Cat of the Week: Jessa

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Jessa is a young, long haired tortoiseshell kitty and is a perfect combination of sugar and spice – with a touch of harmless “tortitude” but also soft-spoken sweetness, too. She was found outside in late winter as a youngster – cold, thin, and hungry. Since coming to Last Hope, she has been enjoying the safe and warm indoor life and making new cat and kitten friends. She has a quiet and soft-mannered demeanor. Although a quiet cat, Jessa has her affectionate and playful moments. She tends to seek out affection on her own terms, and is not at all “clingy,” but when she wants pets, she wants pets and thoroughly enjoys them! She enjoys wand toys, catnip mice, and even some playful wrestling and bunny kicking with her cat roommates – the ones that tolerate it anyway.

Jessa is a little timid with new people at first, but once she warms up to someone she is a loyal friend. She might put on a bit of a grumbly show (that tortitude!) with new cats at first just to establish that she is royalty and shall be treated as such, but she comes around with slow and proper introductions and actually seems to enjoy the company of other cats. Although Jessa would play with and groom much younger kittens, she seems to be particularly good friends with the adult male cats she has been roommates with and especially her roommate Harry. Harry is a former tomcat that she quickly put in his place with her sass and ‘tude. Once Harry learned that Jessa was Boss Cat, they’ve been best friends ever since. They are often found playing or napping together.

Jessa would be happiest in a low-key household without rambunctious younger children or bouncy pups. She tolerates both but often gets overwhelmed by too much commotion when it occurs and will hide. Because of Jessa’s gorgeous long coat, she will need her humans to be dedicated to occasionally brushing her coat and monitoring for mats in her fur. Jessa is probably one to two years old.

Jessa’s adoption fee is $100 and includes spay surgery, being up to date on vaccinations and preventives, and a microchip with free lifetime registration.

If you’d like to meet this great ‘tortie, please complete an adoption application HERE.

Dog of the Week: Lincoln

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Lincoln was born 12/4/2023 and he was one of ten puppies born when his momma needed an emergency c-section.   Lincoln has blended in with the four dogs in his foster home very well. He’s food-motivated and knows “sit” and is working on “kennel up.” Lincoln loves people and animals of all ages! Lincoln would need to avoid cats in a home or have a cat that does not mind his very piqued curiosity. He loves being outdoors and will thrive in a fenced-in yard. He is quite independent but does love playing with his housemates. He could be an only dog if his owners were active with him. Lincoln loves a good squeaky toy or Nylabone!

Lincoln’s adoption fee is $300 and includes neuter surgery, being up to date on vaccinations and preventives, a microchip with free lifetime registration, and a FREE obedience class.

If you’d like to meet this puppy, please complete an adoption application HERE.

Happy Tail: Toro

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Michelle and Joel adopted Toro about a year ago after he had been at Last Hope for about a year just waiting to meet them.

Toro is, let’s say “experienced,” and so he has some trouble getting moving after lying down for a while. But he loves his walks where he lives now in Pennsylvania and welcomes all the great smells – deer, rabbits, squirrels, etc. He is a shameless beggar but has learned “leave it” very well. Toro learns new things very quickly and was even regularly used as a good example in the obedience class they attended before moving from Iowa.

When he first came to live with Michelle and Joel, they learned that he didn’t like being reached for when he’s relaxed. But, “We have really earned his trust through simply respecting his boundaries, so he no longer respects ours – and we love it! He loves to cuddle and initiates it on a daily basis.”

Toro is described as a “perfect gentleman” by the people at the kennel who care for him when his parents go out of town. When they drop him off, he walks right up and shoves his head into laps for scratches!

Before they adopted Toro, they had lost their beloved friend, Rocky. Although no “new” dog ever takes the place of the ones we’ve lost, Toro stepped in and helped fill the gap they felt after losing the best friend they had for eight years.

We are thankful for families like Michelle and Joel who take the time to learn their dog’s boundaries so they can be comfortable and feel loved in their homes. They understood it might take a little while for Toro to get settled and for them to learn his likes and dislikes but they had the patience to give him his space. They were rewarded for that when he started reaching out to them and always wanting to be with them. Thank you, Michelle and Joel, for giving Toro such a wonderful place to land.

Cat of the Week: Chase

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Meet Chase, an adventurous kitty who certainly lives up to his name! When he is not curled up in your lap, he’s racing around at 100 mph with his hair on fire. He came to us as a stray this winter, trying to let himself into people’s homes. Chase is a one-year-old cat who is looking for a forever family to keep up with his curiosity and energy. He is super playful, friendly, and affectionate. He also has the cutest little meow! Chase was initially placed in solitary confinement because he tested positive for FeLV. Because of his positive diagnosis, Chase would be best suited in a house with other FeLV positive cats or as an only cat. He does, however, love his doggie foster siblings and even lets himself out with them in the backyard. Chase does great with dogs and children of all ages. Because he is so adventurous and loves the outdoors, he will need a home that can provide him with a safe and stimulating environment such as a cat-proofed backyard, a catio, or an escape-proof harness and leash. Chase is no couch potato, he is a thrill-seeker!

Chase’s adoption fee is $85 and includes neuter surgery, being up to date on vaccinations, and a microchip with free lifetime registration.

