Ginny's Kitten 4 - Capricorn

10/8/13 - I am so grateful for rescues like Castaway Critters and others like it. Also for no kill shelters and foster parents. I fully support the adoption choice and do not condone "buying" a pet from a pet store, breeders, puppy mills, etc. There are far too many animals that already need homes who are in shelters, rescues, etc. Our success story, to me, is unique. We had a beautiful Standard Poodle names Shayna, whom we loved with all our hearts but lost her. My daughter was 7 at the time when she asked about getting another pet. I came across Castaway Critters through the internet. We (me, my hubby and kids) decided to see if we could find an orange cat. There are sentimental reasons for this and if we didnt find one, that would have been ok too. I was told that Castaway Critters brings animals on Saturdays to our local Petsmart and decided to check it out. My application was already approved so I went. I made my way to their area and to my surprise and excitement, there were at least 5 orange kittens in a cage together! I watched the kitty's playing and doing what kitty's do, but there was one kitten who was asleep on the bottom of the cage, while all the others where having fun. She was sleepy so I cradled her and brought her close to my face. She opened her eyes wide and immediately leaned in and licked (kissed) my lips! Oh my God, I fell in love! I went around the store getting everything we needed for her before leaving. I got home and said that I had a surprise for everyone. I brought her into the living room where everyone was. Everyone was home :) I got her out of the carrier and immediately the excitement was overwhelming from everyone. It didnt hit my hubby or the kids that she was orange until the initial excitement settled. My hubby said , "shes just like Meenoo!", which was his orange tabby that has recently passed after 23 years. My daughter and son said, "shes just like Digger!", who was the family cat who passed a away years ago, who was also orange. Everyone was so happy. She was passed around and cuddles, kisses, pet and loved. I adopted her in October 2011 from Castaway Critters , when she was just 3 months old. I gave my daughter the privilege to name her. My daughter said, "Her name is Izzy!", short for what we call her sometimes, Izzybella. Izzy, who is now 2 years old, has been a source of joy in our lives. Especially my daughter Reilly's life, who is now 10 years old. Izzy is very loved, very well cared for and spoiled. But she plays a very important role in the life of my daughter for a very particular reason. My daughter struggles sometimes emotionally and Izzy helps make her happy and cheers her up if Reilly is having a bad day. She loves Izzy's purrs and what we call her "eye kisses". Izzy is like an an ESA, or Emotional Support Animal companion but was never trained! It comes naturally to Izzy, for all of us. Its amazing what the effects of any animal you have, can do for a person. We were destined to adopt Izzy and I believe Izzy found us, just by that first kiss. Thanks again to Castaway Critters and all rescues like them. All your hard work does not go unappreciated or unnoticed. PLEASE! Adopt your next pet and any pet after. Eternally Grateful, Dawn D., Hamdi, Reilly and Brent