Adoption Tails: Mittens
Out of a family’s loss comes one cat’s chance at a new home.
Rachel Little, of Gladwin, and her family had to make a tough decision of putting their very sick cat, Mia, down. Their son was left without a beloved friend.
“Weeks went by,” Rachel said, “and my son looked for her every day.”
This is when they made the decision to adopt a new furry family member.
Rachel went to the shelter and was stuck between a sweet male cat, and a cute tabby and white cat, now known as Mittens.
While at the shelter, Rachel and another woman were looking at the cats.
“Me and another lady were looking at her (Mittens). I was debating on getting her or another male that looked just like her.” Rachel said. “The lady and I were talking and she let (Mittens) out. (Mittens) let the lady give her a few pets, but instead of staying to get more loving from her, she walked right up to me. It stole my heart and that’s when I knew she was coming home with me.”
That, Rachel said, is the story of Mitten’s adoption, and her favorite story about the sweet cat.
“She is very good with the kids,” Rachel said. “She doesn’t scratch them or anything.”
Along with her loving and goofy personality, Mittens was quick to adjust to her new home. She had to get use to her new, older male cat and dog siblings, but once she did, it was like she’d always been a part of the family.
“She has her own spot on the couch where she naps or watchs TV.” Rachel said. “You could be laying there and she would sit in front of you to scoot over and make room.”
With her spot secure on the couch, and fully adjusted to the home, Mittens has become her mom’s alarm clock and is always up for inspecting the fresh laundry.
“When I fold my clothes she will bury herself in my cloths or she will lay on them in my basket.” Rachel said.
Rachel and her family recommend adoption, because there are many loving animals in need of homes. She said that the adoption process was easy and the staff was very honest about everything they knew about Mittens.
The Gladwin County Animal Shelter began operation in 1976, and is dedicated to serving the needs of the animals and citizens of Gladwin County. In 2020, the shelter cared for over 630 animals (despite challenges due to COVID-19), and continues to make every effort possible to ensure that all healthy, adoptable animals have safe and loving homes and the community practices responsible animal guardianship. Follow the Shelter on Facebook at facebook.com/GladwinAnimalShelter.
The shelter is always accepting donations, which can be dropped off at, or mailed to, 401 W. Cedar Ave., Gladwin, MI 48624. Volunteers can call 989-426-4579 or email gladwincountyanimalshelter@gmail.com to find out ways they can assist at the shelter.