Stories from Home
Arthur
History: Arthur was thrown from a moving car in Caribou. The person who witnessed the act tried to get a plate number but the car drove away too fast. Arthur just stood up in the yard and walked into the witness's arms. He was brought to HHPR the same day and never stopped purring. We think he was abandoned because he needed to be neutered. Home at last: Hi Norma, |
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Jett and Obie
| Thought I would send you these pictures to let you know that jett and obie have adjusted well to the house and to our lab. They both enjoy playing with our granddaughter and her toys. ~Debbie |
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Stella, Argus, Spart Bart, and Monkey
 Stella (her ears and tail suffered severe frostbite) |
We are now moved into the new place, still a ton of work to do but the cats all took to the new place very quickly. I was extremely shocked at how quick they all settled in, it's like they knew this was home and a huge weight was lifted off their precious little backs... Argus and Spart Bart are coming along very well and have opened up and are more comfortable around us all, me in particular as I am able to spend the most time with them. Stella still has most of her tail and as you can tell by the pictures is getting pretty chunky...lol
We are grateful for what you do and cannot imagine our life without our beautiful kitty kats.
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Tia
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Hi Norma, I adopted Tia from you. I would like to let you know that Tia, now Muffin, (we changed her name) is doing great. She is getting so big fast. We just love her - she is the greatest. And her and the dog love each other. Thank you Norma for this little bundle of joy you brought to us. ~ Jamie |
 Tia when she was at HHPR |
Riley and Harley
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Riley and Harley were inseparable brothers when they were fostered at HHPR. Fortunately, they were adopted together. And they still appear inseparable! Their new "mom" writes:
Be assured that both Riley and Harley remain very happy, healthy, and active kittens. |
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King George
George is less than a year old, is exceptional, just a really great happy, clean, loving and funny cat to have around. He has the freedom of the house and gets along with all other cats and would be good with kids. He will be a really perfect family pet. 
Very intelligent and actually has a sense of humor. We adore him. He keeps us all laughing -- such a loving clown. Adoption fee: $50.00
Update on George, March 3, 2011:
He is doing great and right now is curled up in the recliner taking a nap. He's a clown (he rolled around in the brand new cat litter box and looked at me like I was supposed to laugh at his antics and of course I did because he looked so funny with cat litter on his fur and I've never seen a cat roll around in the cat litter even when it was clean!). He stands his ground with the dogs, makes me want to call him "King George". The dogs back off from him, especially when he finds a safe place (under the chair with Carl in it) to growl at them! Of course I won't let the dogs around him unless we are here with them but I think he will end up being "top dog" the way he acts, very bold and confident.
Thanks again Norma, I think you and your helpers are doing a great service to the area. ~ Pat
Mindy and Molly
Hi Norma -
I just wanted to include a couple of the more recent photos of the girls... They are doing wonderful and they have been well spoiled. It has been such a blessing having had the privilege of sharing our home with these two kitties. I really cannot thank you enough for letting us get them and for talking us into taking the two rather than just the one!!!! I definitely would recommend that to anyone else contemplating adding a new kitty to their family!
I had to let go of my 19 year old kitty a couple of weeks ago. It was by far one of the more difficult times in my life. Having these two here with us helped a little with the sadness and the emptiness I experienced. Molly was so sweet. It was almost like she sensed I needed the extra love and she was right there to give it.
They each have their own unique things that makes them special. Molly purrs every time she is petted and she has discovered that craft pompoms are her most favorite toy to play with. She is just the sweetest, most lovable kitty.
Mindy has a certain Lego piece that is her favorite toy. All you have to do is drop it and she will come running from anywhere to get it. She loves to play fetch with it, too, which is rather entertaining. I even ordered her her own from the Lego store so she would always have them available to her.
I hope your holidays were good. ~ Patsy
Darci
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Hi Norma,
Finally getting around to giving you an update on Darci and sending some pictures as well.
The boys were very surprised Christmas eve, they had no idea! Although I really liked the name Darci, they decided to rename the kitten Annabell, and she has really taken to them. She is such a social, playful kitty. They just love her! She spends the night on my youngest, Camden's bed at night, and wakes with him in the morning. She did not like our dog at first, but is starting to warm up to her.
