SFAS High Desert Cat Walk

THE WINNERS!

2012-01-27T11:54:00.000-08:00

The votes are in .... and EVERYONE'S a winner. More or less. Cat owners know all about that. Our judges have spent hours going through the entries and decided to give a special "category" for every cat. And after more than a few heated discussions, the judges were able to pin down our top choices ... they even liked our People's Choice Award! Thank you to everyone who entered their wonderful felines in our photo contest. And now, without further ado, THE WINNERS:

Best in Show

Lady Tula

Tula lives with Stephen and Claudia

Second Place

Junior

Junior lives with AJ

Third Place

Macabee

Macabee lives with Janice and Joe

People’s Choice Award

Brinkley

Brinkley lives with Jim and Ina

and The Furry Love Winners

All entries receive a special gift coupon from Look What The Cat Dragged In, our resale store at 2570 Camino Entrada. Stop by the store and pick up your $5 gift coupon!

Mojo -Mozart Award

Mojo lives with Charlotte

Ginger - Phoenix Rising Award

Ginger lives with Mary

Hankie – Vanity Fair Award

Hankie lives with Charlotte

Gypsy – Teenage Dream Award

Gypsy lives with Jaquie

Tosca – Sleeping Beauty Award

Tosca lives with Jaye

Dulce de Leche – Best In Sink Award

Dulce De Leche lives with Jane and Bob

Ambrocious – Most Companionable Award

Ambrocious lives with Sophia

Tiger – Best Impressionist Award

Tiger lives with Kim

Jimmie – Class Clown Award

Jimmie lives with Paula and Neal

Misha – Contortionist Award

Misha lives with Janice and Joe

Jasmine – Best Stand-Up Routine

Jasmine lives with Lisa

Metta – Best Blackbeard Routine

Metta lives with Lorraine

Kali and Milo – Most Dependable Award

Kali and Milo were Inge’s foster kitties

Harry and Chester – Cosmetology Award

Harry and Chester live with Ellen

Sophie and George – The Yin-Yang Award

Sophie and George live with Jane

George – Best Dog Impression Award

George lives with Jane

Jayne – Best Narcolepsy Award

Jayne lives with Jenna

Zoey – Best Traveler Award

Zoey lives with Jenna

Edie – Most Down to Earth Award

Edie lives with Andrea

Everett – The Groucho Award for Best Mustache

Everett lives with Julie

Amon – Best Grin Award

Amon lives with Inge

O’Keeffe and Alfred – Most Loving Embrace Award

O’Keefee and Alfred live with Jane

Margo Mangrove Sailcat – Best Centerfold Award

Margo lives with Adrienne

Mudita – Most Romantic Award

Mudita lives with Lorraine

Caddie – The Razz Award

Caddie lives with Charlotte

Lucky – Most Helpful Award

Lucky lives with Adrianna

Smudge – Most Balanced Award

Smudge lives with Jeanne

Carmel – Best Glamour Shot

Carmel lives with Kristi

Monster – Grooviest Award

Monster lives with Lyndi

2012-01-16T13:15:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! Make sure to cast your vote for People's Choice by commenting on the photo or by sending an email to TopCats@sfhumanesociety.org! Thanks to everyone for such wonderful photos and heartwarming stories. What was that saying? Cats Rule, Dogs Drool!

Dulce de Leche

2012-01-14T15:49:00.000-08:00

Meet Dulce de Leche, who has lived with Jane and Bob since July 2004.

“I was rescued from the acequia near a Buddhist retreat, aterrified white kitten with orange-tabby points. My ancestry includes Siamesetemple princesses and a marauding barn cat. Eight years later, true to myheritage, I have bright blue eyes, caramel markings and a noisy meow.Also, I love napping in sinks and drinking from faucets.”

Monster

2012-01-14T15:48:00.001-08:00

MeetMonster. He lives with Lyndi.

“Irescued Monster when I was living in Denver from a woman who was going to takehim and his brother to the shelter. I couldn't resist that little face, andjust knew he was going to fit right in with my other rescue, Daisy, from theDenver Dumb Friends League. We didn't name him right away, and I tried out allthe typical ‘white cat’ names such as Snowball and Marshmallow. But wediscovered very quickly that he was a little ‘monster!’ He got into everything,including cabinets, drawers and bags, and climbed on top of the fridge, countertops and everything. He was super naughty, but oh so silly – so the name Monsterfit him perfectly! He continues to be a naughty little guy, but as the sun sets,he is also my cuddle bear. Oh how I love him so!”

