Celebrating Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month in the Obvious Way

©2010 Henry Co. Care & Control. Chester is born.

Chester Cheesetoes was born October 15, 2010 in a stainless steel cage at Henry County Care & Control in McDonough, Georiga. He was the first of three offspring-the second, his sister Polly and third, little sister, Cara. Chester's Mother, Mazie gave them plenty of love and nourishment. It wasn't a perfect home, but for now, it was a safe place to raise her family.

©2010 Maria Sandoval.

In a few weeks time, Chester began to see the world through kitten-blue eyes. He had no idea his life, barely begun, could end at any moment. He was, in fact, in a “Kill” shelter, where he and his family could meet a swift end with the hint of a sniffle or if they needed to make room for another. His, was a life of confinement, though he was happy being close to his mother. It only troubled her when she wanted to stretch her legs. Chester slept, tucked close to his family on bed of newspaper or a towel. The smell of the litter pan, which was only inches away, mixed with the warm sweet smell of his mother's belly.

©2010 Maria Sandoval.

Chester and his family were very lucky. Just as one of the kittens began to sneeze, Kitten Associates, Inc., stepped in to rescue them. It was a good thing, too. For Chester and his family fell ill while in foster care-very ill. Chester, being the biggest, didn't get nearly as sick as his sisters. It was touch and go for many weeks. There were lots of trips to the Vet and lots of medications to be taken. Finally, they were all well enough to travel to Connecticut and live with their new foster Mom- “Aunt Robin” and her clutter.

©2010 Robin A.F. Olson. Fun with the iPad. Chester (front), Mazie (back), Polly (left), Cara (right).

Chester slowly got better. After three months of being sick, he was well enough to be neutered and put up for adoption. He was still a little guy and applications by the fist full arrived. Almost as soon as Chester was placed on Petfinder, he contracted the dreaded ringworm. It was just a small spot on his head, but he could not be adopted until he was treated and cleared of the fungus-another 4 weeks would go pass while he grew even bigger, and a little bit less adoptable.

©2011 Robin A.F. Olson.

As Chester grew it became clear he was something special. His classic tabby swirled pattern was defined and beautifully symmetrical. Chester was much bigger than his sisters, but he was a gentle giant. Chester would rather give kisses and snuggle, than do just about anything else. When he was naughty and got scolded, instead of running away, he would run over to give more kisses as a way of saying “sorry!”.

Chester also loved other cats, in addition to his own family. If there was such a thing as a model of perfect cat-ness, this cat was it.

©2011 Robin A.F. Olson. Chester and Blitzen meet for the first time. No cats were harmed after this photo was taken.

By May, though Chester was healthy, many of the adopters couldn't wait for him and adopted other cats. There was no rush to get Chester adopted. He was so easy to love, but he was larger than his mother, now, and anyone who wanted a kitten, would not want him any longer.

©2011 Robin A.F. Olson. Mother and Son.

One day, a lady wrote, inquiring about Chester. She had a big orange cat who died last year and she and her husband felt they were ready to adopt another cat, not to replace the one they lost, but because the cat who died was so special, they had developed a fondness orange boys.

They lived far away in another state, but after many conversations and a few calls to their Vet, it was clear that this family would go above and beyond for Chester. Not only would they change the diet they were currently feeding their two cats and two Italian Greyhounds (who believe they are cats and are afraid of other dogs) to a more species appropriate diet; they went on a shopping spree and bought Chester a tall cat tree and lots of new toys.

They also admitted that they had fallen for Chester before they even met him. It just doesn't get any better than this.

©2011 Robin A.F. Olson. You will be missed, big guy.

Very soon, the adopters will arrive and make their final decision on whether or not Chester is going to be their new family member. Though there is the temptation to wish they would change their mind and leave Chester behind, we know that it's for the best-that Chester will get lots of love and a wonderful home at last.

This is the moment we dreamt about in the beginning-when Chester was first rescued. That day he would leave and begin a new journey-one he has been ready for for a long time.

In just a few more hours we'll know if Chester is adopted. For now, we'll focus on enjoying our last hours with him, with a very heavy heart, but the comfort of knowing that his adoption will bring us one step closer to being able to rescue even more cats.