It’s been an interesting few weeks, putting it mildly, what with the erratic weather and ongoing situation with demonstrations. As expected it has had an effect on adoptions with far fewer people adopting or even fostering. This is very sad not to mention worrying .

We had a terrible month with very few cats going to homes, take a look ………..

Charlie – at last the beautiful Charlie found her forever home and has made herself more than a little bit at home. She has a new name and is loving the attention she receives almost 24/7. She’s a real telly addict too and will watch anything that’s on while cuddled up beside you.

Jelly & Jam – As expected our two little treasure are happy and loving the space and comfort provided, not to mention great food and attention. Two very fortunate kittens and a home any cat would be happy to be in.

Julio & Jupiter – Like the above ‘J kittens’ they’re living the life and have made new friends and playmates too; we love how rapidly and readily they settled in. I wish our older cats could do the same. Another amazing home to match the little cuties.

Karl – He has been through the wars with flu, infection and more; however, he bounced back and came out smiling. He’ll be in his new home very soon, next week as the adoption is confirmed. He has had the very best of care and I have to thank his fosters for that who kept him safe, did everything and more to nurse him back to health and it paid off since he’s more than tripled in weight. He is the cutest adorable little creature

New cats

Kiki & Kristy – They’re coming on nicely and lets face it it can’t be easy having never lived inside before. It takes time and time they have; they’ll both be desexed and vaccinations etc done and then more time ……… we are hopeful they’ll be ready for homing in time 

Leroy – he’s a very handsome boy. He was beaten and cruelly treated and rescued by the same person who fed and saved Kiki & Kristy. He’s now in a foster and learning to trust; he isn’t aggressive but he is standoffish and understandably so. He’ll get there – he’s made it this far and never mind how long it takes, he’s ours and he’ll get there when he’s ready.

Lucy – a pretty cat and we’re waiting to see if she wants to have a cat friend or not. Great with humans however the resident cat isn’t a fan yet. Lucy certainly isn’t looking to befriend her just yet either. If it doesn’t work, if she doesn’t fit that’s fine, she’ll easily find a home and she’s ready!

Who else do we have – well here’s a few if you’d like to take a look at……..

Lovely Larry, who is becoming a cuddly ball of fun – on his terms of course 

India & Iago, the young kittens who missed out on two homes as we had younger models 

Immy, the kittens mum and a stunning tortoiseshell who will be someones bff – soon we hope 

Iggy, such a gorgeous boy – love him (it’s hard not to) 

Idris & Iliana a perfect pair though a bit on the fat side right now – on a diet 

Bobo & Xiao xiong, they may be older but they’re also a delight to be around and would make anyone happy and calm 

If you’d like to see / meet any of our cats please check the website www.kirstenszoo.com and complete the questionnaire if you’d like to foster or adopt.

I look forward to hearing from you, lets hope things calm down generally and we’ll see you at Pawtners next month!

Our friend Karishma, invited us to attend and bring a few dogs along for the afternoon to her birthday party. We were all, of course concerned about the weather for good reason as lets face it we all know it can rain  at the drop of a hat  .

Well to our amazement it didn’t rain, not for longer than about 4 minutes yay!

We had a laugh with the kids who loved hanging out with the dogs, walking and playing with them. They asked a lot of interesting as well as curious questions which kept us on our toes. The food was delicious, lots of vegetarian nibbles and summer drinks followed by a cake which was to die for! The dogs got a special cake too, nobody was left out at this party!

Over the space of the day I talked about the charity, answered questions and received a positive response. A huge bonus – $29,600 was generosity donated by Karishma’s friends and family. We were stunned by the kindness shown and our cats and dogs

For me the highlight of the day was meeting a little girl who was terrified of the dogs, it was heartbreaking to see such fear in a child. She was standing on a wall, white with fear, completely terrified of Lili my little Poodle.

I spent time with her as did our volunteers and of course Lili and slowly things changed. It was like watching the leaves falling off a tree as she became less and less scared. By the end of the day, she was proudly walking with Lili on the lead, stroking her too. Of course Diva Lili loved every minute of it and was proudly strutting around with her new friend.

Huge thanks to Karishma and of course our amazing volunteers – Andrea, Tammy & Sue – you did us proud ladies! Not forgetting Wally & Boo, Gerda and Diva Lili – great job!

