April 7, 2008 - Second Chance Cat Room - Chapter 10

Jupiter: Hello! How are you? We really, really want to be adopted together because we're best friends, and would be very sad without each other's company. I feel like I need someone to cuddle with me and keep me company.

Pluto: Hello! And I am more laid back, I think. We are dreaming of a quieter family, a household that's not too busy or chaotic. I saw a silly cartoon cat once and I liked him! I think it was Garfield.

Jupiter: I like fairies and princesses, thank you -- more girly things! I'm not sure how I would feel about going outside, how about you, Pluto?

Pluto: I would love to! I think it'd be exciting! But I would watch over you, Jupiter.

Jupiter: Thank you, Pluto. Yes, I do feel frightened of things, like other, bigger animals, and birds of prey like owls. I heard owls eat mice, and I think mice are cute. I sometimes worry that no one will love me and that I'll be alone without Pluto someday. I also worry that some big men will cut all the trees down and there won't be any more trees left. I would like to be a tree, they are majestic, and calm, and big and bold and beautiful! Chopping down trees is very unfair because trees only do good, and all they get is bad! It's mean.

Pluto: Oh Jupiter, I think that if people knew how much we loved each other they would try to keep us together.

Kitana: I am excited to be talking! Thank you! Did you know that Christmas is my favorite time of year? It's magical and warm and special and I love Santa and his reindeer. I would love to have my own home next Christmas. I also love the Easter Bunny and think there should be a Thanksgiving Turkey that goes around so people can give him their thanks. And perhaps he could grant their wishes or something like that, I don't know. And why don't people believe in Santa Claus? It makes no sense! I would love to be with a nice family that loves and feeds me and spends time with me. I would like people to see both my sensitive and fun sides, and to love me for who I am. I do like playing with other kitties. Dogs are nice, too! I'm ok with them. And I love piano and violin music. And I'm also afraid that no one will love me either because they seem to pass over me here at the shelter. I'm very nice, you know! I guess I think that tiger cats are plain and common. Calicos are so colorful, for example. I feel like I've been here for a very long time. I really hope someone comes to take me home soon! It's hard for me to be seen way up here in the top cage, I sometimes think I'd like to be closer to people in a cage that's lower, but I know Mary and Zuzu need the cage below me.

We hope you enjoyed this chapter of Cat Chatter! Cat Chatter will be updated periodically in the hopes that more folks will consider adopting an adult cat. If any of these felines catch your eye, visit the Adoptable Cats page for details on ages and adoption info!

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March 19, 2008 - Second Chance Cat Room - Chapter 9

Fiona: Hello! I'm Fiona. I am a very friendly kitty who loves to be around her people a lot, and even to sleep with them, if possible! I would like to be either alone as your special kitty, or perhaps with another kitty my age. Before I came here someone put my paw in paint and I did nice artwork on some paper, it was fun! I named that picture "kitty feet." I like when people do crafts and activities so I can watch them. I like rhymes, and the kinds of stories that you make up as you go along. I like herbs and catnip, and pink and purple glittery things. I like country musics, and bluegrass, and classical music. Some pop songs are aIl right too. I would like a nice big house to explore and nice people who don't travel too much. Thank you! I had a great time talking!

Zuzu: I am here at the shelter and am feeling very worried about the dogs. Ever since I came to the shelter I've been very jumpy. I don't like my name very much for some reason, and somehow I don't think I'm quite as pretty or brave as Mary, my sister. I am afraid of a lot of things here, and would like a comfy house where people are around often so I don't have to be worried. In my old house, people would leave on vacations for a long time and this would frighten me, and it was hard for other animals to calm me down. I really need to be adopted with Mary, she is very comforting and helps me a lot. If my new owners are going away, I need them to tell me ahead of time, and leave something for me so I know they'll come back home. I don't like total darkness either. I am very shy, I'm sorry. I am also a little embarrassed too about talking about the things that frighten me. But I have a lot of love to give, too!

Mary: Hello. Usually I am relaxed and friendly, but the shelter is kind of stressful and big, with a lot of sad animals. I really love Zuzu and take care of her as much as I can. I think Zuzu is very pretty. I don't like when people around me are negative, I like cheerful and positive and gentle folk. I like all kinds of people, children too. I would like a quiet house with no noisy pipes, please (if possible)! I do like dangly and jingle bell toys, and the colors yellow, white and sky blue, as they are very pure colors. Thank you! I hope Zuzu and I get adopted very soon!

