WEST MILFORD — Last week, the West Milford Animal Shelter announced the adoption of a very shy cat named Thomas and what a great event it was.
This week, the shelter has even bigger news. There have been many adoptions during the shelter's Christmas in July adoption event. As of Sunday, July 26, 24 cats and kittens, one dog and one rooster have new homes and families. Four very special cats were among the lucky one's last week.
The shelter's two FIV positive cats, Salvador and Toby, were adopted within a few days of each other. People tend to shy away from adopting FIV positive cats because they unsure of what it means and if they will be healthy, loving pets. (Best Friends Animal Society has an online article entitled, "FAQs About Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)" that debunks the myths about this condition.)
The other lucky two were adopted together. Fluffy and Rusty were a bonded pair that had to be adopted together. They came in as strays and were always stuck close to each other. They were very timid but had become more trusting and friendly. Their guardian angel found them.
It is very difficult for bonded pairs to find new homes as most people are only looking to adopt one pet. There are two more bonded pairs at the shelter that are hopeful they too will have a guardian angel.
Hemi and Harry did not arrive at the shelter together but became so bonded that they can not be separated. Harry has beautiful long, soft fur that is buff colored. He loves hanging out on laps or window sills. Hemi has shorter fur and is orange and white. He makes friends with all the new shy cats who are placed in the same cattery He is the shyer of the two. They have been at the shelter for almost a year.
A new bonded pair just arrived, Moe, a very friendly and outgoing three-year-old tuxedo cat, and Jasmine, a four-year-old beautifully marked calico who is friendly but just a bit more laid back. They have grown-up together and need to be kept together.
Christmas in July has been extended through Sunday, Aug. 2. Every dog, cat or kitten that is adopted will go home with a beach bag filled with toys and treats and other surprise items.
Come visit the shelter and perhaps you will become a guardian angel. The shelter is located on Lycosky Drive (behind recycling). For information join the shelter's two facebook pages, West Milford Animal Shelter and The Real Cats at WMASS, or call 973-728-2859.