If you need a little adventure in your life, complete an adoption application HERE.

Dog of the Week: Sweet Pea

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Sweet Pea was born in December 2023. She was one puppy in a litter of ten that came into rescue when their momma required an emergency c-section. Sweet Pea lives in a foster home with other dogs and cats and we think that she will do best in a home with another confident and playful dog. She loves to play and burn off her puppy energy, then she’ll contently settle in for snuggles! Sweet Pea is a smart pup and will do terrific in her FREE basic training class that is included with her adoption; she already does terrific with a snuffle mat for enrichment and quickly learned to sit pretty!

Sweet Pea’s adoption fee is $300 and includes spay surgery, being up to date on vaccinations, a microchip with free lifetime registration, and a free obedience class.

If you’d like to meet sweet Sweet Pea, please complete an adoption application HERE.

Cat of the Week: Mama Rosemary

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Mama Rosemary has raised her babies and is now ready for her forever home. Though she came from the streets this girl loves everyone she meets. She may act shy at first but warms up fast. She is a low-energy girl but does get spurts of craziness. She loves cuddling on the couch and feeding time. She would love a home with no dogs but is okay with any other housemates. She is about 2 1/2 years old.

Mama Rosemary’s adoption fee is $85 and includes spay surgery, being up to date on vaccinations, and a microchip with free lifetime registration.

If you want a cuddle buddy and would like to meet Mama Rosemary, please complete an adoption application HERE.

Dog of the Week: Tanner

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Tanner was born on December 4, 2023. He was one of ten puppies born when his mama was in need of an emergency c-section. Tanner, who has the nickname Ton-er because of what a big puppy he is, is a playful and outgoing puppy! You’re sure to fall in love with his big puppy paws and his adorable wrinkly skin. Tanner has gone to doggie daycare and was terrific. He gets along great with other dogs near his size that are playful and energetic.

Tanner’s adoption fee is $300 and includes neuter surgery, being up to date on vaccinations and preventives, a microchip with free lifetime registration, and a free obedience class.

If you’d like to see this adorable face every day, please complete an adoption application HERE.

Cat of the Week: Braizin

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Braizin is an energetic boy who loves to play! He had a very rough start as a young kitten but through it all this boy has endured and he remains playful and outgoing with every person and animal he meets.    Braizin was the sole survivor in a litter of kittens found outside, the other kittens appear to have been attacked by a wild animal.  Braizin has a small but permanent fold on his ear, we consider it his badge of bravery!  Braizin went on to have a viral infection as a kitten that required intensive treatment requiring daily meds.  He took this all in stride and was easy and cooperative to provide medication to.  Braizin is now a healthy and happy cat, with quite the journey under his belt he seems to be much older and wiser than your average tabby!

Braizin plays well with other cats/kittens and he has been around young teens so is just fine with a busy house with older kids. He could be an only kitty and fill your home with personality, or be adopted with other cats in the home to bring lots of joy to your pack. He hasn’t been around too many dogs and still gets a little puffed up at first but a calm and easygoing dog that isn’t overly interested in cats could be a fit for him. Braizin has a playful and warm personality. He is just over a year and a half old, neutered, and healthy. Be sure to meet this beautiful little bobcat lookalike; he’s sure to bring lots of smiles to your home!

Braizin’s adoption fee is $85 and includes neuter surgery, being up to date on vaccinations, and a microchip with free lifetime registration.

If this cute and playful guy seems like a good fit for you, please complete an adoption application HERE.

Dog of the Week: Nala Bee

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Nala Bee is an active and playful dog who loves to go on adventures whether it’s around the neighborhood or to the park. She is shy at first but once she gets to know you is very affectionate and cuddly. She loves to give kisses and cuddles and loves to be told how beautiful she is! She loves food and is eager to work for it, she already knows “come,” “sit,” and “down.” Nala walks really well on the leash and has enjoyed walking alongside other friendly dogs. Nala is not a fan of dogs that play or get in her face; she has briefly met cats and seemed to be a touch timid with them.  Nala is best suited for a home with adults or older kids that are dog savvy as she can need a little time to warm up to new people.  We’re working to help Nala Bee gain a little weight. She is a naturally lean girl but is happy to have a little extra food in her bowl! She is about two years old.

Nala Bee’s adoption fee is $250 and includes spay surgery, being up to date on vaccinations and preventives, a microchip with free lifetime registration, and a free obedience class.

If this smart, beautiful girl interests you, please complete an adoption application HERE.

Volunteer of the Month: Peter Zevenbergen

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Peter Zevenbergen is retired and recently lost his canine companion. A friend recommended Last Hope to him about six months ago and he began volunteering with the dogs.

As he says, the great dogs “took HIM for walks” two to three hours a day, three to four times a week. In addition to taking walks, he and his wife Cindy have also been fostering/rehabilitating a puppy who is recovering from leg/hip surgery that was performed at ISU. Not content to only give of their time, they also donate to Last Hope on a monthly basis, including donating supplies.

Peter says, “It is a privilege to be around such competent, caring volunteers and loving dogs at Last Hope.”

We are so lucky to have such a dedicated volunteer and we wish we could clone him! Thank you, Peter, for all you do and for loving the dogs of Last Hope.