This was the paycheck of Rescue.
Packing Circes up with all her belongings, I looked forward to seeing Katherine again. A woman in her 80’s, Katherine had contacted me several years ago when she was looking for a Siamese friend to join her family. An experienced ‘Meezer’ owner, Katherine came highly recommended from the Feline Foundation in Washington where she had originally applied.
The first Siamese we placed with her was my 24th rescue. Cleopatra had come to us from Manhattan, NY when her owner passed away, leaving no provisions for the cat. Luckily for Cleo, a neighbor jumped in when it became apparent the only option was the NYC pound and took Cleo in. The neighbor, discovering that she was highly allergic, contacted us shortly thereafter to see how we could help Cleo.
A mature Meezer of 10, Cleopatra came to us with a woeful wail but a wonderful personality. From the beginning she was a trooper, sharing her stories with us but never once really complaining. The stress of the move and the new environment had resulted in ringworm, a fairly common fungus in rescued cats; this unfortunately meant a 4-6 week isolation in an upstairs bathroom.
Meanwhile, the search continued for a new owner. Cleo became a popular kitty on the Rescue website, where many admirers followed her tale. As luck should have it, Katherine came along at just the right time, and following the 6 week isolation period, we drove Cleo to her new home, accompanied by many internet hurrahs.
Unfortunately, after several years in her new home, Cleo left us for the Rainbow Bridge. Swallowing her sorrow Katherine immediately contacted us, offering to provide a loving home for yet another needy Meezer. As circumstances would have it, Circes had just arrived from a family in Ohio where their child’s asthma forced a rehome. A beautiful wedgehead seal, Circes met all the requirements – loving, lap sitting, needy – they would be a perfect pair.
As I loaded Circes in the car, I remembered the warm, glowing feeling that came over me the first time as I watched Cleo and Katherine instantly form a bond of friendship. As they sat there, arm-in-arm, the tears of happiness fell from everyone’s eyes, and the true meaning of Rescue was more than apparent. The fact that Katherine was willing to open her heart to another needy cat, and on top of that, a mature cat, was a testimonial to her dedication to the many rescued cats looking for good homes.
Although Katherine lived a good two hours from me, I wanted to do this transport myself. Normally, we used members of our Meezer Express, a 900 volunteer-strong transport team that worked together to relay rescue cats between the shelters and their new homes. However, I was anxious to see Katherine again, remembering how touched I was during my last visit several years ago. I had convinced my daughter to come with me; at age 11, I had an ulterior motive wanting her to experience firsthand, as I had, the joy and satisfaction that Rescue can bring.
The two-hour drive passed uneventfully, with Circes complaining initially, but then settling down for remainder of the ride. I firmly believe these cats know much more than we give them credit for, and I had no doubt that Circes realized she was headed to her new home. When we arrived at the apartment, we were greeted in the lobby by Katherine who was so excited she was practically dancing on her toes. With a huge smile on her face, she gave us a quick glance and then looked expectantly at Circes. Circes meowled her hellos in return as we headed upstairs. Circes exited the carrier, did a once around, and immediately jumped on Katherine’s lap to make biscuits. The warmth that flooded me from head to toe – and I could see the same for my daughter, was amazing. Watching the two of them fall in immediate love – it was hard to tell who needed the other one more – we left grinning from ear to ear. This, I told my daughter, is the paycheck of Rescue.
