjoying the spring sun. When the sun shines, that is. It’s been pretty rainy lately, but occasionally we can catch one of our buddies sneaking out for a quick run in the catio.
We thought we would send this out every week to our volunteers and supporters. We miss seeing them, and we’ve heard that they feel the same way So stay tuned for weekly updates on life at Safe Haven.
We hope, for everyone’s sake, that this horrible virus won’t last too long! We miss all of you!
Affectionately,
Flicka and Franklin
July—the name evokes memories of warm sunny days and bright fireworks and holiday fun. However, when this little tortie showed up at our doorstep late on a July Saturday in 2011 she was as quiet and cold as a January snow. Found under a bush in Carrie Blake Park, she was limp and dehydrated and suffering a traumatic injury to her spine—her rescuers thought she had been hit by a car. Already a middle-aged cat, we were not sure she would survive. We hoped for the best, and named her July.
After extensive emergency treatment, July’s condition stabilized, and she became a shelter favorite. She was sweet and funny and loved to lie in the sun in her catio. We rejoiced when she was adopted and were saddened when she came back to us several years later when her back injuries and subsequent arthritis became too severe for her owner to deal with.
With good meds and pain management and lots of TLC, July once again regained her mobility and lived with us for three more years. She became an office cat—living in harmony with Tippy and being pampered and spoiled by staff and volunteers. Many of our members came in just to say hello to July, and her last months were spent in her special orthopedic bed next to Danette, our Executive Director, who loved her dearly, as did all of the staff.
Though in hospice care for the past several months, July still enjoyed her pets and attention, a good meal, and lying in the sun till her last day with us. She happily meowed a greeting to us each morning and chatted her demands throughout the day. Her will to live and her indomitable spirit were an inspiration to us all. July was a ray of sunshine who brightened all of our lives, and Safe Haven seems a bit darker today without her warm presence.
President: Call to Order: Welcome Guests.
Secretary: April Minutes request for approval
Economic/financial update – Kurt Anderson
Approval for purchase of propane tank – Danette
Approval for distribution of Walker Max lifetime care fund – Marilyn
Spring/Summer Pet Tidings – Marilyn
Change of CPA – Marilyn
Annual Meeting Preparation – All
Executive Director: Danette
Treasurer: Marilyn
Media: Marilyn
Shelter: Nancy
Spay/Neuter: Sharon
He was diagnosed with diabetes shortly after his arrival, and the shelter quickly got it under control. “He’s my boy,” said Nancy Campbell, Shelter Director. “He’s so loving and so gentle. He’s very laid back.” Marcus had a quiet, easy going personality. For many of us, he was the all-time favorite PFOA cat.
Marcus spent the last few years of his life at Barker House, our home for special needs kitties, where he was adored by his caretaker, Tracy, as well. You just couldn’t help but love this gentle giant. He went about his day quietly, never complaining even though he received twice-daily shots of insulin. He got along with all the other cats in the house and the many hugs and rubs he received from everyone who knew him were rewarded with warm purrs and unconditional love.
As he approached his 17th year, Marcus began showing signs of his age. His medical needs were slowly increasing, and this senior gentle kitty was slowing down. But, in cat years, he was about 85 years old. He had earned the right to take life easy.
Marcus never met a stranger—human or feline. He would quietly walk away from a new hissing cat quietly as if to say “What is your problem?”. He was a wonderful ambassador for felines in general—in the kitty world Marcus should have been King!!
We are sad to announce that Marcus crossed over the Rainbow Bridge on October 16, 2018. He was very much loved by everyone whose lives he touched. He will be greatly missed.
Lovey was rescued and brought to Safe Haven in June of 2015. He looked and acted much older than his estimated 8-10 years. He was in very poor condition, and we were not sure that he would make it through the week, despite all the care and love he was receiving.
But Lovey amazed everyone. He gained weight, his coat became thicker and had a healthy gloss to it, and he was happy at Safe Haven. However, he needed a good deal of one-on-one attention, and a foster home was the best option for him.
In late 2016, one of our wonderful foster moms took him home, where he spent the last six months of his life. Here is his memorial, written by his foster mom:
I know I share this grief with so many of Lovey’s admirers. I put Lovey to sleep this morning after what was a perfect last day. He spent yesterday laying outside in the sun and also many naps laying on my chest. He even ate a few bites of food and started purring again. He began coughing last night which put him in respiratory distress. Although he slept peacefully on my chest all night his breathing never did return to normal and worsened again this morning. He hid all the typical diagnostic signs of cancer but that is the conclusion that we all came to in the end.