March 1, 2008 - Second Chance Cat Room - Chapter 8

Author and Interviewer Eva Olson has asked some of the very intelligent cats at the Shelter to share their feelings and life stories with the fascinated public. Here is some what she recorded on March 1st, 2008:

Sadie: Do you know, I am so very sad that my owner became ill. No one told me that she wasn't well, and if I had known, I feel like I might have helped somehow. She really understood how special I am, and exactly what I needed. I miss her. I thought maybe I would see her again but now I don't know what will happen. The people fostering me are very kind, but I'm feeling a little helpless right now. I'm sorry, I guess I don't feel much like talking right now. Thank you for understanding! Oh, I wanted to add that I actually like Disney things, like Mickey Mouse and Tinkerbell. They seem cheerful to me!

Lunar: Hello! This is my story: I lived with people until they dropped me off on a road and left me one day. Someone found me that next day and kindly cared for me and some other cats until the family had to move. Since they could not keep me any longer, they dropped me off here at the Shelter. I do not like dogs as I am scared of them (though I've never really known them, to be honest). I enjoy watching birds and squirrels from windows. I like the colors green and yellow, and silly play time, like being tickled! I am interested by both quiet families, and large happy families too. I like summer best, when the days are warm and when kids are home on vacation. I like children of all kinds! It would actually be ok if I were to live with a cat my age or older. Thank you!

Petrie: Hello, it's me again. I am still feeling sad here at the shelter, and would love to be in my new forever home! Can someone please come in and see how special I am? I think I would get along well with other, older cats or kittens. I have a lot to offer, and, aside from being handsome, am very intelligent and a good listener! When you take me home, I will thrive and my true personality will shine through! It's hard to be yourself at the shelter. Thank you.

February 16, 2008 - Second Chance Cat Room - Chapter 7

Super Star Erica Kane grants Cat Chatter author Eva Olson a rare interview and shares some very personal feelings, hopes, and dreams.

Erica: Hello! I am a little shy, and a little bit of a worrier. I worry about others. I would like a home with at least another kitty, and do like having girl kitties around especially, they make me feel safe. I am very frightened of dogs, though, even if I don't show it on the outside. I like to look at birds, and I like gentle rain because it's soothing. Not thunder, though! I like to eat eggs, over easy please, as I like the yolk. I used to lick the yolk when no one else wanted it at my former house, especially when it was still warm!. I like to have nice, clean water in my water dish -- no hairs or debris, please. Everyone likes to drink nice, clean water! I think falling snow is very peaceful, I like Winter and Spring, but I think summers get too hot. I like all different colors, did you know that every color has a feeling. Yellow and pale pink are happy, green makes me feel adventurous, light blue makes me feel calm, purple is energetic, red is shy and a little secretive. I would like a medium-sized or small house so it doesn't feel overwhelming. I like all kinds of people, and I really like Winnie the Pooh! I think he's happy and cheerful. I like regular cat food (canned, with fish, and dry), and dangly toys. All the cats love dangly toys! Thank you!

Petrie:Hi. I'm Petrie. I like birds, and... umm..... I have a good sense of humor, though being at the shelter has made me scared, so you can't tell right now. I like the colors green and blue, and all kinds of music. I feel a little nervous talking, I'm sorry! At the shelter, it's hard to be yourself with so many other animals. I love to lie next to air conditioners, it feels good on my fur! It's one of my favorite things to do. I like to put my paw into water occasionally too, it feels nice. And I like to drink a little milk sometimes. Before I came here I had a red Snoopy pillow and I really liked it. I like Snoopy. I really love children. I trust them because they are usually very gentle and I know they won't hurt me.. I am a little afraid to be outside, though. I hope I get adopted soon! Ummm... perhaps I'll talk more later. Thank you!

November 10, 2007 - Second Chance Cat Room - Chapter 6

Luke: "Well, hello everyone.! I do feel like talking! Here we are, and many of us have left to go to their forever families. Penny, and Koda, and Tracey, and Cinderella, and I don't even know who else! Do you know what, Yoda?

Yoda: "What, Luke?"