Thank you again for such a wonderful Kitten!
Enjoy the photos! ~
Carmen
Max
 Max when he came to HHPR |
 Max ready for adoption |
Background: Max is approximately 10 months old. He came from a very neglectful background (a cat hoarder) and was close to death from fleas, ear mites, URI, worms and eye infection when he came to us. His head will probably always be held in a crooked way because he was so filled with ear mites that they ate through his eardrum and has upset that balance permanently. He was on antibiotics with us for about 6 weeks and has improved quite a bit in how he holds his head. But this is probably as good as it will get during his lifetime and should be the only long-term effect remaining from his neglect. Max was medically treated and cleared for adoption. He was shown at our outreach location at the Tractor Supply store in Presque Isle and he attracted the perfect family.
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 Donna at Tractor Supply |
 Tractor Supply outreach |
Donna
Background: Donna is a 13-year- old, spayed, declawed female cat. She was leukemia tested, all shots updated - distemper & rabies, cleared of any fleas, worms, etc. She has always been an inside cat because of the declaw. Owners are overseas for a year. Nice family pet. Shy with other pets, but just ignores them. Very good with people. Loves being loved. She has started losing a little weight in the shelter and we really want to get her placed in a loving home as soon as possible. Donna was also one our our Tractor Supply celebrities. When Max's new family came to adopt him at HHPR, they fell in love with Donna, too.
Max and Donna given new home - and new names
Update 1 (Dec. 22, 2010) Hi Norma - Just a quick note to let you know that Donna and Max are happily ensconced in one of our spare bedrooms. We aren't "feeling" the name Donna, so we're thinking that we might call her Norma, in your honor...if that's OK with you, of course. And Max might become Montgomery...we need to test-drive that name a little longer before making a decision. At any rate, we are so glad that we took both of these guys. It always seems like such a big leap to add another cat to the family, and adding two wasn't in our plans for today! But one look at Norma/Donna, who is settling in amazingly well, tells us this was the right thing to do. She's a lovely girl...although she sought refuge under the bed at first, she quickly claimed her place on the armchair. And she didn't hesitate to jump across to the bed when I came in to see how they're doing. She just seems so totally at peace... Monty/Max is a bit more circumspect about his new surroundings. He's spent most of his time under the bed, but Rob managed to coax him out for some loving and, more interestingly to Monty, some dinner. We'll let Monty set the pace for interacting with us...rather than forcing him, we'll wait until he's ready to buddy up to us. It'll come one day soon...especially with the Cat Whisperer in residence! It was great meeting you and the other members of the HHPR family today. You're all doing wonderful things for animals in need, and I respect the passion and determination you bring to the cause. These critters have a true advocate in you...that was easy to see! We'll send more updates and photos as these guys settle in... Best for the holidays...and for more success in 2011! Kathryn (and Rob) |
Update 2 (Dec. 25, 2010) Merry Christmas, Norma... Taking a moment from festivities here in Houlton to let you know that all's well with Norma and Max/Montgomery -- who is now, officially and forever, Oliver. Norma was out and about in the house today...we opened the door to the bedroom in which they've been staying and she came trotting right out. She's not quite sure what to make of the dogs, so she headed back to "safety" fairly quickly. Oliver has also come around very nicely...instead of hiding, most of the time he greets us happily and demands some quality attention. We brought him downstairs for awhile this afternoon, and he was very curious about everything going on around here. He went exploring, but then got a little nervous and hid on the woodpile. Little baby steps as we introduce each of them to the rest of the house...and its inhabitants. Both kitties are huge eaters...woah! Norma makes the happiest snorting/purring noise when she gets her head in a food bowl... Again, we feel so honored to be "chosen" as Norma and Oliver's new family...we're having a lot of fun learning about each of them and watching them settle into the Harnish-Lawless clan. Best to you and all of the volunteers at HHPR, |
Garfield
You probably don't know who I am but we adopted Garfield this fall. He was really shy when we brought him home, we didn't see him for about two weeks. He is a totally different cat now. He sleeps in bed with either my daughter or myself every night. He wakes us up every morning with kisses and very loud purring. He gets along great with our border collie and two other cats, he even eats out of the dogs dishes. He is such a great addition to our family, my daughter thinks the world of him. I am attaching a picture for you. As you can see, he is still a BIG cat.
