National Grey Day + World Redhead Day

In honor of National Grey Day, we present to you one stunning Grey moggy ready to celebrate in his new forever home. Any takers?

"Hello there, my name is Shadow. My mom was recently put in a nursing home and couldn't take me with her so now ... here I am.

I am an indoor cat who loves boxes, toys, and the company of my owner."

"And hey, I'm the kind of kitty who loves a good dog friend. I grew up with dogs, but must admit that other cats aren't really my thing.

I am a bit cautious around strangers, but once I trust you, I would LOVE to be petted. And as a mature, 11 year old guy, no kittenish nonsense from me, I can tell you that!

Not only have I lived with dogs, but I also used to live with kids and we were fine together.
Overall, I am a sweet cat just looking for a new home.
Do I sound like a good fit for you?
Purrs,
Shadow"

Shadow is available at the Merriam Campus of Great Plains SPCA.

Up next, celebrating World Redhead Day in his own inimitable way, we present to you: Tito.

"Meow there! Tito's my name, and being adorable is my game.

As you can see from my picture, I'm a beautiful orange and white medium-haired boy. I have little freckles on my nose, which I've been told are super cute.

I came to Wayside from another shelter that was low on space, so I'm thrilled to be here, where I know I will find my forever person or people."

"What, me? Smirk? Perish the thought! I'm just mugging for the camera!"

"In my previous home I lived with young children and sometimes played too rough with them, so I would prefer to be in a calm, quiet home without little kids. I also will need a patient adopter who will help me learn not to scratch on furniture. I have my very own scratcher at Wayside, which I can take home with me.

Also, our wonderful adoption counselors can give you information on working with me. I enjoy playtime, and my favorite toy is a feather wand. So much fun!

I also love to be brushed. My Felineality is Sidekick. That means that my favorite thing in the world is just hanging out with my favorite person or people.
Could it be you?
Love,
Tito"

And Tito's available at Allie's Alma Mater, Wayside Waifs!

***

Thursday's Purrs: Massimo

"Hello there, my name is Massimo. I am a cat who has seen the world, both inside and out.

Right before I came here, I was living in a nice lady's yard and she fed me for quite some time before bringing me here. Though I've been roughing it outdoors, I have to admit, having someone care for me was awfully nice."

 
"In fact, my hunting skills may just have lost that fine edge while I was so nicely treated. So much so in fact, that I'm ready to retire. Yep, my hunting days are over. I've decided I want a nice family of my own to coddle and feed me - indoors - all the time!

To be honest, I've seen a lot, living on the outside -- and it has made me a tad leery of strangers, so when you come to see me I might be curled up under a cat tower, observing from a safe distance. But not to worry. Once I've assessed the situation and I see what an amazing human you are, I'll come out to say hello.

In fact, want to know a secret? I love a good brushing. Indeed I do! And I'll bet a good brushing is a swell way you and I can get to know one another.

So what do you say? Why don't you come on by and see if we're a good fit for each other?
Purrs,
Massimo"

Massimo's available for adoption today at the Great Plains SPCA Adoption Center in Merriam, KS.

Thursday Purrs: Vladimir

"hey there!
The name's Vladimir. You know, as in Vladimir Purr-tin ... Vlad the (not so) Bad. Keep 'em coming, guys! Yeah, I've heard 'em all, MOL!"

"I'm a handsome 3 year old mancat (if I do say so myself), just hanging out here at Great Plains waiting for my forever human to come by and be bowled over by my irresistible charm.

Did you know black cats are considered less adoptable? *horrified look* Was it something I said?!?!?
I mean, seriously, I'm an easy going, affable kinda fellow, who wouild love to be your companion for life.

And research says that we housepanthers are scientifically known to be more congenial. Did you know that?

Science doesn't lie. Just ask my purr machine if it isn't a true thang.

Whatcha waiting for?
Come on down and let's get to know one another!
Eager purrs,
Vlad"

Vladimir is available at the Merriam Campus of Great Plains SPCA today!

*** 

Thursday's Purrs: Iris

"Hello! My name is Iris and I sure do enjoy being petted. Come on over and see me and I'll prove it!

I'll put my paws on you and give you lots of love and kisses. I just can't get enough!"

"I like to talk and make silly purring noises, too. And oh my! I think feather toys are very exciting.

Did I mention that I am a talker? I mean, a real chatterbox? I like to follow people around and tell them all about everything.

Sometimes I talk even when I eat. I am a super unique kitty and I would love to join a new family who wants to give me lots of love.

Come get to know me, won't you?

Purrs,
Iris"


Iris is available at the Merriam Campus of Great Plains SPCA.

 ***

Thursday's Purrs: Otis

"Hi there, my name is Otis!
Remember the movie Milo and Otis, the one about the dog and cat having great adventures together?
No one tell my previous owner that they got the characters mixed up, okay?

