Dear Mama,
Hi, it’s me, Harley. I’m happy to tell you that I’m finally home. It’s a different home…but it is a home. I know you’ve been worrying about me this past year. I’ve been worried, too. But I found a nice home to live in and I like the new humans very much.
It was a bit dicey there for a while, wasn’t it? Can you believe that I was adopted twice last year and returned both times? Living in those temporary homes was nothing like living with you and Pa. You two were the bestest that I could’ve ever asked for. I only wish we’d had more time together…eight years just wasn’t enough. After Pa died, I didn’t think I could be any sadder. But you warned me, Mama. You said you were getting up there in age and you might have to go keep Pa company. I really thought we’d be together forever. But sometimes forever doesn’t last.
Did you know that I stayed by your side after you left? I tried to keep you warm for as long as I could. That big guy from animal control had to tear me away from you. His hands were just too strong for me. I cried and screamed for him to put me back with you, but he just wouldn’t listen. I’ve come to learn that a lot of humans don’t listen very well.
The shelter was a scary place, terrifying really. I was confused; I didn’t have any of my toys or blankets. It smelled awful…and worst of all, you weren’t there.
There were so many dogs barking and cats crying. Everyone was pretty much saying the same thing. “Get me outta here!” I stayed hunched up in the back of my cage, missing you and Pa like crazy.
After a few weeks, someone came and took me to a new place. I got scared again because I didn’t know where I was going. When I finally peeked my eyes open, I found myself in another kennel. But this place was much calmer, and I ended up in a room full of other cats in their own kennels, too. They weren’t crying like at that other loud place. And I could only hear a bark or two when the big door to the room opened.
But even in this quieter place, I struggled because I missed you and Pa so much. I got pretty sick, Mama, and the doctors poked and prodded me. I just wanted to give up. I even stopped eating. But the good people at the shelter nursed me back to health so I could find a new forever home.
Mama, I’m not going to dwell too long on what happened next. It wasn’t a very fun time for me. I thought I was going to a new forever home – twice – but both times I got returned to the shelter. I don’t know what happened or why they didn’t want me. But they didn’t…and I went back to that shelter with the nice doctors and friendly caregivers. It made me pretty sad to go back, and I still wasn’t doing well.
Eight months after first arriving at that nicer shelter and bouncing back and forth between supposed forever homes, something happened. One of the nice ladies there introduced me to two humans who seemed okay enough. She asked me if I wanted to go into foster care with them. I didn’t know what that meant, so I got scared again and made a mess in my carrier.
It was a long car ride to the foster home and I hid as soon as they let me out of the carrier. But little by little, I came to realize that these new humans were pretty nice. They gave me a whole, big room to myself! It was quiet and warm. I had all I could ever need in that room – food, litter, sunpuddles, beds, blankets, toys…well, except for you and Pa of course. You both were still gone.
After a few days in this new home, I decided to put on my big cat pants and venture outside of the room. And boy, what an experience! There were other cats in this house! Four to be exact. A big, goofy guy named Woodrow. A timid fella named Dexter. A spunky gal named Sophie. And one I have yet to figure out named Olive (she’s so mysterious, Mama!). They were all kind of cautious around me, and we mostly just ignored each other.
And guess what, Mama! They also have a doggie in the house! He kinda startled me at first and I gave him a good whappy paw. You better believe that he leaves me alone now.
But the bestest day, the very bestest day in the house was the day they put up the big green tree! Just like you and Pa used to do every year! I recognized it immediately and made it known that I owned the space under the tree. No one else was allowed. Except for all the presents of course. Only me and the presents were allowed under the tree.
Time went on and I really grew to like these new humans. And Woodrow and I became friends. I would chase him around in the mornings while we waited for the lady human to wake up and feed us. I really started to enjoy myself.
But I still wasn’t sure what this “foster” thing was all about. Was I here to stay or not? Should I get comfy with these humans or were they going to return me like the other ones did?
Guess what, Mama? The other day the lady human was talking on the phone and I heard her say, “foster fail.” Do you know what that means? I’m here to stay! She sat me down and told me they were adopting me! I would never have to see that shelter again! She promised me. We shook on it.
I was so happy that I ran zoomies up and down the hallway. Woodrow joined me. He told me he was a foster fail, too. I guess these humans don’t know that it’s actually a foster win.