Luke: "I have so much on my mind that I just feel like talking and talking! I wonder if anyone out there knows I love dangly toys. I don't feel like I have many friends here at the Shelter, and in fact I don't care for it much here, I don't think. I don't care to be around so many other cats, and I feel a little afraid. The people here wonder why I don't like to come out. I'm a little shy, but if someone picks me up properly I like it. They could just leave my cage open and I would probably take the chance and come out.

Yoda: It's because you aren't used to the people or this place yet, Luke.

Luke: I suppose you're right. I need more TLC, but I also need to be allowed to warm up to a person. I do love to be scratched behind the ears and on my tummy (and the sides). I like fast music and especially the drums! Maybe the person taking me home would like to play drums for me! I get tingly and warm inside from drum vibrations. I may look like I'm scared but I'm really listening (as long as it's not too loud!) You know, I would like to look through a window for a long time, especially at the birds. I like the radio but not the commercials, especially car commercials, because the guys on those sound mean! I know I shouldn't make assumptions about car sellers but they do sound mean! And there's another woman on a radio commercial and she's very boring and she shouldn't talk anymore because it makes my ears go to sleep! Ugh. The best music are Indian drums, without commercials. Cymbals are too crashy and loud, though. And guitars are all right in moderation. I've never talked about myself so much, I feel very important! I think bird feathers are soft and happy, I think they could carry me to high treetops. I would like to be a bird and glide to the high tree tops.

Yoda: Really?

Luke: Yes, and I would like a family that likes nature and drums, and the piano. I like soft music with one instrument, you know. No high singing, please! I would like a nice big house for exploring. And I'm afraid of dogs. I saw a movie once with a dog chasing a cat up a tree and it was very scary! Some of the small dogs think they're better than everybody else, and the big dogs are scary with their teeth. I am very shy around big dogs and big people. I think kids are nice, though not too many. Babies cry a lot and frankly I don't know why people think they're so great! I knew a baby once and all it did was cry and drink milk and it was "baby this" and "baby that". I don't even like milk! Once I drank water that had a hint of lemon in it by mistake and it was delicious! It probably wasn't very good for me, though.

Yoda: Lemon???

Luke: Yes, it was simply delicious! Maybe someone will make some for me sometime. But, as I was saying, booming voices are scary too. I don't like to ride in car either because it's swishy and loud and makes my ears pop, so I prefer not to unless it's absolutely necessary. When people at the Shelter talk I always listen, but it's disappointing because they don't usually talk about me. I want them to say I'm soft and shiny. I saw a cat on TV once and it was very fancy with big eyes and soft fur. I don't think I'm very soft but I would love it if people could tell me I'm lovely and have soft fur! Oh, and the cat on TV was wearing a wig but I don't want to wear one because they weren't meant for cats! Sometimes I get sad because I don't know why some people like some cats more than others, for example I heard someone saying that Blue Eyes was her favorite and it made me sad. Sometimes when I have sad or glad feelings, people around me feel them but they don't know they come from me! Goodness, I HAVE talked a lot! I'm all talked out, in fact, but I feel much lighter now, thank you for listening! Would you like to say what's on your mind, Yoda?

Yoda: "Hi there -- um... I think I'm a little shy... I don't know what to say! I know I like fuzzy things to sleep on and to look out the window. I think it's nice that there are other little creatures, and trees, that live outside. I really like little animals. Maybe I could be a "mom" to another younger cat, I think I'd be a good mother. I don't really like my name now, I do not look like a "Yoda"! I am very afraid of the dogs in the shelter, especially when they walk by. I really love you, brother Luke! And I like music, happy music, not sad music. And I like when it's quiet so I can think, usually about water. Water is strong but still, too, and gives me peace. It gives me a lot of happiness when people say nice things to me, especially out loud, which makes me feel very special. And when I feel love from them I feel special, although it doesn't happen as much as I much like. Sometimes I feel a little ugly because I look different -- different isn't good, is it?

Luke: Different is VERY good, Yoda! I think you just need a family to love you and perhaps a new name, and you'll feel differently about yourself.

Yoda: Do you think so, Luke? I do like colors, too -- did I ever tell you? Some cats can't see colors, but I can. Colors stay happy and don't change, and I like that!. I like to imagine new colors, and when I see colors I try to think of other things that have the same colors, it's a nice game that I like to play to pass the time.