Merry Christmas. ~ Eva |
 Garfield at home |
Happy Holidays Norma,
Dawn
History: Dawn and 3 siblings came in between 4 to 6 days of age after mom was hit by a car. They had a hard time surviving. 2 died early on, but Daisy Mae and Dawn made it through after about 3 vet visits, medications and lots of loving care. Daisy Mae went to her home a few days earlier. Here is Dawn's update:
Good Morning, Norma:
I am giving you a followup on Dawn. She is adjusting well to her new home and has a great attitude about everything (with exception of her eye treatment).
She sleeps with me every night, purring in my ear and swatting my nose periodically throughout the night. During the day while I am at work she sleeps between the hooves of a large plush horse I have laying on my bed. When I come home I hear her feet hit the floor upstairs. Then I watch her little tail trailing behind a blur of four little white feet as she rushes down the stairs to me. She greets me with a chorus of purring and soft meowing....This is worth coming home to.
I was concerned the first day I brought her home. She didn't appear frightened or depressed and I couldn't figure out why she wouldn't eat. I now mix half a teaspoon of soft food in with the kitten formula and add a little dab on top so she thinks she's getting something special. She has done well with her food since. Last night I mixed in a little tuna juice for a treat.
She looks to me like she has grown so fast in five days! Her legs and tail are twice as long and I don't believe it's because her little belly is shrinking. She follows me everywhere and watches tv with me (as long as I wear her out first).
She continues to sneeze in my eyes (as you warned me about). Due to what looks to me like a respiratory infection I looked online to see what else I could learn about the cold in her right eye and found that certain things cause the inflammation. Stress is one cause along with environmental elements. But her eye is looking so much better and I credit that to twice-a-day eye sponging and also to the fact that she seems happy in her new home.
In a short time she has become a life saver for me. My job is a stressful one. But Dawn's funny white mustache, crazy antics, and affectionate side make everything better at night. I can face tomorrow knowing she's waiting for me at home. I thank God every day for her. I personally thank you so much for making sure Dawn went home with me. I applaud everything HHPR does. ~ Shannon
We Love Our Tortie! |
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Dear Mrs. Milton,
Please accept this photo of our tortie that you helped us with a year ago. She is a true joy in our lives.
Sincerely, Daniel & Cecile Plourde |
Winnie
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Update 9/2010: We discovered Rudy had a nasal polyp that was causing him some problems. Poor guy! But Dr. Nick came to his rescue and was able to remove the polyp without major surgery. Rudy is now doing even better and he's a wild man! No more snoring. |
Winnie is now named Rudy and he's doing great! It didn't take him long at all to settle in and now after just a couple weeks his personality is blooming. He's a real character and he's very smart. He only needed a couple of gentle redirections to learn what he is allowed to scratch on. He loves to play and be combed. His favorite games are "the bird" and "the kleenex box." We took an empty kleenex box and put a mouse toy inside. He goes crazy trying to get that mouse out. "The bird" is feathers on a "fishing pole" and when he catches the feathers, he tries to drag them into the bedroom and bury the bird in a shoe!
We've learned that he is not afraid of the vacuum cleaner and he likes to catch the drips in the tub. The only thing is... he snores. But he's so cute and he fits right in. We enjoy him so much. Thank you! ~ Betty
Millie
Here's a picture of Millie in her new home. She took a week or so to start to really feel comfortable but now has settled in nicely. She loves the recliner and will share with you if she can cuddle up on your lap. The first week or so she hid under the bed most of the time now she spends alot more time on the bed either at the foot or cuddling with me under the covers. She has also let the boys (Ruger who looks like Millie but weighs 22lbs and Sly who is 15 but very active) know who is the boss. They are all settling in quite nicely and getting used to each other now knowing that Millie is the boss.... We have all fell in love with Millie and want you to know that she is being loved and cared for. Dr Andrea has looked at her and even told her how lucky she was to have found a home with us.
Thanks Norma for giving us this chance to love and care for Millie. Kittens are wonderful but cats like Millie need good homes also. ~ Debbie
Charlie
We are enjoying him so much! ~Tracy |
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Mindy and Molly
They are doing great and growing well. We just got back from the vet for the rest of Mindy's shots and 1 of Molly's. Molly is a whooping 1.7 pounds. She is such a riot. She is starting to really want to play now and it cracks me up to see this little bundle chasing after something!
