The Flowering of Blossom

Hanging out in a warm kitchen and sharing food with her new cat siblings must have seemed like a far-off dream for Blossom when she was trying desperately to raise a litter of kittens under a shed. The Best Friends Network and Friends of the Rifle Animal Shelter in Rifle, Colorado, worked together to give Blossom her happy ending.

This cat with the beautiful green eyes was abandoned when her person moved away. "She began to fend for herself and eventually had a litter of kittens. A family noticed her, and brought her into their home and requested our help," said Melody Baker of the Friends of the Rifle Animal Shelter. Only one of Blossom's kittens survived, and the baby and Blossom arrived at the shelter in need of lots of TLC.

Melody contacted the Network for help because "Blossom does not adjust well to new situations. She stops eating and her behavior deteriorates when any change occurs. She is very friendly, outgoing and loving with her foster family, but during the adjustment period she is frightened and quick to react. Our efforts to place her have been difficult because of the fear she displays with new people. Can you help us get the word out about this little lady? She would do best in a quiet, patient, loving home without young children."

Deborah Delgado-Hand of the Network sent out the message and Ann Ritacco in Denver, Colorado, read the Network message and responded. "[She] told me they don't usually respond, but for some reason, Blossom's story caught their attention," Melody said.

Ann's patience and willingness to allow Blossom to take her time in adjusting to the family is captured in photos of Blossom relaxed and chowing down in her kitchen -- warm, safe and loved.