The Nickerson's decided to foster the family and were advised to contact Merlin's Refuge to obtain assitance in assessing the needs of all six cats. Kyle Frye was extremely helpful in providing much needed support to the cats and the rescuers. The entire family was taken to American Animal Hospital in Omaha, NE, a Merlin's Refuge affiliate. The veterinary staff assessed their condition. All of the cats tested negative for Feline Leukemia and FIV and all were given age appropriate vaccinations.
The rescuers returned home with the little cat family and continued to care for them while planning for the upcoming adoption process. Each kitten began displaying a unique personality and the foster parents began to form attachments with each little life. Each kitten claimed a favorite toy and, after a few weeks, began warming to the idea of having humans in their lives.
While caring for the group, the foster parents searched for the mother cat's original family, since her loving nature led them to believe that she was simply lost. Flyers were placed throughout Omaha seeking information regarding her previous home and family. Since no one came forward, the Nickerson's adopted her into their own home and affectionately named her "Melinda."
In late July 2003, flyers were placed throughout Omaha announcing that the kittens would soon be ready for adoption. Many interested potential, adoptive families quickly called the rescuers for more information. All who called were informed that a specific condition of the adoption required that no kitten be declawed. Of the six families that came to visit the kittens, two were selected to apply to Merlin's Refuge for an official adoption. At 8 weeks of age, all of the kittens were weaned and ready to be adopted into their new, loving homes.
On August 5, 2003, three kittens left the rescuers' home with their adoptive families. Each family was given food, toys, treats, fresh litter, and new litter boxes to ensure the kittens would enjoy certain comfort when being welcomed into their new homes.
"Melinda" and the two grey tabby kittens, "Shannon" and "Sheldon," were adopted by the Nickerson's. The all-orange tabby was adopted by Kailey Dwyer and her family in Omaha, NE. His name is now "Toulouse" and he lives with a large, loving famliy and an obedient Golden Retriever who obeys everything the little cat commands. The two white and orange-patched tabbies, known as the "Twins," were originally adopted by an individual who described herself as an animal welfare advocate and discussed her plans to rescue other animals in the future. In following Merlin's Refuge requirements, the adoptive families understood that it was their responsibility to ensure that their new family members received additional vaccinations and were neutered at the appropriate age.
"Melinda" was altered in September 2003 and "Shannon," Sheldon," and "Toulouse" were all altered in October 2003. On December 17, 2003, repeated attempts to confirm that the "Twins" had been neutered were finally answered. This was when it was discovered that their guardian had not only neglected to have her adoptive cats altered, but also neglected to bring them to the vet for their needed vaccinations. Furthermore, she stated that she was moving and did not intend to take her new adoptive kittens with her.
The Nickerson's were devastated since this individual had continually corresponded that she was providing excellent care for the "Twins" and that they were adjusting well to her other cat. Nevertheless, the Nickerson's immediately arranged to pick up the kittens to ensure that they would be fostered in a nuturing environment until they could be placed in a loving, forever home.
On December 19, 2003 at approximately 7:00 p.m., the Nickerson's arrived at the residence to retrieve the kittens, which were now six months old. It became obvious that the statements of providing a nurturing environment for the "Twins" were untrue. The apartment was disturbingly soiled and there was no evidence of food, water, or clean litter. Additionally, there was no indication that anyone was actually living in the apartment with the cats. As the individual was not alone and she showed no distress in surrendering the kittens, the Nickerson's quickly seized the frightened pair and confiscated a portion of the items that had originally been provided. Without hesitation and to protect the cats, the Nickerson's left the residence and promptly disposed of the overwhelmingly unclean litter boxes that were relinquished.
Immediately, new, fresh litter boxes were purchased and the "Twins" found themselves adjusting to another move. The kittens instantly found familiar, quiet, warm places to sleep upon reaching their foster home. The next day (December 20, 2003), the anxious pair was transported to the Petco on 120th & Center for a Merlin's Refuge Adoption Day and another flyer campaign was started throughout Omaha. Since the Nickerson's were not willing to allow the "Twins" to be adopted separately, it was anticipated that this would be a lengthy adoption process.
However, after only one hour, numerous calls were received regarding the kittens' welfare and interest in adopting the pair. One of the calls was from the Merlin's Refuge adoption counselor at Petco. After a lengthy discussion, it was determined that a potential, adoptive family could, in fact, provide a healthy, nurturing, and loving environment for the "Twins." Melanie Mitzel and Chad King are now raising "Puck" and "Tink" in the forever home they always deserved.