Mindy is a very energetic kitty who loves to play and purr and gets loads of attention from the kids(and us).
Amber
03/2010: First some history - Amber, our little 11-year-old female, had to be given up by her owner for serious health issues. All other shelters in the county refused to take her because her age "made her unadoptable," and/or "they were full." The owner who lived in Houlton had tried to place her himself only to find out later that she had lived 6 weeks in a closet - so he took to take her back and called us. We took her the same day and had her vet checked and her health was fine. Amber came in on Feb. 14 and was placed today, March 19, in a new home. And this note from her new owner ...
Dear Norma -
I just had to send you an e-mail tonight. I absolutely LOVE Amber. She is such a great cat. She hid for a while under my bed. I went and talked to her and she finally came out and is now exploring the house. She talks quite a bit to me. My other cat is doing great with her, doesn't seem to phase her a bit. Just wanted to drop you a line already to let you know I'm so glad I have her. She is great cat!! ~ Julie
Tiny Tim
02/2010: I just had to tell you how surprised & pleased we were when Mr. Tim decided that my six year-old nephew was his best friend this weekend! We weren't certain how he would react to a room full of relatives, let alone a child, but when he spotted Logan, he became his best friend for the afternoon. He followed Logan around and even set up camp outside the bathroom door waiting for him to come out. At one point they both were sitting on the couch together with Logan petting him and Tim soaking up every bit of attention. It was a Kodak moment for certain! Actually, both Tim and Emma were social butterflies at our birthday celebrations. Neither cat got much shut eye, but it made for a much quieter evening and sleep time! [more about Emma below]
Later: Emma & Tim's social circle has gotten considerably smaller, and they share lots of close times these past few days. Tim has taken to grooming Emma's head and ears at night when they both join us in bed, however, she draws the line there, but I suspect Mr. Tim will win that battle with a little more time on his side.
Emma was caught 'sneaking' Tim's leftover morsels of wet food this morning, which is her normal routine. But Tim gets even as they prefer to eat out of each others dishes instead of their own. Only in a cat world!
You can see Tim's shiny black 'soft paws' nail caps. It's amazing that he still has them all and I've never witnessed him attempting to take them off or pull at them, but his nails sure do grow fast!
He's pretty comfortable posing in Emma's room, but always goes under the bed for his deep sleep time. Emma's been very good to share with him and sometimes we find them both under the bed sharing space together. It truly is a love story unfolding, as they come into their own together. ~ Sharon
Jasmin
Dear Mrs. Norma and helpers at Halfway Home Pet Rescue;
Thank you for finding me and giving me a second chance at a new life. My new home in Van Buren is very fun. I am an only child but that means that I get lots of love and attention. I have learned to play “hide n seek” and lots of other fun things. You were very nice to me and I appreciate all that you have done for me. Please tell all of the cats and kittens there that I said hi and I am very happy. These are some pictures of me so you can see my new home. God Bless you all for the great work you do and Thanks again for everything.
Love Always, Jasmin Cyr
Dear Mrs. Norma and friends;
On behalf of John and me, we would like to thank you for allowing us to adopt this wonderful little angel. She has been so much fun for us. We love to play with her and cuddle her and just watch what she will do next. She is a wonderful cat. She is also very entertaining and loving. We have enclosed some pictures of her in her new home and hope you will update her picture on the website so others can enjoy. Thanks for all you do and God Bless you all.
Sincerely, John and Tammy Cyr
A Christmas Story: Mikey
Life is never dull at the Halfway Home Pet Rescue. One of the greatest post-holiday treats has been watching Little Mikey, a young 4 1/2 month old male feral kitten learn to become a domesticated housepet by learning to play.
Generally, the "easiest" age to domesticate a feral kitten is between the age of 4 weeks to 6 weeks. After that time frame, it becomes more complicated. Often, at the early age, the taming can be done in a few hours or at the most a couple of days. The hand that feeds soon becomes the new momma figure to the young kitten. Tame kittens need to be with their mother until their 9th week.
