Cats of the Week: Cupid and Valentine

Julia D Cat of the Week

Hello Cat Lovers!  Valentine’s Day is fast approaching – and what better time to adopt a pair of bonded brothers (who are absolutely adorable)? Our very own Cupid & Valentine.  These playful little rascals are sweet and cuddly and sometimes a bit rambunctious with their kitten shenanigans. They are waiting for their special ‘someone’ to keep these two brothers together forever.

Check out their photo session pics; who can resist their beautiful markings and adorable faces? Their estimated birthdate is approximately 9/16/23. Cupid loves to play with all manner of toys but he’s especially fond of pouncing on the prey at the end of a wand toy, grabbing it in his mouth and proudly prancing off with his catch.  Such a masterful hunter!  He also loves to wrestle with his brother to determine who’s king of the castle.  Once he’s tired himself out, Cupid loves nothing more than to cuddle up on your lap and perhaps will even suckle on your fingertip before drifting off to sleep. Valentine is a happy, carefree little guy who’s full of kitten playfulness and cuteness but also loves his pets and rubs and will reward your efforts with a monster purr.   He loves to romp with his littermate and after he’s had his fill of fun, will curl up on your lap for a restful nap.  Valentine is the sweetest, most precious kitten and this pair of sweet boys will be a loving addition to your home!

It is not unusual for kittens to maybe be a bit shy meeting new people or in a new environment, but with proper consideration given to letting them acclimate, they usually adjust pretty quickly.  They have spent time with older cats, little kids, and adults; dogs are unknown.  If you’re looking for lovable, playful lap kittens, you couldn’t make a better choice than to bring Cupid and Valentine into your home.

The adoption fee for these bonded brothers is $175.00.  They are completely vetted. Both are neutered and have had their FVRCP vaccinations and rabies vaccinations, they both tested negative for Feline Leukemia, have been given a dewormer treatment and a Revolution parasite treatment.  They are also microchipped.  Their microchip has a free lifetime registration and LHAR will register them for the new owners upon adoption.  Your responsibility will be to always keep all of your information updated with the microchip company so you have a better chance of getting your kitty returned to you should he ever get outside, etc.

Cupid and Valentine are residing in the Waterloo PetSmart Store Adoption Center located at 1506 Flammang Drive in the Crossroads Shopping Center area off of San Marnan Drive.  The store is nestled between Hy-Vee and the Barnes & Noble bookstore.  Store hours are 9-9 Monday-Saturday and 10-7 on Sundays; holiday hours vary.  LHAR does not do on-site adoptions but you can stop by the store anytime to see the kitties currently residing in the adoption center.  PetSmart employees cannot show you the cats, but if there happens to be a Last Hope volunteer in the adoption area who is cleaning their living area and socializing the kitties, they may have time to let you meet them.

If you’d like to meet Cupid and Valentine, please complete an adoption application HERE.

Dog of the Week: Tater Tot

Julia D Dog of the Week

Tater Tot is a healthy and happy adult male dog around 50 pounds and 1.5 to 2 years old.  His breed mix is just a guess at this point, but what we can guarantee is that if you are looking for a fun and active companion – Tater Tot could be your guy!  Tater does great with other dogs; he’s playful and outgoing.  He is not a great match with cats, unfortunately, and does want to chase them. Tater would love a home with his own yard to enjoy, and he would do great with a family that has elementary-aged kids or older (he just hasn’t met too many younger children yet).

Tater Tot’s adoption fee is $250 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 love tater tots and think this potato might be for you, please complete an adoption application to meet him HERE.

Volunteer of the Month: Rob Gettemy

Julia D Volunteer of the Month

Rob Gettemy adopted a senior dog from Last Hope in 2021. After she passed in August of 2023 he knew he wanted to be involved with helping dogs because he couldn’t imagine his dog having to live without a family. He began volunteering in September.

Rob started out walking dogs a few days a week and now he and his family foster a dog named DJ. He says he now understands how foster families become foster failures and end up adopting the dog they’re looking after. They aren’t quite ready to adopt again but will be there for DJ until he finds his forever home.

He says he likes volunteering because the other volunteers have been tremendous. It’s obvious they care deeply about these animals and would do anything to help them.

According to Rob, “I really hope anyone reading this will volunteer their time, treasure, or even both.  You will get so much more than you give.”

Rob gives a lot to Last Hope and he’s an integral member of the team. We’re lucky to have him!

Cat of the Week: Clark

Julia D Cat of the Week

Clark is a handsome tuxedo boy estimated to be around 3 years old.  He and some of his family joined us just in time to make it the hap-hap-happiest Christmas ever! He is one of many local cats that came into rescue together, and although he does have an ear tip from when he was neutered, Clark is people-friendly and seeking an indoor-only home.