Luke: I can't see too many colors but it doesn't bother me. I feel the colors that I do see, I am certainly not a poor little helpless color blind cat, you know!

Yoda: I see and feel colors -- when my eyes are closed I still feel the vibrations of that colors, every shade is different! Sometimes I close my eyes and see many different colors and weave them together, and it's very calming.

Luke: Then I don't know why you feel ugly - you're coat is full of beautiful fall colors - browns and yellows and oranges! You're gorgeous actually! What kind of family do you think you would like?

Yoda: Oh, Luke, you're so sweet! I would love a nice little cozy family with a small house, because I don't want to get lost in a big house. Maybe a house with some some nice white shutters? Those seem cozy. I prefer not to ride in a car unless I had to. And cars that are very loud and bumpy agitate me. I actually didn't know that I was here to get adopted, I thought I was at this place for good!

Luke: Heavens, Yoda!

Yoda: Well, I didn't know! I'm glad to hear it. I do like water, but I hope there's no pool at my new home because I can't swim! And just a neighbor dog, maybe, because unless it's a very kind dog who doesn't bark then I might be frightened. Once I knew a deaf dog who was very kind to me. But the dogs at the shelter are loud. I think it's sad that those dogs are scared too - I know how they feel all caged up. Sigh... I wish I could go climb a tree. Why don't they let me out? I promise I won't run away! When I'm adopted will they let me out?

Luke: I think it depends on the family, Yoda. I guess we'll have to wait and see what happens. Did you want to say something, Ambercup?

Ambercup: I really loved my babies, and now that there's only one left, Acorn, who hasn't been adopted, it's going to be hard for me to see her go. But my kittens were all named for squashes, and I don't think they look a thing like squashes, it's very unfair! Acorn looks exactly like me, and when a mother cat and her baby look alike, they have a special connection, you know. A mother cat has a special relationship with every one of her babies. Don't you think the shelter should ask the cats before they name them? Acorn and Hubbard are very sensitive about their names and I wonder, am I a squash too? No? Good.

Luke: I agree that some of us have funny names, but when we come here as strays, they have to name us something and they try hard to give us names that no other cats have had - to make us unique. That's what I think anyway and I don't worry to much about it because our new owners usually give us our most special names!

Ambercup: Yeah, I guess. Hey, did you know that I can read?

Luke: Yes - I can read too! Many of us can.

Ambercup: I love watching Acorn play. She is very entertaining and funny! I know I have to let her go someday but I can't bear to think about it. It's hard because I want her to have fun but I worry about her. And shelter moms are very close to their kittens because we all need each other in these stressful situations. As far as a family, I think I would like another kitty with me so I wouldn't be lonely. A nice peaceful family and peaceful surroundings, too. I like jingly things and so does Acorn. I would loved to be brushed! I don't like to be dirty, and brushing feels so good! It would actually be nice not to have responsibilities, now that I think about it. And I would like a nice cozy bed somewhere where I don't have to move from my naps to accommodate anyone. I don't know if I like music. Maybe the piano -- it sounds jolly and happy. Sometimes songs are junky-sounding. I love watching out of windows and sniffing the fresh air and hearing the sounds of birds singing and the feel of grass under my paws. I worry about the other cats at the shelter too -- I hope they all get nice homes.

Yoda: I have a feeling we all will, Ambercup -- and before too long! What about you, Tiffany?

Tiffany: Hi! You all are so interesting! I like small things, little birds, little trees, little things generally, just not little cages! I like little cozy houses, but I'm not sure if I like dogs, I haven't had much interaction with them. I would like another cat to be friends with, maybe a companion cat so I don't get lonely. I don't believe I'm perfect, but I would set a good example for some happy family who loves me for what I am and doesn't expect perfection. Once I did something bad, I stole a piece of food because I was going to have kittens and I was hungry. My owner at that time didn't know, so I got into trouble and I feel very badly about that!

Ambercup: Oh, Tiffany, you poor thing!

Tiffany: It's ok, Ambercup. Thank you for being so kind. I really like houses with white shutters too, it must be a favorite design of a cozy home for a cat! I know I'll get a house soon but I don't know when, and I'm a little sad and nervous about everything. Sometimes I feel like a bad mother because I have to scold my kittens. One climbed into trash can once and fell in, and I had to scold him. But I can't let him be undisciplined, can I?

Ambercup: No, of course not! You did the right thing!

