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Health & Fitness

Fluff Wants You to Know That A Cat's Life Does Not End at Fifteen

Hello, my name is Fluff La Belle and I am not a kitten.  Really, what is it with these people?  Why do they think those silly kittens are the cat’s meow?  Don’t they know kittens climb your curtains, explore your knick-knack shelves (knocking off your favorite aunt’s vase), and poke their fuzzy noses just about everywhere until you are exasperated?   Plus, kittens don’t cuddle. On the other hand, we elder cats have serenity and gravitas (that means we are wise) and we love you because we know the value of time and the sweetness of life.  If you have ever had an older cat, you already know this secret: older cats are the very best. There’s a spirit of peace and an underlying feeling of calm comfort in their aura.   Wouldn’t you love that in your home and your life?

So, if I am so special, you ask, why am I homeless?  Well, that is a very sad story. For 15 wonderful years, I was cared for by a person who loved me dearly.  He gave me and my kids a home, fed us, and took us to the vet every year.  But my person got sick and was taken from me.  Needless to say, I was devastated.  Then, PAWS took me in when many other shelters would not have given me the chance because I am not young enough.  In fact, some shelters will euthanize older animals who are surrendered to them. However, PAWS knew that, if I had the time to grieve, I would soon be ready for the next phase of my life.  And they were right.

I mean, look at me!  I am a wide-eyed, short-haired tortoiseshell with a white face, belly and paws.  Don’t you think I am beautiful?  I try to keep my petite body in shape by eating sensibly and getting a good dose of exercise—usually by moving around to find a nice place for my next nap, which might be on your lap or by your side.  I can truly appreciate a warm spot and some gentle brushing.  I also like to add in some daily yoga to stretch my legs. 

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In the interest of full disclosure, you should know that I do have a minor vice: I adore catnip.  The stuff is just wonderful in a way I can’t quite explain.  I am not saying it makes me nutty.  I would never act like a one of those silly kittens.  It does make me feel just the slightest bit giddy, however.

When I first came to PAWS, I was in a foster home with my daughter, 13-year-old Wilhemina.  Then, we were moved to the PAWS adoption center in the Danvers PetSmart.  There, we were able to meet many more humans and Wilhe found her forever family.  But, please don’t feel sad that we are no longer together.  To tell you the truth, I used to get very annoyed with my daughter, who was a bit bossy and was always trying to eat my food.  (She took after her father!) What does make me sad is that I am still waiting for my special person.  There are other cats here at PetSmart who seem to grab all the attention, while people skip me over because of my age.  These folk just don’t know what they are missing.  Even so, isn’t there a law or something about age discrimination in pet adoptions?  Well, there should be. 

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So, can I tell you the hope in my heart that keeps me going?  I dream every night about having a home again and a person of my own.  While I’m quite used to sharing a home with other pets, I much prefer to be the only cat this time around—with all the attention going to me.  And, I want a window I can look out and some sun to bask in.  And, most of all, I want a person or family to love as deeply as I loved my first human.  I’m not worried about how old or how young you are.  I know we are going to have an amazing life together and that we will savor every single day of it. You just need to stop by my cage and say “Fluff La Belle is the one for me.”  I will take it from there because I am ready to spend the rest of my life with you. 

To learn more about Fluff, or any of our other adoptable cats, kittens, or dogs, contact PAWS at (781) 246-6111 or PAWSwakefield@yahoo.com. You can also meet many of our available pets at our weekly adoption hours: Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at VCA Wakefield Animal Hospital or at the Danvers PetSmart every Thursday and Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 1 to 4 p.m. Last, but not least, we hold adoption hours at the PETCO in Woburn the first Saturday of every month from 12:30 to 3:00 p.m. 

PAWS is an all-volunteer animal welfare organization.  Founded by the late Esther Nowell in 1982, PAWS responds to animal-related needs in many communities north of Boston.  Our top service areas include Wakefield, Lynnfield, Reading, North Reading, Saugus, Stoneham, Woburn, Winchester, and Malden.  Our mission is to promote and protect the rights and well-being of all domestic animals and wildlife, and foster a greater understanding of animal welfare and animal rights through education.  PAWS receives no local, state or federal funding.  Our budget is completely funded by our membership dues, adoption services, annual fundraising efforts, and kind donations from friends and members.

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