Thank you for letting us love on this old man for the last 6 months. It was our joy to care for him and help him find a peaceful end.
Kindly, Candyce
We had a great turnout of supporters for our Harbinger Winery Benefit and hope to see even more of you at our next Summer Fundraiser. We are most grateful to have been chosen as a beneficiary of one of this year’s well-known Summer Concert Series at Olympic Cellars Winery.
The popular Olympic Cellars Winery’s Summer Concert Series will support Peninsula Friends of Animals on Saturday, August 4th. Enjoy great music and wine and relax under the stars as you groove to Nick Drummond and his legendary band, The Senate. Their shows have sold out across the Pacific Northwest for the last few years, so get your tickets early!
Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and show time is 7:00 p.m. Advance tickets are $13 and can be purchased at BrownPaperTickets.com or at the winery, 255410 Hwy.101, Port Angeles. Tickets are $15 at the door. Please join us for the evening and benefit our loving rescues. For additional information, including suggestions for seating and what to wear, check Olympic Cellars website at www.olympiccellars.com.
The shelter has been very busy with welcoming new kittens who always entertain with their playful antics and adult cats who show off their purrfect personalities. Please check our Facebook page to see the newest arrivals.
Renovations are in full swing for our Isolation Trailer and Turtle Towers. We thank Hartnagel and Angeles Millwork for their generous discounting of needed materials and a huge, heartfelt thank you goes out to Kevin Rose for volunteering his expert skills on this project as well.
Our potholder team has been working feverishly to complete potholders for the Sequim Lavender Festival this weekend, including over 200 lavender themed sets. They will also be selling specially made items for this event. Lovely purses and totes will be available in limited quantity so you may want to get there early. Our booth number is 329. Look for the green and white striped tent top at Carrie Blake Park. Hours are Friday and Saturday 9-7 PM and Sunday 9-5 PM.
A FEW CURRENT SHELTER NEEDS Enjoy working outdoors? We’re in desperate need of volunteer mowers, weedwhackers and weeders. If anyone has one or two used chaise lounge size cushions we could use them for kitties who enjoy sunbathing on the lounges. We’re also in need of Feliway refills to lessen stress levels of new rescues.
Thank you for your continuing support of our advocacy efforts on behalf of the animals. We look forward to visiting with you at our upcoming events.
After a rough start in life, Emmet was a very shy boy. No one could get near him. He spent his time at Safe Haven hiding. In warm weather, he had a hiding place in one of the cat-friendly structures in the patio area outside his room. When it turned cold, he hid under the couch inside. Finally, he found his forever home with a couple from Port Angeles, who was able to see through the shy exterior. They decided that Emmet should come home with them. Although it was difficult for him to adapt to new places, the couple was very patient with Emmet, and gradually he became more comfortable in his new home.
Then disaster struck! The couple had to move to Oregon and would be living in a camper. Concerned that the change in environment would be too difficult for Emmet, they reluctantly returned him to Safe Haven, where he resumed hiding under the couch. Gradually he would come out – mostly for food. Occasionally he would tolerate limited petting.
Many months later, Emmet was readopted by his original family, now living in a permanent home. On a sunny Sunday they made an all-day trip from Oregon to take him home. A few days later, we received an email from his new family: “We are very excited to report that tonight Emmet came out of his ladder cubby and sat with us to get some much needed petting and brushing … lots of brushing … fur everywhere. He even followed me out into the living room and looked out the patio door. He purred the whole time. He did not even jump when one of us got up to leave his room. But the most amazing thing is that he actually climbed up on our laps to be petted while we were sitting on the floor. He meowed and purred like before.”
Today was a very sad day at the shelter as we said goodbye to one of our beloved office cats, Tony the Tiger. Tony came to us five years ago after his owner died in a tragic fire, and it was believed that Tony had perished as well. Amazingly, Tony, minus one of his nine lives, surfaced a few days later covered with grease and soot, and came to live with us at Safe Haven.
Tony was quite depressed upon arrival and refused to eat. We soon discovered that his English caretaker had fed him only people food, and Tony felt that he should continue with that menu! After some negotiation, we worked through the diet dilemma, and Tony settled into shelter life with us seamlessly. With the exception of a short adoption when Tony “peed his way home,” he spent the rest of his years at Safe Haven. His days were spent sunning himself on the deck and lounging on the love seat or in his heated bed receiving pets and love from all comers. Kind and mannerly, Tony was a shelter favorite and a wonderful companion to Tippy and then Lexi, as well.
