I adopted Carley Penney (on the left) in December 2001 after losing one of my three cats eight month earlier. I was looking for an orange female kitten to join my two remaining 5 year old orange boy cats. I was referred by a Durham rescue organization to SAFE Haven for Cats in Raleigh. I was surprised and thrilled that SAFE Haven followed no-kill principles and was run by volunteers. Once inside the small building, I was impressed by the shelters’ cleanliness and organization and the knowledge and friendliness of the volunteers who assisted me. A month after my first visit there, I started to volunteer and am totally committed to this well run organization.
I found a four month old light tan/orange female kitten who I thought would be a good fit for my older two boys. Carley adapted quickly to her new home and increased the activity level of my two boys who had seemed sad after my other cat’s passing. Carley certainly wanted to play all the time and aggravated the boys until they ‘gave in’ to her demands.
About six months later in 2002, I adopted Meadowlark, my 3-5 year old beautiful mostly black Torte female kitty and second rescue. She completed my family. Meadowlark was more timid with my other cats, but was comfortable spending most of her time during year one in my front bedroom/bath and with me. After a longer adjustment to the family dynamics, she would come out of her room and immediately hop onto my lap where ever I had landed. She ended up being my serious LAP CAT and Muse.
I am so grateful to have found SAFE Haven and my first two rescues. Both Carley and Meadowlark passed at around 17 years of age after filling my heart and life with a lot of love and happiness.
Meadowlark in 2014
Carley Penny in 2018
