A Second Chance for Saffron

ARF’s intake specialist was greeted at the public animal shelter by the deafening sound of barking dogs echoing through the hallways, and the sight of hundreds of abandoned cats filling row after row of cages. She knew most of the felines would be huddled in the back of their cages, terrified of their surroundings. Even the most outgoing, brave cat becomes a shadow of itself in these circumstances, with little comfort and only the basic necessities of food and shelter. ARF’s job was to assess temperament, health and adoptability, and to save the lives of as many cats as possible to bring back for adoption.

While walking by the many cages, one small grey tortoiseshell kitty captured ARF’s attention. Large golden eyes shone brightly even in the dim light, peering out of a soft, fluffy face. She was timid and making herself as small as she could in the back of the cage, but there was a certain sweetness that radiated from her. Continuing down the row of cages, thoughts kept returning to this one. Checking again on the petite kitty, they realized the helpless cat had just been designated for immediate euthanasia, the heartbreaking outcome of an overcrowded facility. Unaware of her intended fate, the sweet little cat who would be named Saffron was gently gathered into the arms of the ARF staff and placed into a carrier…to a second chance for a new life at ARF.

There are so many cats like Saffron at public facilities where the numbers of abandoned and orphaned animals are overwhelming and the hard working shelter staff is, sadly, unable to save more of them. ARF not only provides life-saving rescue for as many as we are able to take from public shelters, but provides critical support by helping to decrease overcrowding, increasing the chances for adoption for the animals left behind and enabling them to save more lives.

The once shy kitty, Saffron is hardly recognizable today as she softly nuzzles her new guardian. She had a safe haven during her brief time at ARF as volunteers coaxed her out of her shell and reminded her what it feels like to be loved. Saffron’s rumbling purr and gentle personality quickly won over the heart of her new adopter looking for a companion.

ARF was able to rescue more than 1,689 dogs and cats this year from public shelters where life can be short and the chance of adoption is often slim. Each and every rescued cat and dog has their own story – won't you give them a second chance at life and help ARF save them, to find warm, loving homes this holiday season?

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