Ash and Addie’s Ragdoll Cat Rehoming Story
Ash and Addie’s Ragdoll Cat Rehoming Story
Written by my sister, Amy Dean
About a year ago, I had told Jenny that I would be interested adopting Ragdoll cats from a re-homing/adoption situation. I asked if she saw anything that really pulled on her heartstrings and that she thought that I might be interested, to forward the e-mail on to me. Over the course of those months, Jenny forwarded a few. None of them seemed to give me that gut feeling of, “That is my cat”.
Fast-forward to May 2015 and Jenny forwarded me an e-mail from an owner who was looking for a new home for her two one year old Ragdolls. They were also about an hour’s drive from Kansas City (where we live). One female, Ava, a seal point bi-color (now Addie) and one male, Ash, a blue point mitted. She was located about an hour outside of Kansas City and they were not abused, but the owner had to re-home them for personal reasons. The previous owner originally asked Jenny if she would take them and while she was flattered—time, resources and just bluntly, four cats would be a bit much…. Plus, I think Charlie would have given her the cat version of the middle finger.
Through many e-mail exchanges and pictures/videos, my cousin Jill, Jenny and myself went to go see them. Ava (Addie) and Ash lived in a very nice home in the country and immediately could tell they were VERY well-loved and cared for. Their previous owner had so many toys that Jenny had reviewed on her website such as the Petstages Easy, Scratch, Snuggle and Rest and Bergan Turbo Scratcher. I explained to their previous owner that I would like to visit the kitties several times before I made my decision. Not only did I have the potential to bring home one cat, but TWO. They had grown up together in their first year, so I knew I didn’t want to separate them. I lived with Caymus and Murphy for many years and knew that it would just be cruel to separate two cats.
After that first visit, I explained to the previous owner that I wanted some time to digest the situation and see how I felt after I left them. Sure enough, the next
morning, I woke up and said, “Those are my cats.” I didn’t want to jump to any quick and rash decision because ultimately, these were my kitties for the next 15+ years. The previous owner made it clear to me that she was not just going to give them up to anyone. It had to be the right fit and she would keep them if she couldn’t find a suitable replacement that would love them as much as she did. She was very familiar with Floppycats and had seen me in videos and pictures before.
Two more visits occurred before I took them home. The second visit was with my Mom and Aunt Jean in late May, when I told the previous owner that I wanted to adopt them. The last visit (before I picked them up on Sept.12th) was with my Mom and my boyfriend, Kirk, in July. In this story, months are passing and you’re probably wondering why I didn’t take them home yet. In late May, I explained to the previous owner that I had a summer booked of plans including traveling and the last thing I wanted to do was bring Ash and Addie into a situation where I was leaving all the time and their beginning with me would be too
unfair. She agreed and was willing to wait until my schedule became a little less hectic. I was so appreciative of her flexibility and understanding.
All the stars began to align… everything that I had hoped for with a re-homing situation was becoming a reality. I knew in my gut that if one of these didn’t align, the re-homing situation wasn’t meant to be.
- I could physically see them and hold them before I made my decision to adopt them
- They were close in proximity to where I lived
- Previous owner had and still has excellent communication skills
- They were well-loved and cared for, including all necessary vet appointments and vaccinations
- She was willing to accommodate my previously planned summer schedule.
September 12th came in a flash. My mom and I went out to pick them up early afternoon and their previous owner generously gave us all of their cat toys, cat tree, litter box, etc. She understood the importance of sending them off with things that they knew already (smells particularly) and that would make them the most comfortable in their new home. I promised the previous owner that I would stay in touch and we still do. I exchange photos and videos with her on a weekly basis.
I am so honored to be Ash and Addie’s mom. They have brought so much joy to my life already in the four months I’ve had them. I look forward to their personalities continue to emerge and all the laughs along the way. Thank you for the love and support that all of the Floppycats fans have already given me!
See more photos and videos of Ash and Addie on our Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Google+, Instagram and YouTube.
[youtube]https://youtu.be/BghSPKdgCOk[/youtube]
Hi, I’m Jenny Dean, creator of Floppycats! Ever since my Aunt got the first Ragdoll cat in our family, I have loved the breed. Inspired by my childhood Ragdoll cat, Rags, I created Floppycats to connect, share and inspire other Ragdoll cat lovers around the world,
What an amazing story, Amy & Jenny! I lurve how your entire family seems to lurve, lurve, lurve animals! 🙂 <3
Ash & Addie are SO GORGEOUS!!! (Those kitten pictures tug at my heartstrings sooo much. How cute are they???? VERY!!!!) I adore all the lovely photos of them! Just wonderful!
Truly a great story about a very successful re-home adoption! I don't think those happen two often (at least not in the way yours did, Amy). I truly admire and respect how patient you were in deciding what to do, how to plan, communicating honestly with the previous owner (and still keeping those lines of communication open is probably such a relief to the prevous owner, too!) and having her communicate honestly right back to you. A very smart and rational decision in what was most likely a situation very hard to be rational in… Being able to think with your head (when your heart keeps wanting to but in and make irrational, impulsive choices) is very hard for a lot of folks in that type of situation. Kudos to you, Amy!!! You did what was best for everyone. Awesome.
Wishing you, Kirk, Ash & Addie many wonderful years of happy, healthy, loving and fun-loving times together!!!! 🙂
Big hugs!
Patti & Miss Pink Sugarbelle 🙂 <3
Thank you for your kind words, Patti! It certainly was a well-thought out decision and I am so fortunate that the previous owner wasn’t desperate to get rid of them immediately. We do love our furry animals, that’s for sure 🙂
You are most welcome, Amy! Without the love of our furry animals life just wouldn’t be the same! A life without animals is truly a life that is “less than” in my opinion. 🙂 <3
Addie and Ash are a beautiful, perfect pair of Ragdolls! I’m so glad you found them and you’re giving them a great Forever Home! 🙂 Thanks for sharing their pictures and your story with us!
Welcome-they are the sweetest! Excited for the Floppycats to see their personalities.
Such a good thing to adopt kitties who need a second chance! I got Emily (my profile pic) from a man who was very sick and his biggest concern was what would happen to her. Taking her from him was heartbreaking for both of us, but the best thing for her. I can only imagine how he felt. Looks like you hit the jackpot with Ash and Addie and they did, too!
Lynn
Emily is beautiful- love her markings! It sounds like you did what was best for Miss Emily and alleviated the sick owner. I did hit the jackpot. Their personalities are hilarious and I’m excited for whats to come. Thank you for your kind words!
What a wonderful story Amy! They are SO blessed to have you as their Mom and Jenny for their auntie and your Mom for their grandmother! What a wonderful family they have been so richly blessed to be a part of now. Very glad that it all worked out just PURRFECTLY for all of you. Am looking forward to seeing more photos and stories of how they grow and their sweet personalities develop. Wishing you all the best for a very long and happy life together.♥♥♥
I am so lucky to have veteran Ragdoll owners to look to for advice. I am happy that it worked out the way it did as well. I keep on telling myself they were meant to come in my life at the time that they did because my first love, Napa, I fear doesn’t have much time left. Amazing how some things happen at the right time. Thank you for your sweet words!
Awesome story!
🙂
Amy, looks like it is a win-win for all concerned. Ash and Addie are precious. They are spectacular looking animals. Thank you for adopting the pair, makes such a difference in their lives. They say two can live as cheaply as one, but when it comes to critters, you have twice the vet bills and many people don’t want to or cannot make that financial commitment. You did a wonderful thing and I know you will have many years of love and fun with your two little babies.
Thanks for your kind words!