Real Rescue Cats Are Talking
HIYA!! SAVANNAH HERE!!!
Today I have another interview for my series…
REAL RESCUE CATS ARE TALKING:
Life Changing Interviews With Savannah
I am back again with another fantabulous Adult Cat Rescue Story…and you are all gonna know just who this charming ladycat is…heh…heh…Yup! I gave you the first clue…”she” is incredible, courageous and she knows just how the corn should be planted if ya know what I mean…
Let me bring in the one, the only…
JONESIE
APAWS!!! APAWS!!! APAWS!!!
clap, clap, clap, clap….Oh thanks efurryone for that warm welcome…let me get right to Jonesie…
Savannah: Hiya Jonesie! I can’t tell you how purrleased I am to be having this meow with you! As you know, I try to make a garden report a couple of times a month to you, as the Founder Emeritus and Master Gardener, for the Society of Feline Gardeners.
Jonesie: Savannah, I’m so impressed with your garden reports. It makes me purr seeing all the good work my furriends dig up out in their gardens.
Savannah: Oh, well…ummm…koff, koff…ya see Jonesie, I don’t “actually” go outside and do stuff ‘cuz I’m an indoor only cat…but I do snoopervise Mom when she goes out. I hope that counts??…(worried ears)
Jonesie: (reaches out a paw to reassure Savvy)…oh don’t worry Savvy…as long as the cat does the snoopervision…then you can be a member of the Society of Feline Gardeners.
Savannah: (wipes brow with paw)…whew! Ok…let’s get to the interview.
Now first, I think readers who may be new to our Paw Blogging world, like me, will want to know why you started the Society of Feline Gardeners in the first place. So, would you take just a minute to give a meow about how you started this pawsome society??
Jonesie: Well, when it all began, I was not all that formal about my garden reports. I have always been a garden cat. I adore working with my dad out in the yard. I’m at my happiest in my garden. So, because that is what makes me who I am, I started asking Cory (my sister and founder of our blog) if I could have 1 day of the week to do my own posts. She said it would be great, so I just picked Thursday as my day.
It started out as “Thursday in the Garden with Jonesie”. I never set out to have a garden society. But, I had such a great response to my Thursday posts. I discovered so many other kitties that loved gardening…or liked looking out windows at gardens…or who just liked looking at me in my garden. So, on Thursday October 22, 2009, I did my first official “Society of Feline Gardeners” post. ( click HERE to read this historical post)
You can see I have to tell my Dad how to do everything now…
Dig right where the shovel is
The amazing Ann from Zoolatry designed my badge. That was the first time I invited other kitties to join the club. I named myself Purresident. My mom said I could do that because I was the founder of the club. I named my good pal Alfie Marshall as Vice Purresident. I really didn’t have a big plan; just that I wanted to start my club. I’ve been doing weekly garden posts ever since.
I still dream of taking pen to paw and writing a garden book.
Savannah: I sure didn’t know any of that. And I bet your book would be a real page turner for all cats who have gardens to take care of…give it a try Jonesie!
Now, just to get started, will you share with all of us how you arrived in your furrever home?
Jonesie: My start in life was not easy. When I first found my home, I had no idea that it could one day be mine. I had been abandoned by my former family.
It was a cold and snowy March…I think it might have been about 2002??…anyways, my Dad was out in the backyard…way at the back near the hedge. He was drawn there because there were 2 cats playing. Being a cat lover, he had to go investigate. He had never seen these kitties before so he wanted to make sure they were ok. They let dad pet them and they played.
Then…while dad was paying attention to the 2 playful cats, I wandered out of the hedge. Dad was surprised to see me. I was not in good shape. I was starving and my fur was a mess. My fur was falling out in patches.
I sat in the hedge for a long time (my mom and dad don’t know how long and I’m not saying). I sat there looking at the beautiful garden and the warm and lovely home. My self esteem was so low that I never imagined that I could have it for myself. I was prepared to die in the hedge looking at what would never be mine. I was too far down to ask for anything for myself.
It was the other cats that lured Dad to the hedge and they were able to show me that my future Dad was a good person and I could trust him. Once I saw that the 2 kitties gave him their cat seal of approval, I came out of the hedge.
