Thanks Wendy.  I first went to this shelter last week Thursday.  I already had 
Rufus in mind as well as a cally who had a hind leg amputated after a car 
accident.  However, the amputee wanted nothing to do with me...and apparently 
with any humans (they tell me he's not doing so well).  I hadn't seen Patience 
online (since shes' not listed as special needs), but when I saw her she just 
called my name!  And when I picked her up, she climbed right into my arms and 
wouldn't let go.  :)  I went back on Sunday afternoon and played with Rufus for 
about 30 minutes and held Patience twice (she can't go in the play rooms right 
now cuz she's on meds).  I went back again yesterday during the day and spent a 
little time with each of them.
   
  It's actually a really nice shelter...the "condos" (they say they're 
cageless) are made of some kind of durable plexiglass or something - not metal 
and have glass doors.  There's a whole wall of play rooms with cat trees and 
toys in each one.  The individual condos are climate controlled and include 
adjustable holes so they can give access to the next condo over, or close off 
access.  They even have classical music piped in and a large water fountain in 
the middle of the room with ledges on either side so the cats can sit and play 
with the water.  It's no-kill and they get TONS of animals from other shelters 
(Rufus and Patience both came from PA).  They also have a full vet hospital 
on-site, provide free spay/neuter to anyone in the metro area, and provide 
low-cost vet care to low-income families.  They even have an animal massage 
therapist on staff and do therapy with abused animals and those who've spent 
too much time in shelters.  If you're interested, it's
 www.warl.org.
   
  I'll keep you all updated.  I know I'll end up with the perfect kitties for 
me...in fact I'm sure Slinky's already picked them out!  :)
   
  MJ

wendy <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
  Marissa,

All of those furbabies look so precious!!! I can see
why Patience is popular. She definitely has a
heart-wrenching story to tell, but it's going to have
a beautiful ending, I know. Have you been able to
spend any time with your prospective furbabies? 
Hopefully, that will give you some encouragement in
choosing the right kitties (or them choosing you). We
completely understand your choice in not wanting
another FeLV+ kitty. It's so hard, and yes, the
reality is that how a cat fares can depend on it's
guardian's finances. You were wonderful to Slinky and
what a way to honor his memory by taking in two more
special needs babies. I am going to go home and hug
all mine as soon as I can.

:)
Wendy

--- Marissa Johnson 
wrote:

> Aw, thanks for asking Wendy!
> 
> I'm doing okay. The first several days after
> Slinky went to the bridge I really thought I was
> doing great! But the last few nights have been
> pretty rough. The guilt and "what-if's" started 2
> nights ago - "if I'd caught the UTI sooner, gotten
> him in sooner - and to a better vet, done more, paid
> closer attention, etc."... In my head I know that's
> not true, but as someone else said, grief is not
> logical...and neither is guilt! 
> 
> I really started mourning Slink when I first found
> out how sick he was...but I think at that point I
> was mourning the loss of a friend, a companion,
> someone to keep me company. Now I think I'm
> mourning the loss of SLINKY...his personality, his
> sweetness, the amazing bond we had. Those are the
> things I can't ever get back, despite being able to
> get new friends, etc. So...it's a process I guess I
> have to go through, but it's not fun! I cried
> myself to sleep twice this week - holding his
> favorite pillow and petting the stuffed cat that
> looks like him (tho he's way too small).
> 
> People have been fabulously supportive, though. 
> The vet sent me a card with a very sweet note
> shortly after our appointment, and yesterday I got
> cards in the mail from 2 friends. Everyone's been
> checking on me and MC and Barb have been talking to
> me almost 24/7!!!! (THANKS GUYS!!!!!!!!!!!!). It's
> so great to have family and friends help you through
> these times.
> 
> Despite all the grief, I know Slink would not want
> me to be alone (he knows I need some babies to take
> care of me! lol) and I promised him I would give a
> good home to other cats. So I've begun looking for
> 2 new furbabes to adopt. I actually applied for 2
> at the Washington Animal Rescue League:
> 
>
http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=8110889
> 
> 
>
http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=8136096
> 
> When I went to visit them again yesterday, one of
> the staff mentioned that they have a lot of apps in
> for Patience and that they were already leaning
> toward someone before I came along, so it sounds
> like I may not end up with her. But she said there
> weren't many in on Rufus...because his condition is
> scarier. I pointed out that I work in disability
> rights - it takes a lot to scare me! lol They
> seemed to think this one (below) would be a good
> match for Rufus since he's pretty quiet.
> 
> 
>
http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=8136115
> 
> I've decided I definitely want special needs
> kitties...but I just can't do another terminal
> illness (such as felv) again right now. I don't
> have the emotional resources...nor the financial. 
> And now that I understand the potential costs of
> treatments, etc. I don't think it would be very
> responsible of me to take in a + cat knowing I can't
> afford to pay for what they may (probably will)
> need. It's beginning to seem, though, that the
> special needs kitties are fairly popular...so I'd be
> willing to take in a healthy, "middle-aged" cat
> who's having trouble getting adopted as well.
> 
> I'll let you all know what happens with the
> applications...and I know you all will love them
> even if they're not positive! ;) 
> 
> Thank you all so much for being here! This list
> has been my lifeline and I know I couldn't get
> through this stuff without you!!! I hope all your
> furbabies are doing well!!!
> 
> MJ and Angel Slinky :)
> 
> wendy wrote:
> Hey Marissa,
> 
> How are you doing today? You sound pretty upbeat in
> your posts, so I hope you're feeling good. Slinky is
> probably so happy to see you doing well, watching
> you
> from the top of his 'tree in the sky'. 
> 
> :)
> Wendy
> 
> "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful
> committed citizens can change the world: Indeed it
> is the only thing that ever has!" 
> ~~~ Margaret Meade ~~~
> 
> 
> 
> 
>
____________________________________________________________________________________
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> 
> 
> 
> 
> ---------------------------------
> Don't get soaked. Take a quick peek at the forecast
> 
> with theYahoo! Search weather shortcut.


"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the 
world: Indeed it is the only thing that ever has!" 
~~~ Margaret Meade ~~~




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