Caddie

2012-01-14T15:47:00.002-08:00

MeetCaddie. She lives with Charlotte.

“Caddie(-waddie) was adopted from the old Shelter on Cerrillos Road about
six years ago. She started out as a foster, having been in a cage at the
Shelter for some six or seven months, but soon found her way into
permanent status in my household. She's a beautiful green-eyed calico. Of
all my cats, she is the only one who can sit and watch the cat-sitter videos
for hours on end. Caddie is about 17 years old now and is slowing down,
but still maintains her status as the matriarch – being toothless doesn't
have any effect. Here, she is expressing her opinion of her newest
housemate, Sasha, my fifth feline in the house (and final one for
a while). Caddie was not pleased by Sasha's arrival, and they had plenty of
tousles as evidenced by the cut on Caddie's face here, but finally time
and Feliway sorted it all out!”

Mojo

2012-01-14T15:47:00.000-08:00

MeetMojo. He lives with Charlotte.

“Mojois a purebred black Bengal, who was originally from a breeder in California,and then adopted through Santa Fe Cats. As with all Bengals, he has personalitytraits that are unlike my other 'ordinary' cats. He's sleek, incredibly athletic,and would rather be on top of the highest object in a room (whether he fits ornot). He seems particularly drawn to the piano and likes nothing better than to'help' me practice, walking up and down the keys then finally settling in asyou see here. Mojo is about 7 years old. After many years of trying unsuccessfullyto identify and solve his intestinal difficulties, I've finally found that hecan really only eat rabbit. Which means the other four cats also only eat rabbit.It's expensive but cheaper than veterinary bills and he is thriving on thisdiet, as are all my others.”

Hankie

2012-01-14T15:46:00.001-08:00

MeetHankie. He lives with Charlotte.

“Hankieis a 7-year-old orange tabby who was adopted from the old Shelter
on Cerrillos Road about six years ago. His Shelter name was Woody. He's turnedout to be a smallish cat but is big on personality. Confident of his own charm,he is far from shy and always makes himself the center of attention duringparties, insinuating himself onto every lap in turn (without waiting to beinvited). Hank had a terrible episode with an oral infection and was mauled bya dog just when he was beginning to recover. I thought I was going to lose himbut meticulous care has brought him back to his robust, cheerful stinker self. Helords it over my other cats, and wakes me up in the morning by biting my nose.He loves licking cooking oil and his preferred toy is an empty grape stem.”

Jimmie

2012-01-14T15:45:00.001-08:00

MeetJimmie. He lives with Paula and Neal.

"Myhusband, Neal, and I adopted Jimmie from Felines & Friends New Mexico.He's named after my deceased father, Jimmie Bertino. Jimmie thinks he's a snowleopard and hunter, but he's never been outside because of the danger of coyotesin our neighborhood. His favorite thing in the world is to help Neal make asalad. Jimmie gets his own bowl of lettuce to gnaw on – it has to be butterlettuce – while Neal prepares the rest of the salad. Once he's done, Jimmie hasbeen known to fall asleep right in his salad bowl!”

Gypsy

2012-01-14T15:44:00.002-08:00

Meet Gypsy. He lives with Jaquie.

“Gypsy, a stray feral cat at the time, adopted us about 51/2 years ago. Abused, terrified and starving, I could leave food for him, butonly at a distance as he was too frightened to tolerate my touching him – well,unless I wanted to get clawed! With a lot of patience and love, Gypsy nowfollows me everywhere, loves to be cuddled, sleeps on my feet, walks on aleash, naps on his favorite teddy bear, and never fails to put a smile in ourday. Love truly makes a house a home! I'm so glad this wild little kitty choseus.”

Junior

2012-01-14T15:44:00.000-08:00

Meet Junior. He lives with AJ.

“I have owned Junior since the second he was born eightyears ago. We have been bonded ever since. He ‘helps’ me feed the horses andchecks on them as I toss the hay. He gives kitty kisses and hugs to all of ourdogs. And he is the first cat to welcome anyone into our home and will keeptheir lap warm while they are there. He's the best cat – Period!”

George

2012-01-14T15:43:00.000-08:00

Meet George. He lives with Jane.

“I fostered George for the Buddy Center/Denver Dumb FriendsLeague in 2003. George was a 2-year-old stray who had major eye problems. Weadopted him when the money ran out for his treatment and had him treated by ourown veterinarian. George never complained during all his discomfort andtreatments and has been such a good ‘Dad’ to all my foster kittens!”

Sophie and George

2012-01-14T15:42:00.001-08:00

Meet Sophie andGeorge. They live with Jane and her family.

