IN MEMORIAM
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.
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A cageless, no-kill, non-profit animal welfare group serving the Olympic Peninsula since 2000
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.
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MITTENS
Domestic Shorthair, Female
Color: Brown/white tabby
Size: Extra large
Age: Senior
Special needs: possible hyperthroidism
Mittens is one of the sweetest, most loving mature kitties we’ve seen. Originally adopted from Safe Haven as a kitten, she was returned because her person needed to go into assisted living. She is a gorgeous brown and white tabby with striking markings, and she definitely doesn’t look (or act) her age! She just wants to be cuddled, loved and petted. She is being tested for hyperthroidism, and is otherwise very healthy. After her tests are complete, nothing would please her more than to find her new furrever home.
https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=KL6J8A4GGJBJQ
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.
Domestic 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!
Domestic 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!
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.
CATNIP & SIP at our new venue: Fox Bell, April 6, 2019
EVENT PHOTOS
Shorthair 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.
[lightbox thumb=”/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/ThistleWebLarge.jpg” width=”200″ align=”left” title=”” frame=”true” icon=”image” caption=””]THISTLE
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.
“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
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
[lightbox thumb=”/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/JulyWebLarge.jpg” width=”300″ align=”left” title=”” frame=”true” icon=”image” caption=””]JULY (February, 2005 – February 9, 2020)
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
[lightbox thumb=”/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/MarcusWebLarge.jpg” link=”/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/MarcusWebLarge.jpg” width=”400″ align=”left” title=”” frame=”true” icon=”image” caption=””]A gorgeous longhaired, gray and white Maine Coon, Marcus came to PFOA in July of 2011. At the time, he had been cared for by an elderly woman. He was about ten years old.
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.
When 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.
Alester 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.
May 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.
When 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.
January 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.