I started volunteering at LAWS early this year after expressing interest in helping socialize feral/timid cats to help them become more adoptable and decrease their time in the shelter. Tasha was one of these cats; she had been live trapped by a staff at the shelter at only a few weeks old and it was clear she had no previous human contact.

From the time Mary W asked me to work with Tasha, my heart went out to the little tortie! She integrated well with her feline roommates in the “kitten room” at the old shelter, but she would hide from people. I began visiting her 3 – 4 times per week where I would sit in the room talking to her, and after a while I was able to put my hand on her back. This continued for a couple of months with no positive response to my touch. During one visit, Amber suggested I foster Tasha. I took her home that afternoon. Since joining our family (me and four other felines!) four months ago, Tasha has shown us her wonderful self! She has progressed from cringing away from my touch and gaze to greeting me at the door and following me around EVERYWHERE. In the morning, she is either sleeping on my bed or comes to greet me as soon as I am awake. She loves being petted, brushed and kissed now!

Tasha has adopted my 10 year old tabby Alister as her “grandpa”. The groom each other, sleep on my bed together most nights, and “wrestle”. Tasha has also adopted Koocha, my 7 year old black and white “devilish” girl as her playmate. She seems to be having a ball.

To my surprise, my 3 year old niece was able to coax Tasha into a few play sessions when she was here for a visit two months ago! Also, Tasha is only minimally shy with people coming into my home.

I so look forward to living with Tasha for the rest of her life….the “foster” didn’t last for long, I have adopted her.

Thank you, LAWS, for giving me the opportunity to work in this organization, and for giving a voice and hope to these deserving beings! They all deserve a loving home.

Teddi Pappas
(Tasha’s mummy)