Rescue Tails / Madison Adele

It had been over a year since Terri and Mitzi had heard the sounds of meows and litter scuffs in the house. Over time the quiet became too quiet. Their hearts yearned for the pitter-patter of little paws, the sounds of a toy ball rolling across the floor, even the yowl of a demanding 4 am wake up call to refill the nearly-full bowl of food. As long time friends and volunteers at our Marathon Campus, it was an innocent thought at first: “Let’s just stop by the shelter and play with some cats. I’m sure some feline interaction would be good for us. Right?”

She was such a tiny little thing, sitting all by herself which made her seem even smaller. She was the only baby in a room of elders. This little kitten was irresistible, the bond fortified in that one very moment, it was truly love at first sight. This little kitten was still too young to be adopted right away, so she was placed with a foster family until she was weaned. Her foster family shared pictures as she grew into a playful young kitten, so it was like she was with them the entire time.

Terri and Mitzi began preparing for their new baby, now named Madison, repurposing the house for a cat again, and eagerly awaiting her arrival. Her soon-to-be canine sister, Abigale Leigh, had been showing signs of loneliness caused by the loss of her brother. Her family would catch her watching the neighborhood cats outside, knowing she needed a sibling. All that was left to do was wait.

Finally, the big day arrived! Madison was no longer the tiny baby they first fell for. When she arrived at the house she was a gangly long-legged speed demon curious of the new surroundings and smells. She ran across her humans’ laps and slept on their chests. She made every new box an adventure. Her humans loved her, and her canine sibling adored her. Abigale and Madison played chase, then hide and seek. They drank from the same water bowl, because, well, they were sisters! She fit like a glove into her new life.

It has now been a year and a half. Today the girls sit by the back door until it is opened and they run out and play like the last day of school. Madison plays in her catio watching the neighbors and chasing lizards that dare to cross the boundary. She rests with her family as they sing Abigale to sleep, then expects her evening treats. Her days are spent riding in the clothes basket, playing hide and seek, and chasing her mommas to get head bumps before she retires to her favorite blanket. She has a life where she is truly loved, an integrated member of the family unit. A life we wish for all of our shelter pets.

It’s kitten season and both our Key West and Marathon Campuses have kittens available for adoption. If you’re considering bringing a new kitten into your family visit us online at fkspca.org/adopt-a-cat and view our adoptable kittens, cats and seniors at both Campuses. Our highly trained adoption counselors are here to find you the right cat or kitten for your family.