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On the 6th Save of Christmas, we got Bootsie! This sweet 13-year-old cat was surrendered to our shelter along with her friends, Betsy and Autumn. When we met her, she was painfully shy and shut down. She wouldn’t sniff an outstretched hand or even lift her head to look around. Shelters can be overwhelming, especially for seniors like Bootsie. The constant noise, new smells, and crowded environment can be terrifying. We knew her fearfulness would result in her spending a great deal of time at the shelter, and that just wouldn’t do.
When Bootsie first arrived at her foster home, she hid under the furniture, only briefly sighted as a blur of black fur racing back to her safe spot. For 38 days, Bootsie remained in hiding. Her foster parents were patient, softly talking to her and letting her decompress, never rushing her.
Then, on day 38, something magical happened. Bootsie decided it was time to trust. She cautiously sniffed her foster mom’s hand and, after realizing it came with great scratches and affection, she emerged from her hiding place. From that moment on, she blossomed into the social butterfly we know today. She started to talk non-stop, purring and begging for pets at every opportunity. It became clear that this sweet girl had been craving human connection all along.
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