Dad was shocked when he saw me and very worried so he went to get my Mom to help. Mom has a way of getting kitties to come to her. Mom was able to get a cat carrier and some yummy food. I let her catch me.
They brought me inside the warm house and set me up in a room by myself. I heard them saying stuff about how they were going to get me healthy and find me a home. At that point I didn’t care. It took about 3 weeks for me to get my health back and for my fur to start looking better. Mom would brush me and tell me I was beautiful. It took a long time before I started believing it.
Oh, and those 2 cats that lured dad to the hedge? They were never seen again. Mom and Dad are convinced they were guardian angel cats, sent to save my life and unite me with my new family.
Savannah: (Savvy wipes leaky eyes)…oh Jonesie, I am pawsitive those two kittehs were sent to help you be brave enough to leave that hedge. I know it was so hard…
Jonesie, can meow a bit about some of the toughest fences you had to climb…you know, like ‘challenges’…stuff that was hard for you when you first came to your furrever home and left that hedge behind.
Jonesie: The biggest problem was for me to start eating again. I had given up on life so it took awhile for me to get my appetite back.
My fur was a mess. I didn’t hide from anyone. I let mom and dad pick me up from the start. My immune system was a mess and I’m allergic to fleas. I have a condition called Rodent Ulcers so my skin was not in good condition and sometimes my lip gets puffy. It was puffy when I first arrived.
Flea treatment, good food and lots of love put me on the right track. Once that was going well, my biggest problem was all this talk of “fostering” and how Mom was looking for someone to adopt me. That was a BIG problem!
I had NO intention of going anywhere. Whenever a human friend of theirs would come over I would duck for cover. I did my best to appear unfriendly to anyone I suspected might adopt me. A nice woman at Mom’s work even bought me a catnip toy…trying to win my affections. Lucky for me it took about 6 weeks before Mom felt I was ready for a new home.
One day Dad asked Mom if she had found a home for me yet. She said “yes”. Dad said…”thought so”. I’ve been living here ever since. This was March of 2002. You know what? As soon as my Mom and Dad adopted me, I’m totally fine with strangers. Ha!
Savannah: Way to go Jonesie…that’s using your cat pawer! Give me a HIGH FOUR…whap, whap!!…Pawsome!!
Ok, if you don’t mind…meow some more about some of the ways you and your Mom and Dad worked together to help get you to a place where you could really show them more of your REAL SELF…you know…”who” you really were before you had to live in that hedge.
Jonesie: Once I moved in and I knew that this was my forever home, I still had issues with abandonment. When I was allowed outside in my garden (notice how I say “my garden”), I still was very sad about my former family. We have a very large garden and it’s about an acre total.
At the very back corner, we border on an apartment complex. That is where I came from. I would walk to the way back corner and sit. I’d look to the apartments with a sad look on my face. My Mom would come back there with me sometimes and let me know that it was ok. I would be loved forever now. It took awhile before I stopped looking.
Mom and Dad gave me a great name. Jonesie. It didn’t start out that way. I was originally called Joanie. Mom named me after the star of the Bay Bombers Roller Derby team (I know…from the 1960’s…Mom is ancient!). Joanie Weston. Joanie was big, strong and quite the athlete and fighter.
I was always a bit of a tomboy out in the garden. Joanie quickly morphed into Jonesie. I still get called Joanie sometimes.
Though I adore my time in my garden, I always come in at dusk. Mom says it’s not safe for me to be out in the dark. I actually hate it. If they even go a minute past dark, I get VERY upset. I want them to look for me. I want someone to love me…to worry about me. I used to play chase with Mom and Dad in the evening when it was time to come in. I don’t do it so much anymore. I’m getting older and I think they know I don’t REALLY want to avoid coming inside.
I love my home as much as I love my garden. I think I would be devastated if I were to be forgotten outside overnight.
I was left outside all those years ago. I never want that to happen again.
Savannah: Jonesie, you have been so brave; please tell us about the great progress you made when you started to work with your Mom and Dad to get back to your REAL SELF.
Jonesie: When I first came here, there were several other cats living here. There was also a woofie, Colby. The cats were Maxfield, Jonathan, Maggie, Madison, Lewis. Maxfield and Jonathan loved to hang out in the garden with me. I learned lots from them about snoopervising, digging, planting. I got a lot of confidence hanging out with them…and my woofie Colby.