Tiffany: And the one kitten of mine who looks like me, he is very sensitive. He tried to be with me when he can. When I'm in the cage above they all miss me. I love catnip, by the way. Who called it catnip to begin with, some very smart person probably!. Isn't "catnip" the perfect name? If it wasn't called that I don't think they would give it to cats. I miss my mother, too. It's hard to be a mom but hard to be without a mom when I have my own kittens; I had them too young. It's a lot of responsibility, but I'm dreading the time when the kittens move on. I also love dangly toys and people food sometimes for a treat, like eggs and cheese. I like all kinds of music, I think. Did you now that I can sing? Some cats might sound like they're singing but they're actually whining or crying or begging for food sometimes. But when I am doing it, I am singing, or sometimes asking something. I try to contact people with my mind, and then when they don't hear me I have to say it out loud. Sometimes I do get hungry or sad, but I like singing and I've even taught some of my kittens here at the Shelter to sings a few words!

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September 21, 2007 - Second Chance Cat Room - Chapter 5

Cinderella: Well, I have to say that I am really just bored with the Shelter! I've been here since March 24th - would somebody please take me home? I know there's someone out there who has no other pets and really wants a sweet, lovable cat. I don't know about you other cats, but I'm feeling insecure. I don't think I'm all that pretty -- I don't like the color of my coat and they all say Koda is so beautiful. I need someone to tell me I'm beautiful too. And I think my coat must be ratty. I would love someone to brush me and tell me I'm beautiful. I'm tired of my name, too -- I don't think it fits me. I like Tracy and Penelope's names. Gosh, I keep waiting and waiting, I keep getting my hopes up and nothing happens! I'm very stressed out lately. I want to be loved and adored, and you know, I don't see many children at the shelter. They are always so happy and cheerful, and I like their energy. And I love dangly toys but no one ever gave me one. I just feel unneeded, People don't come to see just me, and I feel so very unimportant!

Tracy: Gosh, Cinderella, that a lot for one kitty to be holding on to! I agree that your coat was in pretty sad shape when you arrived, but now it is all grown out and shiny - you're gorgeous! They should put a mirror in your cage so you can see how pretty you are now.

Cinderella: Thank you Tracy, you are very sweet! Whew! You know, I feel much better that I got these things off my chest. Boy, was it ever exciting when we had a mouse run across the floor recently! Wasn't it exciting, Tracy?

Tracy: YES! And I almost caught it! I heard Diane laughing about it because I couldn't exactly fit under the desk to catch the darn thing, and then it ended up running out the door. It was close! But you know, I feel like getting some things off my chest too. I've been feeling kind of old, not as agile as before. I know I could stand to lose a few pounds, too. I also have the sad title of Longest Shelter Resident - I've been at Second Chance since February 2nd! I wonder sometimes how my kittens are doing and hope that I will get to go to a new home soon too. Cinder, do you think there is a family out there for me that has no other pets? I hope so....

Cinderella: Sure I do Tracy - there's a family out there for all of us. And it's not your fault that you're a bit overweight, We can't get out often enough for the exercise we need, even though everyone tries very hard to let us out as often as possible.

Tracy: And really, I can't think of a single reason why no one would want me. I am a good cat and would try really hard! I am lonely in this corner cage. I can't see any of you from here. I want to be with Cinderella and Koda, I think Koda is very thoughtful. Once I get a new home with new people it will be so lovely to get attention. Kittens are irritating, but it would be very nice to have a neighbor cat to look at and talk to through the window!

Koda: Well, I am not bored at all, I am good at amusing myself lately! I know how to make up good games to keep the kittens amused, too, it seems. I like the kittens, you know they do idolize me a bit! I think they want to be like me. And I like dangly toys, too! Cinderella and Tracy, I feel badly because your cages are small. And Penelope, you are just distressed and worry all the time and keep to yourself when there are nice cats here, so I feel for you, too.

Cinderella: I was like that too when I first came in, but the people are just so nice here that I began to relax.

Koda: I must say, I do feel like talking! I feel myself to be a very friendly chap. I like things that make noise, and I like to listen to sounds. You know, I used to watch TV, it was very interesting, those moving pictures. You know I don't have any idea as to why I'm here, but I know I'm supposed to be here so I'm going to trust my instincts and be patient. I must be very evolved, I think! I like to teach the kittens, they are very curious and I like to educate young minds... Although they think sometimes I talk too much they listen to me most of the time. These kittens really are delightful, they have no worries in life yet! Why did they name me Koda, I wonder? People say they like my eyes, though I think they look kind of weird.

