The staff and volunteers at the APL get to know every furry, feathered, and scaly guest who comes through the door, and try to give them exactly what they need to make the transition to their fur-ever homes. That’s especially important for animals like Agatha.
Agatha is a beautiful gray and white cat who was surrendered to the APL in early 2017. From the very first day, it was clear that she was one stressed kitty, hissing and growling when she was taken from her carrier. During her first week at the APL, she stayed in the back of her cage, resisting any attention offered by the staff. Seeing her difficulties, the animal care staff strategized to reduce Agatha’s tension level, so she would be ready for the happily-ever-after she deserved.
First, Agatha was sent to foster care, for a break from the activity of the shelter. Then, when she returned to the APL, instead of being placed back in a kennel, Agatha was given the honored position of office cat, spending her days (and nights) in the adoptions office. The individualized attention she received allowed her playful personality to emerge; the staff discovered her fondness for chin rubs and laser pointers! Agatha’s adjustment began just in time, because Charlene was looking for a cat…
About to purchase a home, Charlene was determined to “adopt a shelter baby because so many animals need homes.” She saw Agatha on the APL’s Facebook page, and came to meet her.
Charlene learned of Agatha’s difficulties in the kennel. Then they met, and Charlene fell in love. While Agatha was still was a bit reserved, Charlene knew Agatha would be happy in her home where, as Charlene puts it, “there would be no other competition with kids or other animals!”
Agatha and Charlene became a family in September 2017, nine months after Agatha arrived at the APL. By day three, Agatha was ready to explore, and she liked what she saw: treats, sunny spots to lay in, and that elusive red laser dot!
Now, Agatha “owns the house,” and greets Charlene at the door when she comes home. “She LOVES to jump, run and play, and is especially acrobatic when we play with feathers on a string or her beloved stuffed mouse, which she treats like a badminton birdie!” She chases shadows, reflections, and imaginary "prey," and informs Charlene—quite loudly—if meals are overdue. And Agatha provides plenty of affection, on her own terms, curling up next to Charlene on the couch, even hopping up into Charlene’s lap for short spurts. Agatha, Charlene relates, “continues to be a joy and a great comfort to me.” Thank you, Charlene, for giving Agatha the perfect home—one worth waiting for!
Information about the Cleveland APL
To meet the adoptable animals at the Cleveland APL, visit our adoption center in Tremont at 1729 Willey Avenue in Cleveland or our PetSmart Charities® Everyday Adoption Center in the Parma PetSmart® store at 6870 Ridge Road. To view all of the animals who are waiting for loving homes online or on your mobile device, visit
www.ClevelandAPL.org or download our free adoptions app on your iOS or Android device.
Our Facebook page is called “Cleveland Animal Protective League”. Here is the link to it for your reference:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cleveland-Animal-Protective-League/29396512928
Our Twitter handle is @Cleveland APL. Here is a link:
https://twitter.com/ClevelandAPL
Carmen R.
Cleveland Animal Protective League