(Otis was the dog - hahameow!)

Yep. I came to Great Plains as an owner surrender and I'm now looking for my forever home."

"One look at me and you can see what a handsome rich coat of fur I have, wouldn't you agree?
I sure would love to snuggle next to you while you give me a nice brushing.

I can become a bit over stimulated with too much petting, so a little goes a long way.
I like to play too. Hey ... maybe you have some boxes for me to pounce into?
Or some plain old string for me to chase? That will do just fine too!

I am front declawed, so please keep me indoors where I can be safe from harm.

I'm dying to get to know you. Won't you please come on in so we can begin our happily ever after together?

Purrs,
Otis"

Otis is available at the Merriam Campus of Great Plains SPCA.

 ***

Sunday's Shelter Sweetie: Clouseau

"Hullo there. My name is Inspector Clouseau. A rather odd name, you say?

I happen to agree with you, and as yesterday was Get a Different Name Day, I'd be happy to oblige. Want to come over and we'll pick out a different name together?"

"I must admit, Valentine's Day spooks me a bit. Want to know why?

That pesky Cupid actually struck me with an arrow, he did! Least, that's what the kind vets here at Great Plains said when they examined me and fixed me up right and proper.

I'm good as gold now, fur's even regrown and everything. You'd never know it had happened."

"But just in case - and between you and me - I'd love to stay indoors, if it's all the same to you. That arrow just came out of nowhere!

I mean, I sort of understand, me being a handsome 2 year old tabby boy and all. But I think I prefer teh Great Plains way of finding love, and a forever family - from the safety of the nice sunroom here. No arrows in sight!

Won't you come over and see if you and I are purrfect Valentine material, today?

Purrs from The Inspector"

(cue Pink Panther music)

Inspector Clouseau is available for adoption today at the Merriam Campus of Great Plains SPCA.

***

Sunday's Shelter Sweetie: Rusty

"Hi there! My name is Rusty, and it's nice to meet you.

As a handsome orange and white gentleman, I found myself here at Great Plains SPCA after my previous owners could not keep me any more.

They brought me and my brother here so that we could find our forever homes. But my brother got very sick and passed away. It made me very sad because I miss him so much."

"Now I'm even more determined to find my family, because I'm all alone now, and I think I need someone I can be a companion to.

I'm a rather shy guy ... when you come see me, I might be playing peek-a-boo under my covers. But when you open my kennel door, you'll see that I really do enjoy the attention humans can give.

I just love to be petted! It's just that things have been a little hard lately, with so much change. I would love for you to come meet me and see if we would be a good match.

All I ask for is that you be patient with me when you bring me home - it may take me a few days to get the hang of things.

Does that sound like a plan?
I promise you won't lack for friendship, companionship or cuddles...

Hopeful purrs, Rusty"

Rusty's available today at the Merriam Campus of Great Plains SPCA.

***

 

Sunday's Shelter Sweetie: Inky

"Hello there, my name is Inky!

From the moment you meet me, you will notice the beauty mark on my face.
I suppose that dashing little smudge might be where I got my name - you never can tell!"

"You may notice that I'm a bit mature at 13 years, but don't judge me based on my age. I've still got a lot of spunk in me!

I love to be petted and would be a great lap cat companion. In my opinion, the best cats are ones that will just relax with you on a lazy weekend or a calm night after a long day of work or school."

"I'm a great listener, too. You can tell me anything and I'll love you for just talking to me!

I love to curl up on soft blankets and take it easy. I would possibly test out some fun toys with you. So come on in and meet me today.
I'm waiting patiently to meet my forever family and go home!

Purrs,
Inky"

Inky's available at the Merriam Campus of Great Plains SPCA, waiting to meet you today!

***

Have you entered yet?   
Just 5 days left! 

Sunday's Shelter Sweetie: Julie

"Hi there, my name's Julie. I came to Great Plains with my sister when my people could no longer care for us and now I'm looking for my purrfect forever home."

"I'm a refined, middle-aged lady which means all that kitten craziness is far, far behind me. Nope, you won't have to worry about the drapes being pulled down with me around. I'm really only interested in spending time with you or lounging in a nice sun puddle, maybe looking out the window.

I'm no spring-kitten at ten years of age, but trust me on this - I have many years of love left to give.

I get along fine with the other kitties here in my room and in my last home, I even lived with a cat-friendly doggie. I also get along with all ages of respectful children.

I'm declawed which means you'll need to make sure I remain an indoor kitty; I have no way to defend myself in the big, scary outside world.

If you're looking for a laid-back, loving companion then won't you come over to meet me soon?
I'll be waiting...
Purrs, Julie"

Julie is available today at the Merriam Campus of Great Plains SPCA.

***

Sunday's Shelter Sweetie: Eggplant

"Some of the humans here call me Elegant Eggplant. They tell me that my unique Tortie coat is beautiful - that's so nice of them!"