“We adopted Sophie,who is probably around 13 years old, from the Denver Dumb Friends League in1998. I fostered and then adopted George, who is probably around 10 years old, fromthe Buddy Center/Denver Dumb Friends League in 2003. They are, obviously,pretty good buddies!”

O’Keeffe and Alfred

2012-01-14T15:41:00.002-08:00

Meet O’Keeffe and Alfred. They live with Jane.

“I fostered brothers O’Keeffe and Alfred – who wereborn on the roof of the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum! – for Felines & Friends NewMexico beginning in 2004. As they remained semi-feral, we ended up adoptingthem. I guess you could call us ‘foster flunkies!’ Sadly, we learned this yearthat they both have heart disease, so we are treasuring every moment with them!”

Macabee

2012-01-14T15:41:00.000-08:00

Meet Macabee, who lives with Janice and Joe.

“My name is Macabee. My original owner died 14 months ago.At 16, my health was very poor. I was not expected to live more than a fewmonths, and I was designated a hospice foster cat. With my spectacularlovability and charm, I remind everyone that the rumors of my demise weregreatly exaggerated.”

Misha

2012-01-14T15:39:00.001-08:00

Meet Misha, who lives with Janice and Joe.

“My name is Misha. I’m 11 years old. After living outdoorsas a stray for many months I was adopted one year ago. I was understandablycautious at first, so it took me a while to trust my surroundings and to learnto relax. But I think I have it down now!”

Jayne

2012-01-14T15:38:00.000-08:00

Meet Jayne. She lives with Jenna.

“Jayne came to us through a friend who found him lostoutside. We brought him home and fell in love with this hyper kitty. He isnamed after a character in ‘Firefly,’ because his fur matches the color of thecharacter’s hat. His favorite activity is to jump in and out of bags and has alove of falling asleep in any position.”

Zoey

2012-01-14T15:37:00.000-08:00

Meet Zoey. She lives with Jenna.

“Zoey Christmas Tree chose her owners in February 2009. Hermiddle name, Christmas Tree, was chosen because of her love of sleeping underthe tree at Christmas. She enjoys running down hallways, chasing and catchingjingle balls in the air and sleeping on top of her people.”

Everett

2012-01-14T15:36:00.001-08:00

Meet Everett. He lives with Julie.

“Here is Everett right before Christmas. He was a tinystarving stray who I found in September and he is thriving now. He fit right inwith
the other four much older cats and the dog. And yes, Santa brought him
lots of treats.”

Lucky

2012-01-14T15:35:00.000-08:00

Meet Lucky. She lives with Adrianna.

“Lucky is my biggest blessing in a very small package. Luckyis 5 years old, and the best friend a girl could have in the whole world.She has been there for me since the age of 12 – before her little eyes wereopen – and she is now in the process of preparing to go to college with meafter I graduate this year! Lucky is a very unique cat and has apretty uncommon nervous system disorder known as Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome,which makes her hallucinate and attack herself. There's no known cause orcure for it, so I've had to develop my own special ways to handle herover the years when she gets into one of her ‘episodes.’ I love my cat dearlyand I would do anything to keep her happy. I hope you judges love her too!”

Brinkley

2012-01-14T15:34:00.000-08:00

Meet Brinkley. He lives with Jimand Ina.

“This is our jolly cat Brinkley.He was brought in to the Shelter with a severe head injury and it was feared hewouldn't survive. He was called Bobbles at the Shelter and has since made acomplete recovery from the ‘brink.’ He is a happy, playful boy and we couldn'tbe more thrilled with him.”

Margo Mangrove Sailcat

2012-01-14T15:33:00.001-08:00

Meet Margo MangroveSailcat. She lives with Adrienne.

“My cat's name isMargo Mangrove Sailcat. We call her Mango for short. We adopted Mangowhen l was 3 years old and she was only 1 year old. That makes her almost 7years old. I got her from the Santa Fe Animal Shelter. Mango is a tabbytortoise-shell, with some orange on her. That's why Mango is a good nicknamefor her. And the more we call her Mango, the more orange she gets! She is anindoor cat, and loves to watch the birds through the window, just like I do.She is sometimes a fat slob, but I love her dearly.”

Amon

2012-01-14T15:32:00.001-08:00

MeetAmon. He lives with Inge.

“Lookat how guilty he looks. Amon, the big uncle for my foster kittens, sits in aspot that is normally not his.”

Kali and Milo

2012-01-14T15:31:00.001-08:00

MeetKali and Milo, Inge’s foster kittens.

