Cover Story

Angel, the cover model for this special issue was adopted many years ago by longtime supporters, Elke and Jim Asleson. Here is her adoption story:

"Angel (named by SafeHaven staff as a tiny kitten), was born March 15, 2008. She arrived at SafeHaven in a re-save effort by staff, as this tiny kitten did not conform to pedigree standards for a Lynx Point Siamese. Angel's medical condition was disclosed at SafeHaven. Consequently, she was a long time resident at the shelter. She was not adopted until March 13, 2010 by our family. We took the risk of potential medical bills, but Angel has beat all the odds and is now almost 14 years old!

Her condition is called a “Pectas Excavatum”, which is a malformation of the sternum evidenced by a dorsal narrowing of the chest or a depression of the sternum into the chest cavity. Tiny angel was picked up and delivered to Dr. Eric Glaze at Albany Animal Hopsital. He monitored her very carefully, knowing her chances for survival with this condition were slim. Angel's breathing did stabilize under Dr. Glaze's care, and she did not require the very delicate and invasive surgical intervention. She was cared for by SafeHaven staff until she was strong enough to be adopted, but her sternum deformity proved to be a hindrance to her adoptibility. She was at SafeHaven for over a year. Angel has proven to be a winning choice and lives up to her name 100 percent! She is the most gentle, affectionate and sweet cat that we have ever owned. She also has shown that when the chips are down, you never give up. She has proven to be a truly gritty kitty. At this time, she is one of four (indoor) rescue cats in our family. She has befriended any and all cats that have come into our home without any hesitation. She loves lap time and enjoys her longer naps now, being a senior kitty. It seems that anytime a “rescue” is given a second chance, they will embrace this gift of a “forever home” and give more love back than we can ever imagine.

We are all grateful to SafeHaven Humane Society, and that it is a full adoption shelter. Angel was a long time resident, winning over the hearts of staff. Thank you to Dr. Eric Glaze who kept her with all clinical comforts possible, as her tiny body grew stronger. We have been honored to give Angel, a beautiful cat with tremendous physical challenges, a “forever home”.