PAWS: Animal Tales

In memory of Shasta - December 2004

It is with great pleasure we donate to the ‘PAWS’ organization yearly. Scott and I wanted to share a story: In 1986 a newly married couple with a deep love of animals decided we wanted four-legged companionship rather then two. (ha) We visited many, many pet stores looking for love and found horrific conditions. One day a friend suggested we visit the shelters. We first visited many - coming home confused and empty. There was one cat - Shasta, 1 ½ year old, hidden back in a cage that was lethargic and non-responsive for two months that has given us a ‘glimpse.’ According to the caregiver her owner could no longer keep her in her apartment and put her up for adoption. She was older and no one wanted her. She was near death row. We went back two days later and spotted a golden retriever, Tanna (2 years old). While we oohed and awed for Tanna, this beautiful cat Shasta came to her door and cried and cried for us. I went to her cage and this purring never stopped. We took them both home and had our purr-fect family. They got along as if they had grown up together. We lost Tanna to tumors seven years later. In 1989 we rescued another cat from our work parking lot as five kittens were left for dead in a paper sack. (Graciously, all kittens were rescued by the employees.) Radar, as we named him had BIG EARS and a keen sense of hearing. Radar probably assumed that Shasta was his mother and so the protectiveness of their relationship grew. So the years have passed. December 2004 we lost Shasta to sinus tumors (in-operable) and within three weeks, Radar had grieved himself to death. These animals have given us a lot of unconditional love and longevity. We are blessed. Not to fret. Another ‘PAWS’ kitty has been with us 3 years. Another neighbor adopted ‘Shadow’ but she ‘adopted’ us instead. She has eased our loss and we hope she lives to be 20! Your organization does so much!

Belief,
Debbie and Scott Hale

Back to "S"
Back to Animal Tales

                Get Involved

  Current Campaigns

  Volunteer

  Become a Foster Parent

  Just for Kids

  Humane Education

  Live Humanely

  Report Animal Cruelty

  Host a Gift Drive

  Sign Up for E-News

Share a Story

Internships/Externships

Resources & Fact Sheets

Donate to PAWS

Just for Kids

Adopt A Pet

Injured/Orphaned Wildlife

Report Animal Cruelty

E-Newsletters

Volunteer

Receive PAWS Magazine