You’ll be happy to know that my name is still Harley. I’ve kept it with me through this whole journey. I know that some kitties get new names when they get new homes. But I am Harley and no one will ever call me different. The cat guy here wanted to call me Harvey. Can you believe it? I looked him straight in the eyes (which is hard for me to do with my crossed-eyes), and I said, “My name is Harley! My Mama named me after some motorcycle she’d found me hiding under as a kitten!” The cat guy nodded and there’s been no more talk of changing my name. We fist-bumped on it.
So, here I am in a new home. I still miss you and Pa dearly. I would’ve loved to spend my whole life with you, Mama (all nine of ‘em!). But I know I’ll be just fine here, so you don’t need to worry about me anymore. I’m not worried. In fact, I’m quite happy here.
I still miss you every day, Mama, and I’ll never forget you. But the pain is a little less now that I have a new place to call home. It’s the forever kind, I just know it. And, if you’ll let me, I’d like to call this new lady “Mama” as well. I think she’d really like that. And maybe one day, I’ll climb into her lap. But I’m not ready for that just yet…I still miss yours a little too much.
Goodbye for now. Please keep your lap ready for me when we meet again. But until then, I will be just fine here…because I’m home again.
Love and meows,
Harley
As you may have guessed, Ross and I have adopted Harley. With all my cats, and as I’m sure many of you have done as well, you wonder about the life they had before finding their way to you. So, I imagined that Harley had a loving home with an older lady who passed away. And often when that happens, the beloved pet ends up in a shelter. The middle part of the story – getting sick, not eating, being adopted and returned twice last year – is unfortunately a true part of Harley’s journey to us. But now he is home. And he is here to stay.
Harley
Male, 9 years old
***adopted 1/22/2018***
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wow!
Holy smokes, I don’t just have something in my eye — you made me full on cry! I’m happy for you but I am THRILLED for Harley.
Oh that is such a great story with such a good ending. We are so so glad that you took Harley in as your cat. We just know he is a happy boy. Thank you for taking him into your home.
Congratulations to everyone! I’m glad Harley found his forever home.
hold on – mom had to go get a tissue….while we may never know all of his past, his future is MUCH brighter thanks to you
You are angels :-D
Me happy Harley is a foster fail because now he is really at home <3
His life was troubled but he has found a lovely family!
Thank you <3
Sid
*big sobs here* This happens to many cats (without the happy ending part) when their owner dies or really can’t take care of them. I’ve made arrangements so my cats will have a home if something happens to my and my husband. It’s so important to do that especially when you are older. Welcome Harley, you are home and in one of the bestest homes around! Yay for foster fail!
Oh my goodness, we love that happy beyond words…HAPPY DANCE!!!
I am crying happy tears for Harley. I am so happy for him and for you. XO
Happy leaky eyes from me and Mom L. A wonderful happy tail ending for Harley.
Foster Fail, music to Harley’s ears! So happy he has found a furever home and couldn’t be in better hands! Everypawdy deserves a loving and caring family! So happy for 3 Chatty Cats plus One!
So happy for you Harley! You are such a beautiful kitty I am sure they just couldn’t resist you.
What a beautiful story for a beautiful boy! It doesn’t get better than your new forever home … and your siblings are awesome too. Congratulations all around!
This story of Harley’s is fascinating. The world as seen by the adopted cat is a wonderful way of looking at a cat’s plight. I was mesmerized.
Thank you Racheal.
Jean
Leaky eyes here too! Congratulations on your new family member! What a handsome mancat Harley is!
Awww, what a compelling story from the cat Harley’s viewpoint, with a happy ending! Congratulations to all!
oh man!! I am all weepy!! What a wonderful story!! So glad you are keeping Harley and that he and Woodrow are friends too!! Harley is one lucky cat!!
You have broken me.. I am so sorry about what happened to you Harley..
Oh Harley,
I am so happy for you, you have found the purrrfect home and I’m smiling through my tears.
