Gizmo the Kitten

We wanted to reach out and say that we are so incredibly happy with our recent adoption from the Humane Society of New York! Bonnie was an incredible match maker and we could not be happier with our amazing new family member Ernie, (formerly known as Gizmo:). 

Ernie has brought an amazing amount of love and snuggles to our home, we are completely in love with him! I have attached a few pictures of Ernie in his new home for you to have a look. 

This was my second adoption with Bonnie's help, and she has just been so amazing and helpful on both occasions. We are so thankful for the HSNY and all the care that you offer animals in need. All the best to you, and thanks so much again!

"Adopting an older cat was the best decision we could have made."

Hi HSNY,

We can't believe it has been one week since we adopted Melody, the beautiful 6 year old cat, from you at the Humane Society of New York! We wanted to update you with her progress in our home -- things seem to be going great so far! First, we decided to change her name to Astrid -- it's a common Scandinavian name in J's heritage, and the cat seemed like this regal, elegant lady. 

When we arrived home, Astrid immediately sought refuge in the hidden spots in our apartment -- the back of the closet, under the bed, etc. But she gradually began to explore and she hasn't retreated to these spaces since her first day home. We have a couple beds for her, but of course she prefers one of our moving boxes over everything! (She also likes sleeping on top of boxes, in paper grocery bags, and in/on/near anything cardboard). As Lowell said, Astrid has been a terrific eater since she arrived, and has had no trouble with the litter box. Astrid also loves the cardboard scratcher and the scratching post we got her -- no trouble with her trying to scratch our sofa or clothes.

One of our family members told us that cats fall into two groups: 'tree' dwellers and 'bush' dwellers. Astrid is definitely a bush cat -- she doesn't really care about jumping up to high surfaces; rather, she loves exploring all the corners and low shelves and nooks and crannies in our apartment. She's an incredibly laid back, independent cat. We both work long hours, and she seems to be calm at home and isn't destructive at all. She greets us at the door when we get home (though she may be more curious about exploring the world beyond the front door!). She is still a little wary of too much contact -- she will allow us to pet her for short periods, but she isn't overly affectionate yet. That being said, she seems to like keeping a watchful eye on us. 

For the most part, she spends her time sleeping, exploring the various cardboard boxes we have in our apartment, defending us from the monster in the vacuum cleaner, and cleaning herself. (She's SO meticulous about grooming -- more than any cat we've ever seen!) However, in the early mornings, she goes into 'rocket cat' mode and dashes across the apartment, kicking and chasing her jingle football toy all around. She doesn't seem to like the cat dancer or the other toys we got her as much, so let us know if you have any toy recommendations!

Finally, we are trying to furminate her every day or so (she has a lot of luscious fur!), but she doesn't tolerate for more than a couple minutes, and she won't let us furminate her chest/belly/legs. She's quite gentle and will first walk away from something she doesn't like before hissing or batting with a paw, but we are worried we aren't getting enough time in. Any suggestions?

But overall, she's been a terrific cat and fits so well into our lifestyle. Adopting an older cat was the best decision we could have made -- we definitely recommend it for other individuals or couples! Astrid is so calm, gentle, and laid-back and already has the basics (eating, litter box, scratching post) down. We are a a little nuts about taking pictures of her, so please enjoy our favorites from her first week!

Thank you again for all of your help! We have recommended you to all of our prospective pet owning friends. 

Ollie, formerly Dumpling

Finn and his favorite toy

Willy

The love of our lives! 

Xena

Xena, the 9 week old lab, is now at home with her older brother and her new name is Phoebe! 

Nina

Hi!  We are all doing really well and are really happy together. We're so grateful we found her! 

Love, Nina the cat and her new family (Formally Muffin)

Little Lowell Update, Part 2

Here is Little Lowell settling right in.  He likes to go toy diving.  

All tuckered out after a long day of napping. 

King of his Castle.  

Little Lowell

A lot of people have been following Little Lowell's story.  A year ago, this little dog was brought to us by the police, having been left in a carrier on a city street in the hot sun, in dreadful condition. After rebuilding his health, we are joyously happy to see him arriving home. It's a wonderful ending to a terrible beginning.

Angel

We are thrilled to share that Angel has been adopted! Special thanks in part to Susie's Senior Dogs for featuring him! Angel, a Shepherd/Collie mix, was surrendered to us when his aging owner could no longer care for him. He came in as a happy-go-lucky, 10 year old with a few health issues, including being overweight. We were successful in helping him lose fifteen pounds, which made him feel a lot better and more energetic. When we reviewed J’s application, we knew it was a match made in heaven. Angel will continue to enjoy life in Manhattan, visiting the local parks, making new friends and keeping active. J confirmed what we suspected all along; he is as much fun outside as he is inside; he loves to snuggle. We wish them the best! If you are considering getting a pet, please visit humanesocietyny.org/adoptions.

All settled in with Shugey

Shugey, a three-legged HSNY alumni cat, with siblings Wesley and Maggie, in her new home.  

Cornelia now Diane

Hi there! I recently adopted the pastel calico "Cornelia" from you folks.

She's doing great! Her name is Diane now, and we're totally settled in together and enjoying each others' company. 

Attached some photos of her hanging out, and also a "selfie" I helped her take. ;-)

Hope all is well! Loving living with Diane. :-)

P

Kahn

"Kahn feels like he been here all along can't believe it has only been a few days. I have no doubt this is a good fit and feel extremely lucky to have found him by complete chance scrolling through the adoption sites. We are so thankful for all the help and guidance you all have given us and Kahn.

Have a great day."

Merilee

Thelonious Monk & Nina Simone

I adopted these cats over at the Humane Society of New York with Bonnie!!
The first one 3 years ago... the male cat Thelonious Monk and then last year the black kitty Nina Simone!!!
 They get along sooo well it's amazing... they play all day... run around... cuddle together.... they seriously can't get enough of each other!!!! It's awesome!!!
 You guys rock!!!

Dumpling

Jack

This is my Jack. She has been my constant companion for the last 16 years. She is my best friend, my confidant, my nurse and my rock. I just wanted to thank you all for taking a chance with adopting a cat to twenty something year old girl with no experience of her own.

My only real experience with pet care was what I was taught at home. Luckily, my mother laid a clear path of what responsible pet care truly meant. So when I walked in your doors to find my new friend all I could say was "I live on my own now and my life is just empty without a cat to love.".

I didn't want a kitten, I wanted an older cat. When I was shown to the room with the older cats I started having doubts about which cat to choose. Silly human, I know that now.

Jack (or Jax as she was named then) saw me coming. When I got to her cage, she got up and stretched as if to say, "well it took you long enough, let's go home.". I opened the cage and she crawled onto my shoulder as if she belonged there. I felt the click instantaneously!!

I immediately filled out the paperwork and got the necessary signatures. I was back to take her home within a few days. We have been together ever since that day!

Over the years, our little duo has grown into a much larger family. Jack and I now have my husband and our 2 children, 2 dogs and most recently a new cat. We have moved from a tiny little apartment on Long Island to an acre of property on the coast of North Carolina.

We will be together 16 years this coming March and I believe there will be many more happy years to come. Thank you for allowing me to adopt her all those years ago. The joy and happiness I have experienced with my beloved Jack is immeasurable.

Kindly,

M