Adoption Tails: Serena
Serena and her buddy.
It has been said that “a picture is worth a thousand words,” and Daphne Vourlekis, of Gladwin, knew that was true the moment the Gladwin County Animal Shelter posted a photo of a beautiful Russian blue cat to their Facebook page back in 2019.
Daphne had owned a Russian blue cat when she was a child and when she saw the photo of Serena, she knew that would be her new friend.
“One day (after seeing the photo) I decided to go by the shelter and see her,” Daphne said. “She was missing half of her fur on the back half of her body due to fleas. I couldn’t leave her there and brought her home (that day).”
With her skin issues, Serena’s former owners just weren’t able to provide her the care that she needed. Daphne said that she was so grateful that they decided to bring her in.
“So many people don’t do this,” Daphne said. “(And) I’m so grateful to the shelter for taking care of Serena!”
The adoption process for Daphne and Serena was “super easy!” Daphne said that he shelter staff was very supportive and super-efficient and that Krystal was a great help.
Upon bringing her new baby home, Daphne knew that there would be an adjustment process. She had other cats and took the proper precautions bringing Serena home.
“She was super active and wanted to meet our other cats,” Daphne said. “I kept them separated for a while and gradually introduced them.”
Little did she know, that not only did her newly adopted pet come with unlimited affection, but she also cam fully equipped with her own alert system.
When asked what her favorite thing about Serena was, Daphne said, “two things… she is very affectionate, and she’s a guard cat!”
Daphne assured that Serena never bites, but she is a very vocal cat and growls whenever anyone comes to the door and alerts her any time there is someone coming up the sidewalk.
“It’s true,” Daphne said, “she just likes to give me an alert!”
Along with being a great alert-cat, Serena knows her name and all of her nicknames and comes running whenever she is called.
“Animals are the best!” Daphne said, “They give unconditional love, endless entertainment and ask for little in return.”
She “absolutely” recommends adopting a pet.
Serena started out as a cat with major skin issues whose photo caught her new-mom’s eye, and now she is a beautiful cat who is very much a part of her home and loves her humans and cat and dog siblings.
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 the shelter during office hours to their physical location at 919 S. River Road, Beaverton, MI 48612, or mailed to their mailing address of, 401 W. Cedar Ave., Gladwin, MI 48624. Our wish list can be found on Amazon at:https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3QJFAGDV830NO?ref_=wl_share The shelter is also now able to accept monetary donations online at:Linda Haight Gladwin County Animal Shelter Endowment Fund #00838 – Midland Area Community Foundation (midlandfoundation.org) Donations of time are also appreciated, volunteers can call 989-426-4579 or email gladwincountyanimalshelter@gmail.com to find out ways they can assist at the shelter.