"I must say, my favorite holiday is Boxing Day (I love sitting in boxes). I also love playing under the blankets, but I'm not hiding, I'm just being playful.

I love a good scratch on the head and under my chin, and when you are petting my head, I might even do a somersault for you. Perhaps I should try out for the Olympics? What do you think?"

"I'm a little purr machine, and anytime people come by and rub me, and tell me how gorgeous I am, well, that revs my purring motor big time. I love hanging out with you - I'd sit with you on the computer, or watch TV with you too.

Do you cook? I could be your Official Taste Tester!
Do you work out? I'll count reps for you - and maybe even pad it a bit (after all, we don't want you overextending yourself, you know?).

I can hardly wait for someone to gaze in my eyes and ask, "Do you want to be mine, Eggplant?"

Oh yes! Yes, I do!

I think I'd make a pawesome Valentine, don't you?

Purringly,

Eggplant"

Eggplant is available at the Merriam Campus of Great Plains SPCA today!

***

We're entering this in the Sunday Selfies blog hop, hosted by the kitties over at The Cat on my Head.

Head on over and see all the other great entries!

Sunday's Shelter Sweetie: Nelly

"Hello friends, my name is Nelly.

I hear there's a famous rapper named after me. I'm a girl and he's a guy I hear, but other than that - well, I think I could meow a few raps of my own here and there, if you'd like me to try!"

Check out my stunning green eyes, too!

"The only fans I want in my fan club though, would be my future forever family.
Love and support from a wonderful human or humans is the only fame I'm after.

I have the wisdom of maturity on my side and would love to settle in this winter and cuddle with a good human. Know of any?

I'm very loving and I have a great personality that can get along with just about everyone.

I can't wait to be someone's BFF (best furry friend).
Think you might be interested?

Purrs,
Nelly-the-cat (not the rapper)"

You can go see Nelly at the Merriam Campus of Great Plains SPCA today!

***

Sunday's Shelter Sweetie: Dottie

"Hello, my name is Dottie.
The folks here at Great Plains SPCA say I'm extra sweet, friendly and loving.
And, if you don't mind me being a little, well, less modest...
I am."

"But...
I have a secret name, did you know? (looks right, looks left)
If you could just...come a little closer...

Want to hear it?
It's...
Houdini.

Yes, that's right, I'm secretly known as Dottie 'Houdini' Girlcat.
My secret superpower? Scaling 8 foot walls! I kid you not!"

Contemplating crime-fighting. Or perhaps just secret girlcat things.

"I hear they're telling people that I should be an "inside cat" because of that.
I must admit, I agree. You see, somehuman (whose name shall be withheld) front declawed me.
It might be one reason I learned to scale such heights in a single bound. The world out there is a bit scary, you know?

At any rate, I'm on the hunt for a human super hero to come rescue me. Know of any?
Might you be my hero?

I'd love to hang out in your secret lair. I promise - your secret identity is safe with me.

Pinky swear!
~Dottie"

This 9 year old supergirlcat is awaiting her partner in crime fighting - err, ah, web surfing and movie-sofa watching - at the Merriam Campus of Great Plains SPCA today!

***

Thankful

Five years ago last month, A Tonk's Tail began.

Some of you have been with us from the beginning, as we took our first fledgling steps on this digital canvas. You were with us when Allie came into our lives, and you were there when we lost Ryker so very suddenly.

Thank you.

You shared our joy as two six month old blue-eyed terrors charmed their way into our lives, and my personal terror they'd be named after elementary particles!

Some of you joined us more recently, and together we've enjoyed moments of mischief and mayhem, of laughter and learning and love.

Thank you.

This year alone we've had the joy of bringing before you 40 Waifs and Shelter Sweeties. Thirty-six of these have found forever families, and we know that a large part of this has been because of you. You cared, and you shared. And we are forever grateful.

We're humbled and amazed at the strength and compassion of the community of animal advocates, a community that spans the globe.

Thank you. 

We want you to know how very thankful we are -- for your friendship, your warm and funny comments, your fellowship and support.

We wouldn't be here if it weren't for you.
So, from all of us to all of you:

 ***

Sunday's Shelter Sweetie: Deanna

"Hello there, human! I'm Deanna. I came to Great Plains as a rescue with 7 (SEVEN!!) newborn babies.

Want to know what I'm thankful for this Thanksgiving season?

I got to stay in a lovely foster home while my kids grew big enough to be adopted. And despite all of them being black kitties like me (it's tough for us to find homes, you know), they were all adopted within days.

Now it's my turn to find a forever home."

"I'm a very friendly girl who loves meeting new people. I'm very affectionate and love to be petted. I'm still just a young thing myself, which means I also love to play. Oh, and I'm sure you've noticed -- well, I'm a bit of a looker, if I do say so myself.

