All About Cats Freeport, Long Island

I have some bittersweet news: after hours on the phone yesterday hearing that shelters were full, getting recorded messages and leaving messages that were never returned, I called a vet’s office I know I got a recommendation for a no-kill shelter in Freeport, Long Island which is a distance from my home.

I called in tears with my story: the now three kittens needed to be adopted, I have three of my own, the shelters are full, calls are not returned, and the North Shore Animal League had me on a waiting list and never called me in–and by the way, if the cats age out past the twelve week limit during the waiting period you’re out of luck.

The young lady at “All About Cats” in Freeport (thankfully north of the flood zone) conferred with the founder of the organization and I was told that I could bring in the cats if they were less than three pounds. The problem was that the two littler ones just about made it but Teddy was four pounds.

Window View

I called the lady at the vet back to tell her we had a go-ahead and I mentioned the limitations. She said: “what the heck, bring them ALL in, you have nothing to lose!”

And so I did with my family at 3:00 pm, after taking many photos (see album) and packing the babies in the carrier with a soft blanket.

When we arrived, my son and I couldn’t stop crying. (We are cut from the same Scorpio-emotional cloth), but we were relieved to see that things were different here than in other shelters. The cats could roam freely once they were admitted and everyone was lovely and perched in its own happy spot.

Although ALL my cats exceeded the three pound limit, the “founders” gave the go-ahead as long as I paid for the medical needs, like vaccines, spay/neuter. I have NO PROBLEM with that, in fact I paid more in donation as I was so thankful to be in a place that was not dripping in bureaucracy.

Waiting their turn in the carrier to get admitted.

The young lady “admitted” them, cleaned their ears adroitly, gave them a de-worm spritz in the mouth, kissed them on their heads, delighted in their cuteness and put them all in ONE BIG CAGE on a fresh pillow with water, a litter box and some dry food until diner. They huddled together, never hissed or cried. Their over three pound cuteness was appreciated and all was well.

I gave them a photo biography with my name and address, the history and pictures of the parents and the kittens when they were babies and living outside. then after they were brought into the house. I asked for them to contact me as they were adopted.

THIS is how it should be at a shelter. THIS is a delight. And despite the sadness of losing them, I am gaining peace of mind, that they will be found a good home that has been well screened. New York City has hundreds of shelters: there was no room at the inn in any of them. THIS is how it should be.

Someone was looking out for me: when that so-called great shelter kept putting me off, I was in actuality being steered to this place: All About Cats. Maybe they’ll even be adopted as a family … that’s a nice thought.

Last, little Lulu

Here they are in their cage: TOGETHER, unlike other shelters where they are separated and put into tiny cages.