Graduation Day
Please watch the video before continuing to read this. I want you to experience the journey the way I experienced it. It took me many hours to put this together as it was quite emotional, challenging yet rewarding three months.
We rescued Ladybug who had a lot of medical issues. She also had ringworm, which is contagious. I didn't want her to be in quarantine for weeks by herself, so I started searching for another ringworm kitten. I ended up saving two. Though the shelter said they were siblings, there was no way June Bug and Honey Bee were related. They got along beautifully from the beginning; Honey was very gentle with June, who was much smaller and unwell. Until they met Ladybug, Honey and June kept each other warm and felt safe. Once all three got integrated, the three bugs played, cuddled, and taught each other how to be good kitties. Neither of them was extremely bonded; Ladybug and June were more independent. Honey, on the other hand, relied on another friendly cat. He found that in GB, June, and Ladybug.
When it was time to find them a home, my deepest wish was for Honey to be adopted with either June or Ladybug. I didn't require that on purpose as I didn't want June or Ladybug to miss out on a perfect home. But I was wishful. Many people wanted June, but only her. She gets along with anyone; she would be OK to be adopted solo to a home with other friendly cats. Ladybug would be fine even as a solo cat. I struggled with the decisions. When a family, who happens to live less than one hour from me, applied to adopt June, I asked if they were open to adopting another kitty. They were and wanted to meet the other two in person. Being local made that easier. When they told me that the husband actually loves gingers, my heart skipped a beat. I never want to pressure anyone into adopting my kittens, so I was careful not to do that... especially with Honey who requires more patience and understanding. When they came for the first time, Honey hid under the couch. June took to them right away. Honey eventually came out to check them out. My heart quietly burst as I watched the dad put a bit of churu on his finger, patiently waited for Honey to lick it. They were both so gentle and caring. Within half an hour, Honey and June were lying next to them comfortably.
I wanted them to be their forever family, but it was up to them now. I kept checking my phone for their text all day next day, waiting for their decision. When I got a text saying "We would love to add June Bug and Honey Bee to our family" I started crying like a baby. This will be a family who will guide Honey to be the happy, sweet, and loving cat he is. June will help Honey, and Honey will be June's best furry friend. And I know the family will cherish them. The adoption happened a few days ago, and I'm getting a lot of updates. Honey was stressed on night one, not eating much. They gave him time to decompress on his terms. The next day, he ate and he was already showing his goofy side, playing, and even being a little mischievous.
When they left, I wasn't as sad as usual because they will be back soon. The family will be out of town, and I'll be babysitting them. I'm excited for GB to have his friends back for a few days. 🐱
Have a wonderful new beginning, June and Honey! I'm so proud of you. #WhyWeFoster