Enjoy this beautiful update from sanctuary fostermom, Barrie!

“When I lost my almost 19-year-old cat Bridget in December, the last of my many cats, I thought that my lifelong adoption ‘career’ was over. Several months went by, and living without even one cat or dog felt so eerily strange and painfully depressing that I struggled with the question of why I should stay in this life at all.

Then about a month ago, I gave in to the urge to peruse the list of adoptable cats at the local shelter. One weary little face looked back at me with sadness and confusion so strong, as if she had given up any right to hope that anyone would want her.

And then I saw her age: 18 years and 3 months old, and I felt despair in my soul so deeply as to say “Oh no” out loud to no one.

Who would adopt a cat her age?

Fighting with myself, I closed out the page, but the next day I had to check whether she was still there. And the next day, and the next.

I called to ask about her, and the first thing I was told was that this was her third time at the shelter. None of this was her fault, of course, but none of it, plus her age, would encourage most potential adopters.

I had to make it happen. I had the home and the love, but the specter of looming vet bills was still a problem. I decided to ask Laps and Naps if they would pull Mango into their organization and make me her sanctuary foster, which means she stays with me forever with them covering vet bills and meds. They kindly agreed!

Mango has been here nearly three weeks now. She’s in pretty good shape for her age, although she, too, has a serious medical diagnosis similar to mine that we will deal with as time goes on, but meanwhile she has the love and commitment she always deserved. She can relax in comfort and safety. She watches birds and squirrels out the window, plays with catnip toys, jumps on and off furniture without needing the kitty stairs, has impeccable litterbox habits, loves to snuggle and nap in my lap whenever possible, sleeps on me all night, is obsessed with kissing my hands and getting cheek rubs and hugs.

This is her home, and I am her person, and she knows it. We are taking care of each other for however long forever will be. Mango and me, meant to be. It’s never too late.

PS. Prior to becoming Mango’s Mom, I had adopted 4 senior cats and 5 senior dogs from shelters and rescue groups between 2008 and 2021. It’s a deeply rewarding experience; they are so appreciative and loving, and have so much to teach us about what really matters. I feel like I become a more loving person every day, thanks to their presence and wisdom. If the story of Mango and me resonates with anyone, please consider adopting or fostering a senior. How very sad and cruel it is for them to spend the end of their lives in cages, deprived of all the love and loyalty they so willingly gave, at a time they are so in need of assistance and attention.”

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Foster parents are the backbone of Laps and Naps. Click here to learn more or apply today.