How about coming over to meet me? We can be home in time for Thanksgiving!"

"Being around people is where I'm meant to be and I'd love to find a forever home today. The people here are nice and take good care of us, but it's just not the same as a real home.

I'm just an all around fun and interesting lady.....and beautiful to boot! What more could you ask for?

Come visit me soon!

Purrs,
Deanna"

Deanna is available at the Merriam Campus of Great Plains SPCA, today.

***

Sunday's Shelter Sweetie: Butterscotch

"Hello! My name's Butterscotch.

I came to Great Plains as a stray and am ready to find my furrever home! I'm just a teenager - lanky and gangly and lookin' for fun! My body is growing fast, but I'm still as playful as a little kitten. I love to play and learn new things."

"My ideal family will spend lots of time with me teaching me the ways of the world. If you adopt me, you get all the fun of a kitten without the kitten pricetag! (Psst...I've also learned some of my manners and am a little less messy.)

When playtime is finally over I'll be ready to snuggle up with you for a nap. It's my second favorite thing to do. I'm not getting any younger and I have lots to learn from you.

Get on down here today and break me outta this joint!"

Butterscotch is available at the Merriam Campus of Great Plains SPCA, today.

***

Sunday's Shelter Sweetie: Sally

"Hello,
Do you remember that movie, "When Harry Met Sally"? Well, I'm Sally."

"Do you think there might be a Harry, or a Steve, or a Martha just waiting to meet me, too?
I sure hope so, because I'm ready to go spend my days curled up and purring in a loving lap.

I'm just a sweet, loving middle-aged lady looking for someone to call my own. I have a gentle and nurturing disposition and would love nothing more than to cuddle next to you in the evenings to share some time together.

I'm looking for a second chance at life with someone who treasures every moment as much as I do. I love to be petted. Do you love to hear purring? We may just be the purr-fect match.

purrs, Sally"

Sally is available today at the Merriam Campus of Great Plains SPCA!

*** 

Sunday's Shelter Sweetie: Charlotte

"Hello,
My name is Charlotte, and I was brought in to Great Plains with my mother when our owner had to give us both up."

 
"As you can probably tell, I'm extremely shy and this new, strange place with all its strange smells is so very, very scary!

I spend my days hiding in a cardboard box, hoping this nightmare will end soon."

"I long for a quiet, calm home, and the soft understanding words of a human who will give me the time I need to come out of my shell, be a bit brave and learn about my new world and my new home.

Might you be that person who will rescue me?

Shy and fearful purrs,
Charlotte"

Charlotte is available at the Merriam Campus of Great Plains SPCA.

Sunday's Shelter Sweetie: Kali

"Hullo humans,
You sure are big. And kinda scary."

"At least you seem tons and tons larger than li'l ol 6-month-old me.

I might be a bit skittish and try to hide when you first come meet me, but please don't let that put you off. I'm really a very sweet little girl, and I'm hoping to find a home that's a bit quiet and where someone nice like you might be willing to go slow as I get used to my new home."

"I dream of having a nice, safe, warm place of my own someday, with a nice lap to cuddle up in. Would that be your home, maybe?

Shy purrs,

Kali"

Kali is available today at the Merriam Campus of Great Plains SPCA!

*** 
 

Sunday's Shelter Sweetie: Twix

"Hi people! I'm Twix.
And I loooooooooove to cuddle. Betcha you couldn't tell, could you?"

 
"Everyone here says I'm a handsome boy with mesmerizing green eyes. Anyone know what mesmerizing means? Hey! What say I come home with you and I can paw my way through your dictionary and find out!"

"ooh wow, now I'm all excited and stuff! 
Ready to go?  I can be packed in a jiff - I just have my wand toy and a mousie or two.
Here, let me go grab them and we can be off!

Wow, this'll be the most excitement I've had in all my whole four months!!!

Boycat purrs,

Twix"

Twix is (eagerly) available today at the Merriam Campus of Great Plains SPCA...today!

*** 

#SundaySelfie for Shelter Sweetie CIDER!

"Hey guys! I'm Cider!"

"I'm a sweet, long and lanky golden boy, and I'm friendly and love to play.

(I also really, reeeeeally love my BirdTV. And SquirrelTV, too!)

Some people have mentioned that I can come across as aggressive to other cats, but that's sooooooo not true. I'm just a bit - ah - energeticand enthusiastic when it comes to meeting other kitties. I get so excited that I'll be able to hang with them that I kind of forget my manners!"

 "But seriously, if you want a cat that's friendly and fun - and who does love other cats, although I've been labeled a bit *cough* socially "awkward" (embarrassed look) ...

Please, won't you consider getting to know me for a bit?

I can't WAIT for my forever family to come by!!

Purrs,

Cider"

Cider is available today at the Merriam Campus of Great Plains SPCA!

***