Clark has a beautiful and unique black coat, with a little sprinkling of white fur peeking out all over his black spots. Clark is a quiet kitty, but he melts instantly when you start to pet him. He will gladly turn his head into your hand and in no time at all he’s rolled over to show you his belly and warmed to your touch. Clark is learning how wonderful it is to be with people, he already knows and enjoys the company of other kitties and he’s litterbox trained. Clark would do best in a home that is on the quieter side; one that can give him a little time and space to come around.  We think that it won’t take him long to start approaching his family for attention!

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

If this sweet kitty warms your heart and you would like to meet him, please complete an adoption application HERE.

Dog of the Week: Athena

Julia D Dog of the Week

Athena is in need of a foster or adoptive home. She is going to be losing her current foster placement (through no fault of her own) and doesn’t do well in a kennel environment. She’s been doing great in a home and we would like to see her be able to move to another home instead of the Adoption Center.

Athena may be considered a senior dog, but don’t tell her that – she certainly doesn’t feel like a senior! This girl still enjoys playing, giving you a good workout on a leash, and being an all-around spitfire when the mood strikes her! She is a wonderful dog, with just a little gray in the muzzle.   Athena is not a match with cats, they definitely bring out the “chase” in her! Athena could be a match in a home with easy-going dogs that are smaller than her; she’s happy to meet your pooches and see how they all get along.  Athena is best suited with kids 6+ years old, and she does take some daily prescription meds that she will need to continue long-term. Athena is seeking an owner who isn’t gone long days, she’ll enjoy your company too much to have you away after all! She is about eight years old.

Athena’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 you can foster Athena, please contact us at admissions@adopthope.org or comment on this post. If you think Athena might make a good permanent addition to your home, please complete an adoption application HERE.

Happy Tail: Lucy

Julia D Happy Tails

Rod and Wendy found Last Hope through Adopt a Pet and while searching on our website found Lucy (formerly Lily). Wendy thought she had the cutest face and after reading her bio decided they needed to meet her.

Lucy took to her new home with a couple of exceptions. The new, furry cat bed they got just for her? No thanks! At first, the robot vacuum was a no-go but she’s made peace with it and will even dare it to come near her on occasion. On the other hand, the screened porch is a favorite spot to go “outside” and see what’s going on out there. Lucy also loves her scratching posts and uses them enthusiastically.

Now that she’s settled in, Lucy is a happy and healthy cat. She loves to play with her toys. She is the ruler of the house and she’s well aware of it. She is sweet and well-behaved; she never gets up on the counters. She has her favorite places to sleep and even a preferred blanket when it’s time to go to bed.

Lucy has a wonderful temperament and likes to adhere to a schedule. There is a time for treats, time for meals, and a time for bed. And she’s the first cat Wendy met who truly loves to have her belly rubbed! She also loves to play fetch with her little foam balls. They throw them for her and she brings them back to be thrown again. She’ll do that for hours. Perhaps we shouldn’t share this secret about her, but Lucy loves to watch the toilet flush! She’ll stand over it and meow until it’s flushed then watch while the water disappears and comes back again. Perhaps a little less embarrassing is her love for treats and being combed.

Wendy says, “Lucy has brought a lot of joy to us empty-nesters. Last Hope was wonderful to work with on her adoption. We are thrilled with our newest family member!”

We love happy endings like this. Lucy has definitely found a wonderful forever home and she has brought happiness to Rod and Wendy.

Cat of the Week: Lt. Fuzzy

Julia D Cat of the Week

Lt. Fuzzy reporting for duty! Lt. Fuzzy, or LT, is a very energetic, playful, “life of the party” cat. LT only stops being the life of the party when food is involved. He has no stranger danger so in his eyes everyone is a potential new friend willing to give him love and attention. LT enjoys other cats and even dogs if they can respect his space. He needs to be the star he knows he is. At bedtime, you will frequently find LT right next to you ready to be the little spoon. If you are looking for a goofy, attention-loving, young cat then you just HAVE to meet LT. He is about 10 months old.

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

If you think this soldier could fit in your home, please complete an adoption application HERE.

Dog of the Week: Sedona

Julia D Dog of the Week

Sweet Sedona, aka Nona, has come so far since being rescued after being found fending for herself in a field near Cedar Rapids. Once skin and bones, she has now put on much-needed weight and looks so healthy. Not much is known about Nona other than she ended up in a field in Iowa after being adopted from a shelter in Arizona.  The name and number connected to her microchip claimed they never had a dog, so it was obvious that she was abandoned.