“InSeptember, these two stayed with us for some weeks. After a lot of roughhousing,they always ended up like this. Although it doesn't show, I noticed that Milo’seyesight was poor and he relied on his sister to help him a bit in newsituations. After getting to know the new surroundings, he was often bossingher around again. He was a great little guy and very social.”

Mudita

2012-01-14T15:30:00.002-08:00

MeetMudita, who lives with Lorraine.

“Eventhough I just turned 15, everyone who meets me thinks I’m much younger. I stilllove to hunt and can leap straight up to catch a bird at the feeder or climbthe 6-foot fence to roam in our yard. You’d never know that I’m really shy.”

Metta

2012-01-14T15:30:00.000-08:00

Meet Metta, who lives withLorraine.

“I’ma Maine coon — a gentle giant — who just turned 15. Having reached this ripeage, my face is grizzled with white and my hips don’t work as well as they did.I’ve retired from an active life outdoors to relax in the warmth of the sun.”

Tiger

2012-01-14T15:29:00.000-08:00

Meet Tiger. Tiger lives with Kim.

“Here is Tiger watching TV with Arly. Tiger is our 2-year-oldbundle of fuzz. Tiger was a stray who found his way to our yard. He loves doinganything that involves his humans. He is curious, loving and funny. He is trulythe top cat in our house.”

Ginger

2012-01-14T15:28:00.001-08:00

Meet Ginger. She lives with Mary.

“On a Saturday morning more than three years ago, my partnerTim and I visited the Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society in search ofa kitty. Karma, my precious felinecompanion for over 18 years, had died several months before. We walked past thedozens of beautiful cats and adorable kittens, hoping to find that “special”kitty that would like to join our family. I admit I was leaning towards adopting a kitten.

I lost sight of Tim, and finally heard him calling from aroom down the hall, the one with the rabbit cages. “What about this one? She’s very pretty,” pointing to a longhairedblack adult cat looking out from the row of bunnies. The shelter staff person said, ‘Ginger came in with herlitter of four kittens and is about a year old. We put her in with the rabbitsbecause she is a little “crazy” and can’t be with other animals. She bitespeople, too.’ ‘Not exactly what I am looking for,’ I said to myself. Timinsisted on taking her out of the cage, and she snuggled in his arms. Buteveryone loved Tim. As a case manager at a local program that helps homelesspeople with mental illness, he had a heart for anyone with serious problems. ‘Sheneeds a home, and I really think she’ll be fine once she feels safe,’ he saidhopefully. I finally agreed, andGinger came home with us.

It was a difficult initial adjustment. Ginger hissed if weapproached her or even looked at her. She ran from one end of the house to theother meowing loudly. By that afternoon I had nicknamed her ‘Ginger Snap.’ But that night she jumped on the bedand slept between us. ‘She may never be a lap kitty, but she’s smart, playfuland seems to be very happy,’ Tim observed. Boxes and golf balls were herfavorite toys, and we laughed at her antics. Gradually her biting changed tolicking as we spoke softly to her. She let me brush her long coat and camerunning when she was called. And one day she curled up on Tim’s lap while hewas reading. We were a happy family thanks to Tim’s belief in everyone’s innergoodness.

Our story, however, is bittersweet. Tim became seriously illand passed away last year. Ginger is my dearest comfort. She jumps into my lap(yes!), purrs constantly, and makes me laugh on days when nothing else can. Isend Tim gratitude every day for choosing Ginger. He knew what a difference agood home and lots of love can make in a troubled life. And I do have my‘special’ kitty thanks to the Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society.”

Jasmine

2012-01-14T15:27:00.000-08:00

Meet Jasmine. Shelives with Lisa.

“Jasmine, a silvertabby, is just over 13 months old. A year ago in January, I had to help mydearest companion, a 13-year-old Russian blue, who was adopted from the SantaFe Animal Shelter, pass from lymphoma. I was devastated. So my husband at thetime took me to Albuquerque for the day.

While we were downthere, I asked if we could go by the animal shelter just to look, as I'd remembereda few days before about a hoarder turning in many kitties. So we went. I wentto the kitten side to see if any kitties would bond with me.

Jasmine was tiny andhiding in the corner of her kennel, hissing at everyone who passed by. However,she did not hiss at me. I asked the shelter workers about her. They told me shewas a feral kitten and that they were working to socialize her. I asked if Icould please hold her. They handed her to me, and, as a TellingtonTouchpractitioner, I held her and did some bodywork on her and talked with her. Aboutfour or five minutes later she sighed and stretched out, then decided to moveup by my neck and tuck her head under my chin. She purred, and purred loudly!The shelter staff was amazed as they had never heard her purr or seen hersnuggle with anyone! We adopted her that day after she was spayed.

