Joni came to the ranch with her two sons, Brad and Brandon Zeller, as well as Brad’s girlfriend, Ashby Sowers. All are animal lovers so they were more than willing to drive the eight hours round trip to the ranch. After all, a new cat in the family is cause for celebration.

The family took the time to get to know all the cats. Walter Mitty was thoroughly entertained as they teased him with toys so he would fly through the air in his efforts to catch them. Max enjoyed cuddles while lounging in a favorite cat bed. Jewels strutted through the room receiving pets from each person as she went by.

Over time, Brad and Brandon knew Joni’s instincts were right. Everyone agreed. Snuggles is the one for them. We couldn’t be happier. Snuggles was dumped at the ranch as a kitten when the sanctuary first opened. From that time on, we all looked forward to the day when Snuggles would have her own adoring family. Congratulations, Munsterteiger family!

Stormy, a ten year old cat, was used in pet food research. He has been at the ranch for nearly two years waiting for his perfect family. Always affectionate, he is very partial to comfy pillows and blankets.

Upon arrival at Emily’s home, Stormy checked out the food and water bowl then happily settled into the cat bed on the window seat. Sun showered down on him as he stretched out in the bed. He purred while being groomed and showed every sign of deep contentment with his new environment. His purrs grew louder as Emily lovingly nuzzled his face.

Emily is a natural caretaker and lover of animals. She grew up in a house with six kids. Prior to moving into her own home, she lived with her sister and her husband helping to take care of her two nephews. As long as she can remember, she has had a pet. From dogs and cats to ferrets and pigs, Emily has a love for animals of all shapes and sizes. From the moment he stepped in the door, Stormy seemed to sense he had finally come home.

After the decision was made, staff members went to the Martin’s home to see how things were coming along. Ginger was calm and happy sitting next to Matt’s feet. She followed Whitney around the house, and appeared to enjoy a very special sunny spot in front of sliding glass doors. The whole family was gathered round, happily watching Ginger settle into her new life. Despite the newness of the people, her first car ride to their home, and the different environment, Ginger looked like she felt a growing sense of belonging. The Martins seem to have the special touch that Ginger needs.

We have no doubt that Ginger will enjoy being a member of this kind and caring family. Ginger has a great love for playing with balls and rolling in the grass. She adores cuddles and attention with a passion. At the Martin’s ranch, long walks, balls, and lots of petting are clearly in her future.

No matter one’s age, it is amazing how dedication, compassion, and creativity can make a difference in the lives of animals.

With check in hand, Samantha visited the ranch with her mother, Danika, and her aunt this past week for three nights. How did Samantha like her visit to Kindness Ranch? “All the animals are so cute!” said Samantha. “The cats are so funny with their toys. The dogs are very friendly. The horses are very gentle. The piggies like peanuts and corn on the cob! The sheep come when called.”

From brushing horses, walking dogs, to feeding pigs, Samantha helped out with all aspects of life at the ranch. What was her favorite part? “It was funny when Karen (Co-Director) and I called for the sheep to come into the barn at night. We both yelled, ‘SHEEPIES……Here sheepie, sheepie, sheepie.’ And all of a sudden, they came running!” But her favorite part, Samantha went on to say, was cuddling with Isabella, a sweet hound mix. “She is SO sweet!” said Samantha.

Thank you, Samantha! Your donation will provide hay for a horse for a year at Kindness Ranch.

Athena came to the ranch almost two years ago. She is a beautiful pointer cross with boundless energy and a love for people, but not really other dogs. It made her a bit of a challenge to adopt out. With the wonderful help of behaviorist Aimee Sadler and her terrific colleagues, we spread the word far and wide about Athena.

Raymond and Jeanette Davis of Grand Lake, CO learned about Athena. They had been looking for a dog for awhile, but not seen the right one. They had a dog of similar breeding to Athena in the past, and fell in love with her immediately. Right away, they expressed their interest in Athena.

Karen Straight, Co-Director, and Tammy George, Animal Caretaker, drove out to the Davis house with Athena to do a home check. They were touched immediately by the welcome sign for Athena hanging cheerfully from the garage door. The privacy of the house and the beautiful seven acres abutting more land is heaven on earth for a dog like Athena. But most importantly, Jeanette and Raymond demonstrated gentle caring and love.

Not long after we entered the house, Athena disappeared upstairs. After five minutes, Tammy suggested we check out what she was up to. To our horror, Athena had destroyed a white fur rug. It was like a movie set with white fur flying everywhere and Athena still in the middle destroying the last tidbits with great enthusiasm. “Oh, my!” said Tammy. As Karen dragged Athena off the rug, both Tammy and Karen thought that was the end of the adoption.

As everyone went back downstairs, Raymond whispered to Tammy, “I never liked that rug anyways.”

“Would you like some cake?” Jeanette asked us.

We all smiled. Of course, we would like some cake. As we completed the adoption papers, Athena checked out the magnificent views of the expansive property from every window possible. She hugged and kissed her new family members. She jumped on a red chair. Raymond said that he had been trying to get rid of the chair, but now it could be Athena’s. As she dragged up a toy onto the chair, it was evident she agreed it would work out just fine.

It is the perfect match.

This adoption would not have happened without the help of Aimee Sadler and her colleagues. We so appreciate their commitment to finding the perfect home for animals.

While small for her breed, Heidi exudes personality. She is precious and cuddly, but will happily take on much larger dogs in energetic play. Having spent the first two years of her life in a laboratory, she seems excited to have new experiences with people and in the outdoors. As a new member of the Wood family, she will have many such opportunities. Walter will take her on daily walks on lovely trails, one near the ocean. She will enjoy summers in Washington and the rest of the year in sunny California. Most importantly, she will be showered with love.

From that first meeting, Kelley noticed Bobcat’s expressive eyes and how she looks at her with trust. Kelley began taking Bobcat on sleepovers at her cabins. Bobcat would return Kelley’s affection with little “cat kisses,” as Kelley calls her gentle licks. She especially grew to enjoy how Bobcat would fall asleep by her side, her laid back disposition, and her friendliness to other cats. Bobcat has an endearing habit of rising up on his hind legs to wave his paws at you in the friendliest of greetings.

An avid cat lover, Kelley is a senior at Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri. Her love for animals was obvious in her energetic work with the animals throughout the course of the internship. This past weekend, the two of them flew happily flew back to Missouri. They are a perfect pair. The two will keep each other in good company as Kelley starts back to school in September.

Samantha, a senior from Truman State University in Missouri majoring in agriculture, has always loved animals. After her time at Kindness Ranch, she has interest in using her degree to assist efforts in animal welfare, perhaps by working at a sanctuary. Chevy has been a very special part of this journey, and he will continue to be a much loved part of her life.

Samantha would be the first to agree that getting to know the residents of Kindness Ranch can be a powerful experience. Chevy is one of the first cats to come to Kindness Ranch when we opened our doors. He came to us from a university laboratory. Now, he will enjoy all the comforts of home with Samantha.