Cinderella and Tracy: No they don't, Koda, your eyes are are very blue and nice!

Koda: Well, thank you. What is a "koda" anyway, a spice or something? I assume it's a spice. Names like "paprika" are spices so "koda" must be too. I tell you, these kittens think I know everything and are always asking for advice. Lately they've been clamoring to know what their names mean too. The dogs are a bit interesting aren't they? I would like to ask the dogs questions sometime. Do dogs chase cats? I heard they do. I think dogs are kind of cool. I asked a dog once if he chased cats and he said "No, absolutely not!", and so now I don't know what to think.

Tracy: I think some do and some don't.

Koda: Well, maybe. Do you know, I've been thinking about those carpeted kitty condominiums. Those are great places to for thinking about things. I like quiet places where I can explore my own mind. I really like music, you know. I listen to every instrument individually. I like to wonder about how they wrote that music and put it together. Did they make a lot of mistakes before they got it right? I try to picture scenes in my mind -- it's hugely entertaining! I love to stretch to it, makes me feel calm . You know once I saw people doing Yoga, stretching their legs out in front of them, and I tried to do it like that too, but it was impossible and I couldn't get up! How do people do it?

Cinderella: You know Yoga???

Koda: Well, I wanted to try it but personally, I think that it's a waste of time if you're a cat. I have to get some sleep now, it was nice talking with you all.

Tracy: Koda, will you play games to entertain the rest of us too?

Koda: Yes, of course! I always like to entertain the ladies, you know. And while we're on the subject, I think all three of you are very beautiful!

Cinderella: {giggling} Koda, my goodness you have a lot to talk about. You really are a fascinating cat.

Koda: Why thank you, Cinderella. I think I'm going to get some sleep now.

Cinderella: Penelope, isn't there something you feel like telling us? We've all had a turn but you.

Penelope: Hi, I know. I feel shy and I think I'm boring.

Tracy: No Penelope, you're not at all. You're just having a hard time.

Penelope: Well, when I came here I was very cautious and didn't trust people. I have learned to like them now, I feel more trusting as they have all been so good to me, but I have to say that I am terribly afraid of dogs, although I know they really just want to play most of the time. But they are intimidating! Why am I not in the room with you older cats? The kittens in this room are loud and always being changed around, I do like my peace and quiet.

Cinderella: I think it's just a question of space, as the shelter is a bit on the small side.

Penelope: I understand, but I can't think when they're loud and I don't know who I am right now. I feel confused. I had kittens before, and I miss them very much. They were so very precise, and beautiful and I wish I'd known them better, but they were taken to another shelter. I had them when I was younger.

Cinderella: That's very sad for me to hear, Penelope.

Penelope: Thank you, that's very kind of you. I used to have a house and I loved it. I had a little window and cushioned spot and I used to look up at the stars. They gave me hope. I miss being read to, they used to read me stories and I just feel so homesick... I don't know if I could ever love another house like I did, but I would like to try. I miss those stories. I have nothing to think about and nothing to do. I'd like one of the volunteers to read to me a bit. And I'm still nervous when they let me out. I like to walk and think and look at things when I'm relaxed. And sometimes I like to chase things. I am scared of water -- I wish I were like Koda, he's not scared of anything! Can someone tell me why I'm here? I miss my family....

Koda: Penelope, it is difficult on us when we are given up, but some owners really love their kitties and circumstances force them to make this choice. You are a very pretty little cat and the right family will take you home -- all of us. It's just a matter of time.

Penelope: Thank you, Koda, you are very kind. I would like to join in your games sometimes too. Good night, everybody.

September 1, 2007 - Second Chance Cat Room - Chapter 4

Cinderella: Phinea, is it true that a family is taking you home just as soon as the paperwork is done?

Phinea: YES! I'm leaving now! They really seem to care about me already. I feel so special and happy! Good-bye! I'll miss you all!

Tracy: Bye Phinea - enjoy your new home! The people here at the shelter are very nice, but all the same, my head hurts from the dogs barking so often! I am ready to go home to a nice family, I'm definitely feeling stressed out.

