Blueberry is a special cat who was with AAHS for six months before Lisa saw her at the Adoption Center. She had actually fell in love with another cat, Lucy, who she adopted in February, but she had considered adopting Blueberry before choosing Lucy because she gave her a special feeling. And Lucy has been wonderful in her new home, after overcoming a few initial challenges. After a few months, Lisa noticed that Blueberry was still available for adoption when she checked our website. “I just felt like she had been there long enough. Too long.†So Lisa went back to the Adoption Center and took Blueberry home with her.

Blueberry’s transition to her new home has been a slow one, as we knew it would be. She’s still working on coming out of her shell, but she’s making progress by coming out of her room to explore and visit with Lisa. She loves her computer room and will sit next to Lisa to watch her work or look out the window. “If I don’t have the blinds open, she will let me know by rattling them. Funny! And sometimes she will take her paw and reach for my hand when I’m moving the computer mouse.â€

After spending time with Blueberry, Lisa found a special connection with her that she maybe didn’t expect. Blueberry warmed up to her dogs but has still been very weary of her other cats, and she has shown distinct signs of post-traumatic stress disorder—something that Lisa is very familiar with, as she developed PTSD as a result of her military service. She thinks that Blueberry might have had a bad experience with other cats, causing the PTSD and the uneasiness around her cats but not her dogs. We are so glad that Lisa adopted Blueberry and can relate to her in ways that most people may not be able to, and this unique bond should surely help them both cope with their symptoms.

Lisa says that adopting a special needs pet is a real commitment, so her advice to those looking to adopt an animal like Blueberry is that you should do it because you’re truly committed to working with them—not because you simply feel sorry for them. Thank you Lisa for your insight and for giving Blueberry a new chance at a happy life!