It has been a bit of a roller coaster and drought on the adoption front, not just this month but last month too. However it appears after the drought the adoptions came as did the rain and lots of it!

Some of the adoptions came as a surprise, a welcome surprise and it really gave us all a boost. Our oldest dogs we’d had for the longest time found retirement and forever homes. There’s no better feeling in the world than seeing the dogs trot off with their suitcases and their new families!

Gene – the most beautiful creature found himself a home, a home we dreamed of as it suits him and his needs perfectly. A quiet place, spacious, with other similar aged dogs, a lovely garden to potter around and enjoy the sunshine, when we get some. That’s what was hoped for and what he got.

It’s been but a few days and he’s already in a routine; walking happily with his new pals and doing all things dog and as expected loving the grass and the garden, we’re still waiting for the sunshine 

He and his brother Gabriel lived free for 12 years before being picked up by AFCD. Gabriel sadly died a year ago and they’d never been apart; I’m sure he’s happy for his brother as are we. Gene is over 13 years of age  and has a new beginning and life.

Leo – a newcomer and another older dog who had a number of homes to choose from and they all came in just as his foster decided to keep him! Having spent most of his life caged and then only 2 years in a happy home this will be his final home  –  this we are sure ️

Mei mei – another oldie who was given up when they left HK. Blind and needed dental and ear treatment – you could have grown potatoes in those ears, YUK.

Her new family have spoiled her and she now walks 3 times a day and is very vocal about what and when she wants! A right little madame she’s taken over 

Popeye –  he came to our adoption day but once, his little face and genuine happy demeanor found him a home that same day. He now has a home, a garden and a family who adore him. A true rags to riches story for this lovely dog 

Salvadore – my heart goes out to this boy! After a tough life with terrible neglect and treatment – he endured ill health and loneliness for years. We waited so very long to find him a loving home, as he was repeatedly overlooked. He’s a big dog but a softy and when he loves, oh he loves you!

He stayed with friends for sometime and as the months passed he became more attached and relaxed until he finally got under their skin and his paws firmly under the table – he’s homed at last!

DOGS ON TRIAL 

Jake & Juno – they came from the same home, neglected, in poor condition and health with ear infections, skin too and their teeth were horrendous. Juno lost an eye as well as many teeth and Jake though in better shape is only now beginning to look really healthy. Over the following 2 months their 4 siblings were adopted. Every dog has his day and their day came when a friend surprised us all and said she’d like to take them both! Now in a home together where they’ll be 2 of the most spoiled dogs EVER!

June – at last our sweet girl found herself a home. She missed out when her twin Jiggle was adopted but the family weren’t allowed to have two dogs and so sadly June remained in foster. She’s been very happy but foster homes aren’t always forever; they are a stepping stone to a new life. At last her new life is beginning and let us hope she is as happy as she has been 

Lyn – such a gorgeous, chubby, cuddly puppy he is and we are looking forward to seeing how he develops and grows. He has a family and a play mate, well that’s if Sally the cat allows. We are sad he couldn’t stay with his friend Lydia but she’s more interested in people than him  he has a new beginning and life.

NEW ADDITIONS

Marble & Mildred – they were found with Lyn & Lydia on the hillside. Now in a safe, happy foster home, healthy and being well fed and loved, they’re doing really well. They’ve got lots of friends and are happy. Marble is a ridiculously affectionate, tactile puppy who loves everyone. Mildred less so, though she still loves to receive attention and is a gentle, less demonstrative puppy.

Monty – he’s a young Lab cross though more lab for sure – playful, rambunctious, fun loving and silly dog. We’ll know more tomorrow so watch this space  …..

STILL LOOKING 

​Gretel, Jocelyn, Pudding, Juliette, Lydia, Barney & Toby 

For more information please check our website www.kirstenszoo.com if you’d like to adopt, foster, volunteer please contact us.

Huge thanks to the The Peak Cafe and staff, though they are renovating we are still there and they’re doing their best to make it as easy as they can for us. I look forward to seeing you next month on the 8th & the 29th.

Further thanks to Suzanne, Vivien and our amazing volunteers for the day who came out in the pouring rain as did our amazing fosters and followers.