A few weeks ago, we accepted 2 adults from the rescue group to be fostered. They came to us from their owner, who had to give them up due to allergies and moving to a smaller place (the combination of the two). Usually allergies is an excuse, but I could tell their owner really loved them, and she was heartbroken to give them up.
Zigby is a purebred Ragdoll, who came from a breeder originally. She has gorgeous blue eyes. She took longer to get used to us than Rory, and she was ill when she first came to us - she had an eye infection. Once she started feeling better, she came out of her shell and we started to get to know her better. She is very sweet, but on her own terms. She is quite the character - she'd get mad at something one minute, and the next minute she can't help but come looking for attention again.
Rory is a beautiful tortie. She does not have any "tortitude" at all - calicos and torties are usually thought to be very snooty and moody. Rory is an absolute sweetheart, very affectionate and vocal. She would have warmed up to us faster than she did, except that she hid under the dresser with Zigby for a couple days just to keep her company. Unfortunately, Zigby didn't show any of that affection towards Rory.
We wanted to keep them together when they were adopted; especially since it would be Rory's best chance to find a home if she had to go with such a pretty purebred. It became apparent to me though that Zigby really preferred to be alone; if she had any bond with Rory, she didn't show it. She also would not have done well in a home with other cats, since it took her a month just to get along with Rory when their owner first brought Rory home.
Two weeks ago, a couple wanted to meet Zigby. We explained that we wanted to keep Rory with her, but they could only have one cat. I brought Zigby to the adoption event that week so they could at least meet her; if things went well, then we would discuss adopting her out alone. It was absolute love at first sight. Another volunteer suggested letting Zigby roam around in the adoption area so they could get to know her, but she ended up hiding under a cage for awhile and they didn't get much time with her. They said they would take a few days to talk it over and decide what to do.
In the meantime, I spoke with some of the people from the rescue group, as well as with my husband. We ultimately decided that if they wanted Zigby, they could have her by herself. This couple was head-over-heels for her, and just the way they spoke of their former cat showed how much they would love Zigby as well.
Last weekend, they wanted to meet her again and make their decision, since they didn't really get much time with her the first time. I offered to bring her to their apartment, and if they decided to adopt her, I could just leave her there. By the time I got there, the decision had already been made - Zigby was staying! I'm glad my husband came with me for this, because he got to see the kind of life Zigby would have, and her new owners are amazing people. Rory is still with us, and we will find the perfect home for her as well. We are happy to have her with us for now. Here is a picture of Zigby from her new owners, already ruling her castle!
