Consider Adopting the Long-term Residents at Cat Shelters

What do you consider when looking to adopt a cat?

For many, it is the kitten or 1-year-old cat. Maybe it is the cat that walks up to you and gives you love or jumps on your lap. We have all been there. My current cats were young and friendly when adopted, but when I started volunteering at a rescue I realized that there are older, shy, or special needs kitties in shelters across the U.S and the world that need to be considered in the adoption process. These animals are harder to adopt and can spend years or their whole life without a forever home.

One shelter that focuses on these harder-to-adopt animals is Harmony Rescue located in Rustburg VA.

Lifelong animal lovers, Cindy Schott and Kathy Freiberg founded the shelter in 2004. Currently, the rescue is the home of 10 cats, 12 dogs, 3 guinea pigs, a horse, and a donkey. Many of these animals will live out their days at this picturesque rescue which shows the big-hearted nature of its founders.

In 2019, I started volunteering at the rescue focusing on interacting with the cats. There were more cats here at that point, but the smaller number today reflects that many of these cats are older and have health issues. These types of animals can be a large expense for a small rescue, but it does not stop the mission of Harmony Rescue to allow these animals to live their best lives. I see my job as a volunteer is to increase their comfort level with humans and learn about what type of environment may be suited for each animal.

Today I want to focus on three long-term residents at Harmony Rescue.

These three female cats – Scarlett, Ellie, and Sophia – have been at the shelter since I started volunteering. There is one characteristic that they share that has led them to have extended stays at Harmony. They are all reserved and initially are not the first cat to interact with visitors. All are used to other gentle cats.

• Scarlett - Calico, 3 yrs. She came to the rescue with a litter of kittens who have long been adopted. She is probably the timidest of the cats I will discuss. Scarlett will usually find a place to hide when humans come into her cattery which can make it difficult for adopters to see her potential. An experienced cat owner should have no problem getting the cat they seek with patience and love. Scarlett has no known health issues and loves to play once she is comfortable with you.

• Ellie - Tabby female, 5 yrs. She came to the rescue as part of a litter of kittens. Due to her initially reserved nature, she has been passed over by potential adopters for other Harmony residents. I had taken a six-month break from my volunteering at the rescue, but Ellie immediately remembered me and flopped on the ground for love and attention. Off and on she has battled an eye infection, but she can be treated with eye drops. Ultimately a bundle of love that has been here 4 years too long.

• Sophia - Black female, 5yrs. Sophia also came to Harmony as part of a litter of kittens. She is a beautiful black kitty and will be the first to greet you with a loud meow once she gets to know you. She is a big talker and loves the pets and attention of people she knows. Even after being away for 6 months, she saw me outside the cattery and immediately went to the door and sang. She is suffering a little hair loss currently and has been removed from the larger cattery in case she is suffering from an allergic reaction. Personally, I think she is a little stressed that many other cattery residents have been adopted. Sophia deserves a forever home as she has been at Harmony too long.

There are many animals I could have discussed here at Harmony Rescue.

When I returned to Harmony after a 6-month break to take care of other things in my life I was happy to see many of my old friends were adopted. However, being treated like a trusted friend by Scarlett, Ellie and Sophia broke my heart because I know these lovable cats need to find a forever home as well. Volunteering at a shelter can be hard as I want to take every animal home with me, but if you are currently considering adopting a cat in Central Virginia - please consider these long-term residents. Click on this link and adopt one of these treasured cats - You will be glad you did.

P.S. - Also consider senior cats and those with long-term health conditions. Initially, I wanted to cover these animals as well in this blog, but the girls above directed me elsewhere. It does take a big heart to consider this as your relationship with these companions may be shorter, but the reward for these special needs animals can’t be put into words. Harmony Rescue has cats and dogs that fit into this category. One such cat is Ruby whose food and medical care are fully sponsored. Sorry - could not resist one more video.

Cindy and Kathy are dedicated to the mission of Harmony and the long-term residents it serves, regardless of age or medical condition. This mission requires financial support and I am hoping you open your heart and your wallet to help support this shelter with a donation. I would also like to bring your attention to Harmony Rescue's Annual Raffle where each $10 dollar ticket provides a chance to win a daily monetary prize ($50 - $300) every day in January. Tickets go on sale November 1. This annual raffle is the main financial support for the rescue each year.

Ruby, Penny, Ellie, Micha, Carly, Buddy, Lucy, Charlie, Scarlett, Rocket, Sweetens, Shadow, Sophia, Britta, Susie, Cosmo, Sophie, and many others thank you in advance for your support. Other similar shelters have similar stories to tell - please support them!!