Sometimes adoptions don't work out - and that is okay

Hibiscus and Rooibos are back.  They are safe, happy, and adjusted back to the room after just a few minutes. I'm glad they are here.

I know a lot of people get really emotional when cats (or pets) are adopted and then returned, but I really think those people are doing a great disservice when they attack people for doing this. Not every match is a love match, not every energy is right for every home, and no matter how you think you know a kitten, cat, puppy or dog is going to act in their new home, it doesn't always go as planned.

Being adult enough to say "this isn't working and we want what is best for us AND the pet" and taking those steps to return the animal and give it a shot at home where it will be a much better fit. Owning a pet is at least a decade long commitment and it should be a complete and utter love match.

I look at this an excellent socialization "boot camp" for these two. I hated that I could not bring other people into my home to get them used to others. I also could not really take them out to "stress" them out to give them that

So not one negative word that they are back with me.  I am sure that they will find their right home quickly and in the end, everyone will be happy. Yes, there are times that "returning a pet" will put the life of the pet in danger, but I do believe that even then it is in the pet's best interest to have that shot at another home than staying in one where it becomes an obligation and not a member of the family.

Meet Hibiscus and Rooibos

I took on two new kittens recently, another set needing a little time at kitty boot camp for the unsocial..

Hibiscus:

Both were scared when they first came here, but Hibiscus came out of her shell faster. She still doesn't like it when someone enters the room but she is pretty quick to come out - especially if there is play involved. If you are near her and slowly reach out for attention she'll rub all over you and has climbed into my lap several times.  Don't let this prim exterior fool you, she is anything but proper and loves a good romp after a toy and climbing into your lap to be a lover of pets.

Rooibos:

Rooibos has issues. If you look at him the wrong way he wants to hide. He only looks the way he does in the photo because the camera was too weird and he wasn't sure if he should run or not.  He is starting to gain enough confidence to hiss at me if I am trying to touch him, but not so much that I have to worry about him lashing out at all. If I can get him in my lap - and he'll only get there if I put him there - I can get him purring after a few minutes. Hibiscus has climbed up on top of him to say "oh dude, you should just love this"

It has taken way too long for him to let his guard down long enough to play. Today was the first day he really let go and went after the toy, which was so incredibly nice to see. Once he realized what was going on he became more reserved again, but I hope after a few more days he won't need the convincing to play. When he does let himself forget to be fearful, he is actually quite a goofy kitten, it is absolutely adorable.

They are doing very well outside of the fear. Hibiscus had a bit of Calicivirus which caused a few blisters on her tongue but a few days of antibiotics and those cleared right up. Litterbox habits have been great and they are eating very well. I have taken up their dry food so they get really hungry by the time I come down hoping that will spur them to tell me what for and to hurry the food along.. which I am sure will be coming any day now.  I always forget how much dry food contributes to a full litter box because when I took it up after a couple of days the usage dropped dramatically. It is so nice to not have so much waste.

They are both already neutered and ready to go, just need to find them a nice home (or two) from someone willing to travel to the Rutland VT area to adopt them.