She picked me, andshe is my shadow. She knows when I need her loving, and cuddles up close overmy heart. She sleeps with me constantly, helps in the kitchen, stalks thedoggies (she's not keen on the dogs even a year later), and rules the roost.Anything and everything is a toy, and she's a toy fiend. She loves to play,talk, and keep my granddaughters in line.

This picture of heris in the kitchen and she is giving me the “what-for.” I am so happy she choseto share her wonderful life and personality with me. All of my pets are rescuesor adopted, and I wouldn't have them any other way.”

Eddie

2012-01-14T15:26:00.000-08:00

MeetEdie. She lives with Andrea.

“Edieis a 12-year-old tabby. The saying that the third time’s the charm is quitetrue for Edie — who found her forever family after spending time in two otherhomes. A difficult early life (Edie’s missing one toe) has now transitionedinto her life as queen of the house. Once an outdoor cat, she now rests regallyon cushy pillows and soft throws. Although she’s now a woman of a certain age,she still enjoys wrestling cat toys, chasing strings, hiding under covers,and basically being a rascal. She is pure love and joy.”

Harry and Chester

2012-01-14T15:24:00.000-08:00

MeetHarry and Chester. They live with Ellen.

“Harry(the orange boy getting his face licked) is an alumnus of the Santa Fe AnimalShelter. I adopted him in 2004 when he was about a year old. He generallysubmits to Chester, who is the top cat. Harry's a cuddler. He favors stretchingout on my chest and burrowing into my neck, and he never says “no” to a bellyrub. Chester is the boss as far as Harry's concerned. He was the runt of hislitter, with a twisted leg that prevented him from walking on it. I thought it wouldbe permanent when I adopted him as a kitten, but several weeks later he stoodup and strutted around like the top cat that he is. He's 9 years old nowand likes to sleep with me on my pillow and sit on my lap and getscratches under his chin.”

Carmel

2012-01-14T15:23:00.000-08:00

Meet Carmel. She lives with Kristi.

“Carmel is a 2-1/2-year-old female orange tabby. A feralkitten, she was adopted by our family at about 4 months of age. Carmel lets usknow the outdoors is still her territory. On her frequent visits indoors, sheis a gentle, well-behaved, and cuddly (on her terms only – of course!) cat.Heartfelt thanks go to the Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society for thelow-cost spaying.”

Tosca

2012-01-14T15:21:00.000-08:00

Meet Tosca. Shelives with Jaye.

“This is Toscanapping on the beautiful new couch bought from Look What The Cat Dragged In. Shewas adopted from the old Shelter on Cerrillos Road. She put up with an old guycat when she was new to the household, then had her neck ripped open by arather over-rambunctious male cat. But she survived to become the sweetest,most mellow cat ever! Tosca is a talented lap-sitter and has a friendlygreeting for everyone who comes to the house. She likes to play with her manytoys and has the most melodic purr you ever heard! She enjoys watching the birdsat the feeders out the window and once kissed our very large greyhound neighboron his doggie lips. What a cat!”

Smudge

2012-01-14T15:13:00.000-08:00

Meet Smudge.She lives with Jeanne.

“Smudge cameto us from Felines & Friends New Mexico. We thought we were just going tofoster, but after 10 minutes with her, we adopted. Smudge is about 5 years old andloves to go on road trips. We just got back from a 12-day trip and Smudge wasthe perfect guest everywhere we stayed.”

Ambrocious

2012-01-14T15:12:00.000-08:00

Meet Ambrocioius. He lives with Sophia.

“This picture is not only of my cat but of the love of mylife. He is 12 years young and is my ‘mountain Kitty!’ His name is Ambrocious,from the resemblance of the big white dog on the movie “Labyrinth.” Being thatthere are two young children in our family, he is the only animal who likes toplay with the kids. He doesn’t mind ear or hair pulling or anything. He’swonderfully lazy and loves the outdoors. He’s also a strange dog lover as hisBFF are always dogs. I unconditionally love this fat and very large cat andwill be devastated when he’s gone. He’s a Persian mix with big, blue dreamyeyes.”

Lady Tula

2012-01-14T15:09:00.000-08:00

Meet Lady Tula. Shelives with Stephen and Claudia.

“Lady Tula is aSFASHS alumnus, adopted from the shelter in April of 2009. She is a 9-year-oldlonghaired calico and rules our household of two humans, two dogs and one othercat with an iron paw. When Lady Tula speaks, everyone listens!”