Calista & Mary now Layah & Winnie I adopted Winnie (tuxedo cat, formerly Mary) in early December. After I saw her playing with her reflection every day, I knew she needed a buddy and a friend. Back to Tiny Lions Café I went in January, seeking that friend. I adopted Layah (black cat, formerly Calista) who is one month older than Winnie. It took a few weeks, but now they are very comfortable together as you can see in the photo. They keep each other busy with daily play-wrestling matches and window watching. And house exploring. And lounging. Who knew
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“George’s Girlfriend” now Luna It was the winter of 2017 and I was a college student in need of emotional support. I saw Luna (“George’s Girlfriend” at the time) on HSHV’s site. She had only been in the shelter for a few days, but she was 6 years old and shy, so I knew she wouldn’t get scooped up as quickly as a kitten would. I went to adopt her the same day I saw her picture, because I knew she was mine! When she saw me, she crawled out from the back of the kennel and came right onto
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Stella now StellaLuna de La Peiu Peiu I had often frequented Tiny Lions Cat Cafe and would see wonderful kitties, but none caught my attention like Miss Stella. On meeting her, she did a purry figure 8 around my legs as if to say “you will do.” A few days later I visited to be sure, and we had a couch moment. She had hidden behind one of the couches, I pulled the back of the seat back far enough to see her and yet still let her be in the dark. I whispered that she would soon not have
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I adopted Barney when he was 3 months old, after he had been brought to HSHV by the Love Train from Tennessee. It was love at first sight, he had the goofiest wrinkly face and I was so excited to have a companion because I had recently moved out of my parents’. Barney is now 5 and we live in Ontario, Canada! He is a Velcro dog who loves to go on adventures with me. He also gets to spend lots of time on Lake Nipissing with his “cousins” (my parents’ dogs). He also needs to be tucked in every
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Polo now Finnegan Months after suddenly losing my beloved childhood cat to hyperthyroidism, I decided it was time to visit HSHV to see if I could find another furry friend. Because I was so close with the previous cat, my hopes weren’t high. But upon seeing Polo for the first time, I knew it was meant to be. For the first few hours of being home, he hid under the bed. Then, slowly, he jumped up and laid next to me. Less than a year later, we’re inseparable. He’s the king of the house, and absolutely loves everyone. I couldn’t
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Yohan & Smokey now Yohan & Emilio I never had cats growing up, always dogs. But then, when I was visiting my wife (fiancée at the time) in Ypsilanti, I grew fond of her roommate’s cat (a sweet little tortie named Sam). In January of 2012, I decided that I wanted a cat of my own. We visited the HSHV and the staff unanimously recommended a lovable older cat named Yohan. Yohan was eight years old at the time. He immediately came out to greet us and even curled up in our laps. I took him home that very same
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Barry-Allen now Barry We adopted Barry (formerly Barry Allen) in January 2020. When we brought him home that day, he walked into the house as if he’d lived here forever. He adjusted so quickly, and has been a loving family member ever since. Barry came with the challenge of not being fond of other canines, but with the help of a trainer, he can now be walked throughout the neighborhood peacefully. His favorite activities are playing frisbee, chasing tennis balls, and playing with his stuffies. He loves attention, and gets lots of it! We are happy to have found Mr.
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Phishy-McPhish now Madi I adopted Madi in 2018 from HSHV. After finishing my PhD in spring 2021, we left Ann Arbor and started an 8-month road trip, crossing the US twice. We visited Denver, NYC, DC, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, Minneapolis, and toured the Utah parks. We finally are settling in Oakland, California where she will undoubtedly bring joy to the locals with her impromptu handstands and sassy personality.  
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Eleanor Roosevelt now Ellie Nine years ago today, I adopted my sweet Ellie, then called Eleanor Roosevelt. She came to HSHV with 45 of her friends and relatives from a hoarding situation. As a volunteer dog walker, I was tasked with helping to socialize them since they were almost totally untrained. I soon became attached to a senior (approx. 8 years old) female who came in pregnant, with severe hair loss and many missing/loose teeth. Beneath all this was a spunky fur baby who sat on top of stacks of potty pads begging for food, and quickly ran to the
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