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| Mikey sees Teena across the room "who the heck is that!" |
A domestic mother teaches her baby, among other things, to play, go to litter box, clean himself, and run toward the sound of cat food being opened.
The feral mother teacher it's young to be quiet and to gather in a hidden pile when she quietly verbalizes that danger is near. She teaches that humans are death as sudden, painful and sure as a coyote attack. The kittens are hidden until about the 3rd week when they start to venture out of their hidden corner. They learn to play with their littermates under the watchful eyes of momma. Each day, they learn to survive by hiding from humans.
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| Teena has approached Mikey to smell him and make introductions: "OMG, she smelled me." |
Mikey lost his feral mother at about the age of 6 or 7 weeks. His siblings Hogan and Minnie were captured, but Mikey escaped, running in fear of his life at the hands of humans. Mikey was finally captured on Nov. 29th at about 3 1/2 - 4 months of age. At his lonely capture, Mikey had fleas, ticks, roundworms, tapeworms, ear mites, a severe upper respiratory and eye infection and cracked ribs from being kicked by some lowlife.
Life with humans did not feel good to Mikey during those first few weeks. We had a lot to do to save him and had to keep him isolated from the other kittens. When freed from isolation and cage space, Mikey didn't remember how to play. Daily, kittens and cats left to go into their new holiday homes. Mikey just was not ready. But Santa saw that Mikey had a heart full of courage and he helped Mikey by adding a new trust and a dash of love.
Each day, Mikey has created new adventures and finally, on Christmas Day, he discovered that it is safe to play with a new friend named Teena -- right in the middle of the living room in front of humans. Sunday (Dec. 27th), Mikey met his new family and on New Year's Day, Mikey will leave Halfway Home Pet Rescue and go all the way HOME.
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Emma
Emma: Home Update 10/10/09
It was two weeks to the day that I experienced my first ‘lap’ time with Emma, which she initiated! How special I felt because she finally trusted me enough to share some lap time! Lap time has now become a nightly ritual when all is quieted down for the evening.
And this morning I received my very first wake-up call from her. She joined me in bed which quickly became a chase and catch the feet game! She never ceases to amaze us! What wonderful kitten abandonment she shows us on a daily basis.
She was not pleased with our vet visit this week and proceeded to chatter the entire trip from Fort Fairfield to Presque Isle and back! I truly believe this girl has the gift of some Siamese gab somewhere in her bloodline! She got an A+ on her visit and has quickly recovered from her ride in the pet taxi!
Her first favorite toy has become a tiny white mouse which she can play with for hours, tossing it high and chasing it as if it were a live one! Sure hope we never have to experience a mouse in the house because it surely does not stand a chance of survival with Miss Emma around!
Her current favorite toy is a long piece of fleece material-like string tied to a wand that we play with for hours on end and the chatter she voices when playing with this toy is pure enjoyment for us! When she’s had enough we tuck it away in her ‘toy’ box (tightly lidded) for another time and she lets us know when that next time is! She goes to her box and comes back to us and this goes on until one of us is bright enough to figure out 'it’s time!'
She chases her ball from one end of the house to the other and seems to have an endless amount of kitten energy just being tapped into for the first time.
She enjoys lots of windowsill time and has checked out every window in the house thus far. We have a steady supply of American Crows that keep her well entertained to say the least, and when the sun is out, she finds it!
I continue to work with her in tiny blocks of time for brushing her coat and she’s starting to relax as she realizes ‘this feels pretty good!’ She is an absolute joy to have share our home with us and we couldn’t imagine life without her in it now! I think it’s safe to say she has truly found her ‘forever home’ with us as we do our very best to continue to spoil her and make her feel like the queen she is to us!
Thank you so much for caring well for our girl until our paths could cross to bring us to this point in time. My husband and I truly appreciate all everyone has done for her.
Keep up the good work! Maybe someday down the road Emma might like to take in another kitty to share her home with … Sharon
Note: Emma did indeed allow another kitty to share her home. She's the "Emma" in Tiny Tim's story above.
Our Halfway Home Foster Home environment is 98% cageless and nicely mannered cats soon enjoy a cozy happy freedom with a huge social room and an outside safety fenced play yard. Photos here.
See who's available for adoption.