Shortly after coming to us, Tony was diagnosed with early kidney failure. Due to the best vet care and wonderful support provided by our staff, we were able to keep Tony doing well until the end. Always a sweet and gentle cat, Tony departed this life as graciously as he lived — in his home and surrounded by those he loved most. In spite of our sorrow, we celebrate his life and the joy he brought to all who knew him. He will be greatly missed.
TRIXIEWhen Trixie came to Safe Haven in September of 2014, she was literally starved to death. Even more disturbing was her emotional detachment. She lay quietly in her cage with her face pressed to a corner, eating but not responding to any of us. After much good food, fluids and great vet care, she was able to greet us with a tiny little “meow.” She had a home and family to love her that Christmas. When the days grew warmer, volunteers would take her out to enjoy the sunshine. We all knew Trixie would not be with us long, and on the afternoon of March 11, 2015, she crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. She is very much missed by all of us at PFOA who cared for her and loved her.
ALESTERAlester was an active 14 years young cat who came to live at Safe Haven when his owner passed away. He thrived on human interaction, and would follow people around, wagging his tail and wanting to join in on
whatever was going on. Because he was FIV positive, he could only go into a home with other FIV positive cats or as a single cat. For well over a year he remained at Safe Haven, happily greeting volunteers, staff and visitors.
One day, a retired gentleman came to Safe Haven, met Alester, and it was love at first sight for both of them. Alester had found his new forever home. He and his foster dad were inseparable. They settled into a lifestyle that should have lasted several years. Regretfully, that was not to be. After a wonderful Thanksgiving week where Alester was the center of his new family’s attention, he began to lose his appetite. After visiting the vet, he was diagnosed with lymphoma and went downhill rapidly. Sadly, our sweet Alester crossed the Rainbow Bridge on December 30, 2013. He was a grand old fellow, with an endearing personality and flawless manners, and he will be greatly missed by everyone whose lives he touched.
HOPEMay 31, 2004 – November 18, 2015
In the early morning hours of Thursday, November 19, 2015, our Hope crossed the Rainbow Bridge to reunite with her Best Friend Forever, Maggie. Hope was with us for what seems like such a short time, and yet, many of us have difficulty remembering when she wasn’t here.
Hope’s 11 ½ years were not always easy. Injuries sustained as a small kitten left her near death, and without the use of her hind legs. When she was a little older, she tried to use a cart that had been made for her, but she didn’t like it. Eventually she just relied on her ability to drag her back legs anywhere she wished to go.
When Hope was two years old, she met her Mama Linda (Nielsen), who cared for her and loved her for the rest of her life. Mama Linda’s golden retriever, Maggie, was also a paraplegic, and Maggie and Hope were inseparable for the rest of their lives.
Maggie took the journey across the Bridge six months, to the day, before Hope. We like to think Maggie wanted to make sure everything was perfect for Hope.
We will all miss her, but we are thankful for the 11 ½ years of her life with us. We will remember her for her strength, loyalty, love of life, and most of all, hope.
JEFFERSONWhen Jeffy became ill, we rushed him to the veterinarian, and after several tests and procedures, he was diagnosed with an enlarged heart. We brought him back to Safe Haven, the only home he had known for most of the 11 years of his short life. It was our hope that he would continue to do well on his new medications and have more good years with us. This was not to be. Regretfully, our Jefferson passed over the Rainbow Bridge on the afternoon of July 12, 2015. He was in the home he loved, surrounded by people who loved him. He will be greatly missed by PFOA staff and volunteers who cared for him all of his life.
FAITHJanuary 11, 2011 to October 1, 2012
There are few things harder in this world than saying goodbye to a beloved friend! Our little friend, Faith moved our hearts in so many ways–she was found abandoned on a mountaintop near death and we took her in, she had a neurological disorder and we loved her the more dearly for her disability, she became blind and we admired her strength and ability to move forward. She was the most special little girl, and we all held her closely to our hearts and rejoiced that she had come to live with her PFOA family. We thought that she would be with us (or maybe with a wonderful adoptive family) for many years to come.
Our precious Faith became ill and passed away on October 1, 2012. Faith had gone to live at Barker House so she could enjoy a more homelike environment with her good friend, diabetic kitty Marcus. She was adored by her foster mom there, and enjoyed the quiet days spent lounging in a sunny windowsill and exploring a whole new world.
We will miss this ethereal little soul–she was, unfortunately, too fragile to continue her life with us here on this earth. But the lessons of love and faith that she taught us will remain as her gift to us all.