This past Friday Brandy and I decided to take the kids to Fridays on the Square. The Judy Chops (post forthcoming!!) were scheduled to play at seven, and as a spur of the moment addition to the evening, we stopped by Cat’s Cradle before the show. It seems like every time I walk by that place with my kids, we have to stop and admire the cuties in the front windows. I mean, what kid doesn’t like cute animals?? So on this evening we finally went inside. The kids were sooooo excited.

It happened to be a good time to visit. We met Suzanne Auckerman and Matt Chan who, with the help of several volunteers, run the place, and they told us how warm weather brings more cats to the shelter and fewer folks to adopt them. In addition, they happen to be in a special situation right now… if they can raise $40,000 by the end of July, they’ll receive a significant bonus from one of their donors: $20,000. In hopes of increasing donations in time to get this bonus, they’ve created a promotion through the end of July, which I’ll describe in a bit. Regardless of whether you’re in the market for a new pet, please consider making a donation to Cat’s Cradle as soon as you can. You can donate through Facebook, their website, by mail, or in person. Brandy and I felt we needed to get this post up as fast as we could, not only to spread the word about the need for immediate donations, but also to show off their gorgeous inventory. :)

With that said, I’d like you to meet your potential life-long and loyal companions. Ahem:

First up: Checkers, a three-year-old female. Sporting a perfect pink nose and exquisite markings, she enjoys smooth surfaces and napping with tiny pillows. Her relaxed demeanor will make you feel less lazy when you’re having one of those “I-just-can’t-get-moving” days.

This is Checkers.

* * * * *
Next, warm up with some Coal, a two-year-old male with luxurious gray fur. He’s so regal I half-expected him to start speaking, like Aslan from Narnia. If he could speak, he would say, “Take me home. Love me. I will keep your feet warm at night and purr melodically until you drift off to sleep.”

Coal’s the name.

* * * * *
Meet Cricket–a white-chested “teblico.” At two years of age, she’s settled into her unassuming cuteness. She promises to be neat and tidy… she does, after all, wear her bib everyday. And she’ll try not to hypnotize you with her stunning green eyes, unless of course you’re into that sorta thing. If you’re nice, she’ll let you count her stripes and freckles.

hi, Cricket!

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HELLO, his name is MOHAWK. This fluffy fellow is not as fierce as he looks. In fact, underneath that unruly mane, he’s quite calm and contemplative, the philosopher of the place… the old Zen Master. At peace with himself and his surroundings, he enjoys the company of his feline roommates while transcending the drama of the cat house. Oh, and he likes to be brushed by candlelight.

I am MOHAWK. That is all.

* * * * *
Next is Precious, and that she certainly is. At eleven years young, this spunky golden girl looks forward to spending her best years yet with a family to love. Her immaculate white fur is silky soft. She enjoys rubbing against your leg while your pour your first cup of coffee each morning and sleeping in a little sliver of sunlight shining through a winter window.

She’s Precious!

* * * * *
Meet Tuzi–a curious two-year-old female. This mackerel tabby boasts gorgeous markings and velvety fur. She’s social and playful and happy to explore new surroundings. She enjoys chasing whatever you dangle in front of her, and she might have been a tight-rope walker in a previous life.

She is something’ Tuzi! (ha!)

* * * * *
Lastly, this is Reesee. This little calico charmer is ready to shower your lucky family with unending love and cuteness. Her sweet face and glowing eyes can only be matched by her satin fur and those white paws (!). At nine years, she’s content to flop down with you and gaze at you with her sparkling emerald eyes.

sweet Reesee.

So, here’s the promotion: The PURRsuit of Happiness. Between now and July 31, all adoption fees are waived in lieu of a donation. Why is this an advantage for you? Because your donation is tax deductible; adoption fees are not. This means that you can feel good about donating more than the adoption fee of $100. Another reason you might consider donating more is because Cat’s Cradle shells out an average of $300 just to make the cat available to you. For example, all their cats are spayed or neutered ($50); they have all their shots and tests and have been de-wormed ($70); they’re all outfitted with microchip technology ($15); and the shelter must, on top of all that, pay qualified people to perform these services. So the fee Cat’s Cradle charges you to adopt the cat is nowhere near the cost they incurred. Plus we really want them to get that $20,000 bonus, so please spread the word about this unique opportunity.

Now we were just in there on Friday (June 22), and already Gabana, Riley, and Piccalo (pictured below) have been adopted!

Congratulations, Piccalo!

Awesome news! And it’ll be equally awesome when some of you visit Cat’s Cradle this week and take home the rest of these darlings. We all need a little more love in our lives, right?

Cat’s Cradle is located in downtown Harrisonburg at 124 South Main St. They open at 11am each day.

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