A couple of weeks ago, I told you that I would start doing stories about the cats who will live out their lives here at Winnie’s Wish. But before I start this first story, let me tell you how much it meant to me to have your support over the loss of my sweet, sweet Tad. I was going to post another picture of him (here, today) but I find myself unwilling at this time to look at any pictures of him. I had a real bond with Tad. I miss him terribly.
On to happier things. Winnie’s Wish is now a sanctuary. The cats here will live out their lives in the comfort of one of the rooms in the cathouse or kennel, or in a dog run converted into a kitty condo. Every single cat here has access to an outside deck (which they enjoy more when it is NOT Winter).
I guess there’s no real rhyme or reason for the order in which I will be re-introducing to you the cats of Winnie’s Wish. I’m not even sure why I chose Smokey to be the first. But here he is.
Smokey came to Winnie’s Wish in June of 2013. He was part of a litter of four, three boys and a girl, who were already about 3 months old when they were captured. They’d had no human contact, and unfortunately they already had the ways of ferals. As is SO often the case, one of this group tamed (Toast, and he was eventually adopted). The other three (Snowflake, Slate, and Smokey) have lived their lives here. Smokey used to live with his two siblings, but when another feral cat moved into that room, he started bullying Smokey. So Smokey was moved to a different room in the cathouse. He has lived there happily ever since.
Smokey LOVES me. I have some sort of a relationship with every Wisher here (even the three I can’t touch). Some of the Wishers are quite happy to see me every day, but after a little attention and a few pets, they are off to do other things. There are certain cats here, however, who really show their affection to me. Smokey is one of them.
In addition to being in love with me, Smokey really likes all of the cats in his room. He is absolutely huge and could bully any cat he wanted to. But he is sweet (always has been) and enjoys the companionship of the other cats. I’ve discovered him sleeping with various ones at different times. Smokey has a favorite cat tree. There are windows between the rooms in the cathouse. Even though Smokey is in the third room, he sees me (through those windows) come in the front door. He runs and jumps up on his cat tree. That way he can be in position for his daily shower of love.
Smokey. Winnie’s Wisher since 2013. When you support Winnie’s Wish, you’re helping to take care of Smokey. When you care about Winnie’s Wish, you care about Smokey.
Speaking of support . . .
Heather and Zach have TWO Wishers living The Good Life in their home. And they sent this gift.
Heather and Zach – THANK YOU.
And Cynthia – THANK YOU for your paypal gift in memory of Tad.
See you next week.
Hi Chrystal,
I'm enjoying the updates & back stories about your permanent kitties. I also noticed that there are 60 cats on the side bar that were adopted over the years!! Never think you didn't do enough because what you did was amazing for those 60+ cats over the years. Now all those "perms" get permanent loving :)))
Have a great week.
Posted by: Cynthia | 02/12/2019 at 08:05 AM
I remember when you got Smokey. He is so big and pretty. Feral cats feel love in their own way. He loves you. I am so glad you are telling their stories on the blog. We know them through your stories. I wish you would put on here how you catch them to treat them when they are ill. For all us who have and love feral kitties that is the one big problem. A sanctuary was the best idea ever. Warm wishes for a very rainy day.
Posted by: Ginny& the Fur Family | 02/12/2019 at 09:31 AM
I am sorry for the loss of Tad. Smokey is a handsome boy. I am glad he loves you back.
Posted by: Ellen Pilch | 02/12/2019 at 05:51 PM
Smokey is so cute! What a doll baby! So glad he's living happily indoors with someone who loves him and lots of kitty friends!
Friends, if you can, please send donations or wish list items! Every bit is so needed and so appreciated! Thank you!
Posted by: Andrea and the Celestial Kitties | 02/13/2019 at 12:49 AM
Smokey is a big, beautiful man cat!! One of the lucky ones for sure to have your love, Chrystal! Loving the kitty updates!!
Posted by: Maria in FL | 02/13/2019 at 06:33 AM
Smokey is such a cute little love! Thanks for all you do and sharing it with us.
Posted by: Catscue Catmom | 02/13/2019 at 11:11 AM
Chrystal Candy the little black dog with the lab body and very short legs- you used to keep. She was paralyzed for about 3 months in her hind quarters and we did all we could for her to keep her alive and yesterday things got real bad real quick and we knew it was time. The vet came out to the car and put her to sleep with me and Jim's arms around her loving her and petting and talking to her the whole time. I told her I would love her forever and see her someday soon. I have cried till I am just sick and still I cry. Love never leaves - it is forever.
Posted by: Ginny& the Fur Family | 02/13/2019 at 06:52 PM
Thank you for saving and loving Smokey so much, Chrystal! And we love that Smokey loves you back. Adorable and special and wonderful, all rolled into one!
Posted by: meowmeowmans | 02/13/2019 at 10:03 PM
Smokey does look like a chunky boy! And he is a lucky boy to be living with you!
Posted by: The Poupounette Gang | 02/14/2019 at 02:03 PM
What a pretty boy!
Posted by: Michele | 02/17/2019 at 12:47 PM
Hi Chrystal,
Wow, thank for awesome story. I read you blog first time. Now I am going to read it permanently.
Posted by: Anton B | 02/17/2019 at 09:19 PM
I like this handsome cute baby .feeling quite good to see him .
Posted by: Truepetslover | 02/18/2019 at 02:22 AM