Sending you Love, Purrs & Head Bonks from The Tribe of Five and their Humans
dood…we just red yur famileez interveew over at mousebreath N wanted ta stop bye N say HI heer two :)
we red yur storee then had ta leeve fora minit ta find ….tiss you….but now we R bak N wish ta say happee
gotcha day; heerz ta 77 bazillion mor….total lee awesum & YAY !!! :) ♥♥♥
pleez feel free ta stop by TT anytime; de hole famileez welcome
if ya canna understand R speech, pleez say sew coz we can type in like 2 languagez;
N we willna take o fence if ya canna understand uz…we dont understand uz either ~~~~ ♥♥
happee week end two all !
Oh Harley, I am in tears reading this, but I am so very happy that you have been adopted and are now officially in your forever home.
We’re so happy for Harley!
Hurrah !
I needed a good cry to wash out all the toxins! So happy for Harley! (It is not a failure by the way ;) )
Whoa! Harley, it’s a win! You know when Gramma went to heaven, Autumn had to be ripped from her. She didn’t want to leave only she didn’t wind up with Animal Control since TW and Pop came to get her. I love happy endings.
oh, and I was returned to the shelter and moved from shelter to shelter too.
We’re still drying the head peep’s happy tears at this story. What great news for Harley and for all of you. Foster fails really are the biggest wins of all.
I love a happy ending. Our Chris was also adopted and returned the next day. Adoptions should be like a marriage, for better and worse, but we were the lucky ones. I sometimes feel bad for those people who returned Chris because they missed out on a very special kitty.
I can’t say anymore than what already has been said.Wonderful wonderful ending. Bless you all.x
Harley we are just THRILLED by this pawesome news!! This is just purrfect! xoxo
Hi Guys!
I just read your interview with the Funny Farmers on Mouse Breath! And now that I read about YOU on the blog Harley (BTW My Mom had tears running down her face) I bet the naew of the blog will change!
Purrs
Marv!
Oh Harley, we’re soooooooo happy fur ya’. You sure are a handsum mancat. Ya’ know, we’re sure your mommy would be okay with you callin’ awnty Rachel mommmy. And we know she’d luv that. You’ve got a great home now and you’re right…it’s Furever!!! We’re happy fur all of ya’. And, we’re thrilled to be your furiends. Big hugs fur all
Luv ya’
Dezi and Raena
OMCowKittiness, we had tears from beginning till the end, Harley. We are so happy you found a furrever home with so good people and kitties. You deserve it for sure. Thank you, CC, for giving this adorable kitty a home. We wish that for all the kitties who lost their pawrents. Good Luck Pawkisses to all of you😻❤😻
Oh Harley, I am SO HAPPY for you! I know your mama is smiling down on you and so happy you have a furever home. You pretty much just won the kitty lottery and I know you will have a wonderful life! XOXOX
My mommy and I had tears too while reading your story. We read about your family on Mousebreath too and decided to come check you guys out. What a great family you have now. I too came from the shelter but luckily it was quiet with large two compartment cages and the dogs were kept far away from us kitties. I found a great home with my new mommy too. I am learning to blog a little bit also. You can check my page out at Purrincesspatsysplace.wordpress.com. It was a pleasure meeting you all today! Luvz, Patzy
Harley, your story made us cry. At first, because we were sad that you had to go through so much sadness after being separated from your Mama and Pa. But then, we cried happy tears when we learned you are home again (and what a wonderful and amazing home it is)!
Oh reading about Harley’s story, brought tears to my eyes and my human’s. It reminded Mom of what she was told about my past – that I too had been returned to the same shelter twice by owners that decided they didn’t want to keep me. We are so happy that you have decided to be Harley’s mamma. He deserves to have a forever home and to be truly loved again. So-o touching. I think his Mama and papa in the sky are now smiling for him. XOXO
As a shelter volunteer, I love this story. I’ve seen so many adult cats as well as kittens come in, and it’s so hard for them to find homes. I’d take more home if I could, but four is the legal limit in my area, and that’s what we’ve got, all from the shelter. There was one cat I worked on for a year before he would trust me. The only reason I didn’t take him home was because we were renting at the time, and the landlord didn’t allow pets. I still miss him.
Harley you are a lucky man, at least in this part of your life. I have no doubt you are in your forever home with lots of love to come your way.
Congrats Harley! We’re happy you found a great new furever home. Purrs, Snoops and Kommando Kitty
Aww, I choked up reading this. Harley has been my favorite (they are all adorable!!) and I just found this post about his foster-fail. Love.