Initially, she had a hard time adjusting to new dogs as it appeared that Nona had been an only dog most of her life.  However, through slow and supervised interactions she has steadily increased her inner circle of dogs to hang out with. Nona is an older gal, at around 9-10 years of age, but a spry one.  Don’t let her age fool you, she has many years of life left.  She is extremely low maintenance and doesn’t require a lot of exercise, although she wouldn’t mind a nice walk around the neighborhood. She is house-trained and never makes messes.  She loves her kennel, although she doesn’t require one when left alone.   But a kennel provides her with added security on those days she’s a little uncertain and fearful of humans. Nona has been let down a lot by humans, so it takes her a while to trust. A home with older adults or empty nesters would be best for her.  A quiet home would provide the most nurturing environment for her.

She seems to prefer the company of older dogs and their “mind your own business” mentality because energetic, in-your-face dogs set off her “fight or flight” mode. It’s apparent that she’s had to fight to survive.  She does redirect beautifully when encounters with “no boundaries, face intruders” occur. No cats or critters for her as she more than likely survived off of them after she was discarded in that field. Nona’s an extremely smart girl with scars and a unique look to her face that makes her look as if she’s always scowling even when she’s happy. She is a barker so no apartment-style living for her because she must alert you to any possible intruders.

This girl has been through a lot, therefore she needs an experienced and dedicated adopter, so we don’t let her down again.  Several meet and greets are required to ensure that it will be a good fit for all.

Sedona’s adoption fee is $200 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 “experienced” girl seems like a good fit for you, please complete an adoption application HERE.

Cat of the Week: Sparkle

Julia D Cat of the Week

Sparkle is a very active kitty, not quite a year old yet.  She will do great in a home that can offer her lots of kitty enrichment; she loves playing with toys, climbing and exploring, and then settling in to snuggle once she has had her share of exercise. We think Sparkle would do great with a cat exercise wheel, a large window for bird watching, and lots of feathery cat toys!

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

If you would love a spunky kitty, please complete an adoption application HERE.

Dog of the Week: Louis V

Julia D Dog of the Week

Louis V, which is short for Louis Vuitton, is a timid little guy looking for someone to give him a comfortable home where he can settle in at his own pace.  Estimated to be around seven years old, we don’t know Louis’ full story but from the way that he was found to the way that he acts now, we can only imagine the rough start this little guy has had.  Our best guess is that he was used for breeding; he is very fearful of people and does not seem to be familiar with anything other than hunkering down in a kennel. Louis was on the run in Delaware County for many days before he was caught. He was finally able to be captured when a couple driving down the road saw him sitting frozen in the middle of the road.  When they pulled over to approach him, Louis ran in fear.  With some soft words and slow movements, they were able to gain Louis’ trust and get him safely into their car.

He was so badly covered in fleas and his fur dirty and matted that the water ran red with blood from the fleas. He was so terrified but let us clean and care for him.  In the days that followed we updated his vaccines and transferred Louis into a foster home to let him decompress. Louis is very fearful of the world around him; it seems that he is in a near-constant state of panic or high alert.

In his foster home he has settled nicely into a routine, found companionship in the other dogs in the home, learned to slowly start trusting people, and found a newfound appreciation for younger children.  Louis still startles very easily and when startled his natural reaction is to jump and run away quickly.  Because of this and his history of being so hard to catch, we do think that a fenced-in yard would be safest for him.  He would, however, benefit from a home that would encourage him to go for leash walks and he will need another confident dog to help show him the ropes. As fearful of loud noises and quick movement as Louis is, he has shown very little fear and doesn’t react nearly as much with the young female child in the home.  He lets her approach when he’s eating and has also learned to enjoy snuggling up to her in bed when she sleeps.  He may have found comfort in this young child because she’s an easy target to steal snacks from, but we’d like to believe it’s because he can sense that she won’t hurt him as many humans seem to have done in his past. Louis will be okay in a home with children so long as they will listen when asked to give him a little space.

Louis is neutered but he is not potty trained.  He will dutifully wear a belly band in the home and will follow the other dogs outside to potty.  He can be scared of coming inside at times, but with some gentle coaxing, he comes around quickly. A leash-walking routine may also help him with his potty training! Louis is far from “perfect,” but we know that the perfect home is out there for him.  Someone who will give him the time and love needed to earn his trust will be rewarded with soft eyes and the ultimate bedtime snuggles. Louis will start to show you his playful side, he may steal your dirty socks if they don’t make it into the hamper in time and if you aren’t careful he’ll nab your snack when you aren’t looking! He’s been known to be playful with another friendly dog near his size, even going so far as to play bow and initiate play with them!