Gather round, gather round: we have a tale of true love to share. Of a cat, and a gentleman. An adoption story that will be told for centuries to come. Their destiny was written many days and months ago — from inside the chimney that had become a favorite hiding spot in Star’s third adopted home. It was from this place that her true love rescued her on more than one occasion, carrying her softly from darkness to daylight in his soot-stained arms.
“Star seemed to embody this wish in her every movement. When Camden came near during his shift at our Adoption Center, everyone else disappeared from her view. ”
You see, sometimes it takes a few tries before a cat finds their perfect match — and every time, we learn something new about what they need to thrive. The first time Star was adopted, we learned she needed someone who could read even the most subtle of messages that flicker across a wary cat's eyes. The second time she was adopted, we learned she needed someone patient, who could wait her out as she hid for days on end. The third time, we learned she needed someone without a chimney.
Star dreaming of her perfect home. Photo by Scott Russell
But who would Star’s person be? Who could charm any cat he set eyes on — who could earn their trust and keep it forever? Who would love Star the way she needed and deserved, for exactly the cat she is? Who has a confident cat to be Star's shepherd in her new home while respecting her independence? While we searched for someone who could meet her where she was and help her grow, in our hearts we held space for a small dream: Camden is all of those things. Camden could adopt her. Camden would love her.
Star seemed to embody this wish in her every movement. When Camden came near during his shift at our Adoption Center, everyone else disappeared from her view. She once very nearly sat in his lap, while the rest of us were still hoping she’d sniff our outstretched finger. She was happiest when he was near, and you could see her confidence grow, just a little, when she was by his side.
Alas, a life with Camden didn't seem to be Star's fate. While he returned her adoration, Camden had no room for Star. His own cat Tarantino, and his housemate's cat Finn, were plenty to manage. Then the winds of fate shifted. Finn and his human moved away, and Camden suddenly had all the space Star might need, but for one important detail. His own cat, Tarantino, revealed himself to be happy — much happier than could be imagined — as the only cat in the house.
Camden gives Star some pets at our Adoption Center. Photo by Shelly Waldman
Now, we all know that doing right by your cat is one hallmark of a good heart, and this was no different for Camden. If Tarantino was happier on his own, how could he sacrifice his joy, when someone else in the world would surely love Star, too? So Camden continued to foster tiny kittens instead, who would go along their way to new homes, and Tarantino enjoyed life as a solo cat. But not for long, because fate struck again.
When the Covid crisis hit the nation, we had to move all our cats into foster homes quickly. We worked fast to carefully match each with a home that would suit their personalities. And in this moment, Star was one of the cats who needed someone. We wanted her to feel safe as her world turned upside down yet again, and she prepared to go to a fourth home.
So, faced with this urgent need, Camden took her in as a temporary foster until Star could return to our Adoption Center. In his home, he was so gentle and patient with her, but that didn't seem to matter — because for once Star was brave. She immediately made herself at home. She explored, then hid, until he came near. She rubbed her face on all the things. She jumped into bed for snuggles, expectantly waiting for him to follow her. Eventually, after weeks of separation, scent swapping, lots of cat treats, and supervised visits, it seemed that even Tarantino felt the arrangement was acceptable.
And with that, everyone’s secret wishes and hopes came true, there was no going back. Camden made it official, and adopted Star. She is finally and truly home, and Camden and Tarantino have a bright young cat to light up their days and call their newest family member. The two cats nap all day under the bed, and have even developed a sweet nightly ritual. Star snuggles with Camden as he settles down for the evening, while Tarantino waits patiently nearby. As soon as the lamp flicks off, Star goes exploring and Tarantino snuggles up to sleep with Camden. Finally, Star takes her place under the bed, happily settling in for the night after a day filled with fearless love and snuggles.
It seems that good things come to those who wait — true love is patient and finds a way — and that silver linings, and love, can be found in the age of Covid.
Everyone’s secret wishes and hopes came true when Camden decided to make it official, and adopt Star. Photo by Shelly Waldman