Koda: It's hard to be at one's best when one is waiting for a home, stuck in a cage like this. I am looking forward to being adopted by some humans who can appreciate my hugs! Other than giving hugs, which make me feel very close to people, I am looking forward to lying in a patch of sunlight on my back. I really like feeling the sun on my belly! Charles, do you like the sun on your tummy too?

Charles: Ummm... yes, I guess so. I am feeling a little nervous, although better now than when I first came in. I keep hearing people say what a "love" I am -- whatever that means! I just really like people. I do feel safer and more secure now, and a little girl volunteering at the Shelter played with me tonight, and it was great fun! She dangled some kind of fake mouse thing at me, but I liked catching it and just stretching out on the floor. It felt really good. I can't wait until they complete my vet stuff so I can be on the adoptables page like all of you!

Cinderella: I just know there's a perfect family out there for me, I just get so tired of waiting.

Koda: I think that the longer the wait, the better the family! But... let's say that I would appreciate going home sooner rather than later! Before I came here, a little girl used to have tea parties with me, and I really miss those days. She used to pour water in a cup and say that it was my tea, and I used to like licking the biscuits. I was supposed to be a gentlemen. I do hope the family that adopts me doesn't have any wild kids, as I am a wise cat and need to have wise people around me. But playful people, too!

Cinderella: And now Zoe has gone to a new home, just today, the lucky girl! It's dreadfully hard to wait... She was saying that she wanted to live in a house with a fuzzy bed... I wonder if she ended up in a house like that?

Koda: Don't most houses have fuzzy beds?

Cinderella: I really don't know, I'm sure! Penny, do you feel all right? You've been very quiet.

Penny: Are you talking to me? I'm not sure of my name sometimes. Isn't a "penny" something that has almost no value? I'm not sure I like it.

Cinderella: I think pennies are LUCKY, but we can call you Penelope. It sounds grand!

Penny: Thanks Cinder. I'm sorry -- I'm just feeling stressed, like Tracy. I haven't been here long and I feel still very scared. You seem very brave -- I wish I could be brave like you. I do like people comforting me and reassuring me, though. And I do really miss my old home. They used to tell me stories there. I miss those stories and I find I need them. I need to be near fresh air, too, so I can look at the sky and feel connected to nature. Sigh...this is really hard...

Tracy: I know, I know. I feel sad too. Do the people who are going to adopt me someday even know that I like to play with balls and other things that move?

Koda: I heard some people at the Shelter saying today that Rocky was depressed. It's not usual for a kitten to be depressed, is it?

Tracy: Heck, I don't know! I expect he'll go home soon, though, The kittens always go first. We older cats seem to have to wait longer. Now, why is that, I wonder? Oh well, I'm just glad I have you guys as company. It's nice to have friends here. Maybe they'll bring in a TV so we can watch the Sox and the Pats!! We need to ask Irene and Ivanna........

August 15, 2007 - Second Chance Cat Room - Chapter 3

Phinea: Well, here we are, and we have some new company!

Zoe: Hello, I'm Zoe and you all seem very nice but I'm feeling a bit shy, if you don't mind. It's because I'm new here, but I think I'm adjusting a little.

Tessa: And I'm Tessa. It's strange being here after our adventures. My kittens and I were on the streets and I am SO glad we're not there any more!

Tracy: I know I wouldn't want to be on the streets -- brrrr! It sounds terrible.

Tessa: It's scary and lonely, too -- you never know what's going to happen to you! And having to care for little ones makes it much harder, even in the warm weather. I am hoping my kittens and I get adopted soon. They are a little nervous being here, but they love to play and I am very proud of them! I like to play, but I like following the rules, too. I do hope we all get adopted by kind owners who will always take care of us!

Cinderella: Yes! I went to a home briefly but just couldn't figure out how to get along with the other cat there, so I had to come back. I'm feeling sad. It was lovely having owners of my own and a house for a little bit. I do hope someone else comes to give me a chance, as I am really a very good girl!

Phinea: We are all nice, aren't we? I know I'm a little afraid of thunderstorms and dogs, but having a safe home would be the most wonderful thing! I can imagine a kind family, maybe a small one, and a roomy house for exploring. Maybe they could let me out sometimes to go exploring outdoors. It would even be ok with me if they changed my name to "Fiona" or Phoebe" or something like that!

Tracy: I would love a roomy house to explore! And having some children around to keep me company would be fun!

Phinea: I wouldn't even mind having other cats around -- as long as I was the oldest so they couldn't boss me around. But being the only cat would be grand, too!

Tracy: I heard someone saying how happy Peter is, now that he's been adopted after being here so long. I guess he loves his new family just oodles and is very touched that they chose him.

Phinea: and I heard too that Felix is having a great time in his new house, prowling around and getting lots of attention. Did you see the funny picture they sent of him that's on the Happy Endings page? Belly up and sleeping - the epitome of fat and happy! He was popular with the kittens while he was here, who all though he was cool.

Cinderella: I do miss Felix. He must feel very special now to have been chosen. I can't wait till it's our turn!

July 24, 2007 - Second Chance Cat Room - Chapter 2

Tracy: I wish I could go outside! I'm hot and a bit grumpy. I miss having fresh air, and I miss not having space to play. There isn't a whole lot to do in this cage, you know!

Joon: I know, I know! It's terribly boring. I am getting more used to being here, but it would be so nice to have a loving home. I am ready for some nice, gentle people to treat me kindly. I do like having time by myself in the front office, though. It's made my stay here a bit happier. I was so sad and mad when I was just dumped on the Shelter doorstep. I did not know what was happening to me!

Cinderella: Yes, and I have been here the longest, haven't I? When are they coming to take me home? I am such a pretty cat. My fur has grown in beautifully, too! And I do miss Felix -- we grew to like each other quite a lot during our time here.

Tracy: Yes! He was finally adopted, we saw the whole thing! The family looked very nice. I wished I could go. I bet he's having a great time, lucky guy.

Phinea: I can't wait to be in a home with space to roam around! You know, it's been raining a lot, and I'm a little afraid of thunderstorms, did I tell you? I'm unsure near the dogs, too. But I love to play and I like being treated like a kitten. And I love to eat!

Tracy: Did you notice that the dogs get to have lots of outside time and we don't? I wonder how that worked out. It would be the height of luxury to sit in a window and watch the birds all day, though. Boy, do I miss that!

July 11, 2007 - Second Chance Cat Room - Chapter 1

Felix: "I don't know about you guys, but I am feeling grumpy and BORED - and hot too!!"

Cinderella: "Me too! I want to go home very soon."

Felix: "No one comes to take me home. I don't understand it. I know there are great people out there for whom I would be a great cat! I know the kittens all think I am VERY cool, as a matter of fact."

Peter: "Well, I am just plain depressed sometimes. And sometimes I even feel like I want to cry -- do you believe that? I think I'll be happier once I get settled into my new foster home! I'm leaving today! I hope the nice people looking for a cat won't overlook me now that I'm in foster care. Make sure to mention me to them when they visit, ok?"

Cinderella: "Do people out there know that I like to chase things? I'm a pretty cat, too. Do you like to chase things, Felix?"

Felix: "Of course I do, silly!"

Joon: "I like dangly toys, but only when I'm relaxed. This place stresses me out. The kittens are loud! I do like to be out of my cage and explore, though, and I like the classical music and singing sometimes, too. I think I must have refined tastes. And the yellow chair in the main cat room is very comfy!"

Peter: "Really? I'll have to try it out next time they let me out for exercise. I like lying on the floor, usually."

Joon: "Peter, did I tell you that I think you are a handsome cat? And you seem very nice."

Peter: "Um... well... thank you. I like your black fur, too."

Joon: "Thank you. Phinea seems very nice as well, although I don't know her yet."

Phinea: That's kind of you, Joon. Funny you should say that -- I thought I heard someone here say I acted "nasty" once but I was only scared as I'd just gotten here. I was a little offended, because I am really very nice! I like to rub against my cage to show people I like them, in fact. And I am definitely ready for a wonderful forever family! Here I am!

Cinderella: "I said before that I would like little girls to dress me up and fancy things, but a quiet house would be great, I was thinking, where someone is around to pet me a lot and just give me lots of attention! That would be so very nice."

Phinea: "I think I would prefer a quiet house over a loud one -- and maybe some older cats for company! That would be fun. The kittens here are over the top sometimes! What about you, Tracy?"

Tracy: "Sigh. I don't know. The dogs here scare me a little. But I know I'm ready to be loved at my new forever home."