Over time, I learned all I could about gardening…how to use my paws to make sure the soil is just right. How to park myself in spots where I know Dad should dig. I don’t know how he does anything without me anymore.
Next row goes right here Dad
So many of my family, from the beginning time, have transitioned to the Rainbow Bridge. It’s been hard for me seeing those who came before me leave us. I loved them all. Madison is the only cat left who has seniority over me. Since he never goes outside anymore, I’m the senior most cat in the garden. They all respect me…with the exception of that brat Figaro. I’m still trying to train him up as my apprentice but he likes to play too much.
As the years have gone by, my Mom and Dad still look for clues that would tell them more about my original family. I’ve never been one to beg for handouts, so they thought that I was not allowed any people food. In the past few years, they have discovered that I will beg for chicken noodle soup, tamales and refried beans…Mexican food. They think this must be what kind of food my former family ate so they let me have a bite to make me feel special.
Savannah: This is such an amazing rescue story Jonesie; so I promise…this is my last question; can you offer any advice to our readers to help them support their adult rescue cat, or one they may be thinkin’ about bringing into their home, through its transition to REAL SELF?
Jonesie: The most important thing my Mom and Dad did for me was pay attention. They watched me, let me heal and progress at my own pace. They watched for subtle cues. They never pushed me beyond what I was ready to do. They realized that I was VERY attached to them. I was attached to my garden. This was my home. They listened and let me stay.
The Veggies from My Labor
Another thing for humans to realize is that even though a kitty is a mess, unhealthy and not looking their best…with a lot of love, good food, general veterinary care and patience we can all be amazing. Everyone tells me how beautiful I am. When they see pictures of how I used to look no one can believe it. All cats are beautiful. We just need a chance.
I took longer than average to be ready to come out of my safe room (about 4 weeks). I’m grateful that I was able to integrate with the rest of my family on my timeline.
Savannah: (Savvy reaches to give Jonesie a paw hug)…you are the bestest Jonesie…Do you have any last thought or words of wisdom you want to share?
Jonesie: It makes me sad to think that there are still humans in this world that abandon pets. I don’t understand it. I think someone thought I could make it on my own. I could not. I am not a good hunter. I’m a gardener. I couldn’t feed myself in the great outdoors. I didn’t adjust well and my heart was broken.
If you see a kitty in need, do what you can to help. Every bit helps. Kitties are furever.
I don’t think I could have ended this interview any better Jonesie. Thank you so very much for coming by to meow with me…here…let me get you back to your garden…hop into my Fast Leopard Teleport Tunnel…whoooosh!!! Savannah waves
If you have not met Jonesie before, be sure to hop over and visit her on her blog, Cory Cat Talk.
I really appreciate all of you coming by to learn more about Jonesie. See you soon.
Paw Pats, Savannah
peeEss I want to give a special shout out THANK YOU to Nellie’s (Cat From Hell) Mom Barb for having created the primary graphic I used for my photo at the beginning…I just cut and pasted using Pizap.com which I learned from my mentor Sammy, One Spoiled Cat.
Savannah's Paw Tracks 
We loved reading Jonesie’s story. She is a dear friend. Thanks for doing these interviews Savannah, they are very heartwarming.
Hi savannah. Very nice interview. It got me and momma sweat in the eyes reading how jonesie became part of this wonderful loving family she has now. Beautiful story.
Another brilliant post! I do love it! have you seen I have taken a leaf out of your book (or should that be garden) and I’m doing my little bit to help out http://www.harringtonspetfood.com/content/UK
Way to go Basil! I am late to visit you but just did. I have reblog fed, tweeted and shared on FB. Paws crossed Mary gets her furrever home soon! You are pawsome for donating a whole year of cat food for her! high paw whaps Basil!
Thank you pal!
Hiya Savannah! What a great interview. I think the two kitties were angels to bring Jonesie’s Dad to the hedge. Keep up the good work with your rescue animal interviews. Your friend Dinah, RWB (reader without blog.)
Hiya Dinah! and thank you very much for coming by to read about Jonesie. Isn’t she just PAWSOME!!
Great innerview! Jonesie is a beautiful girl. It’s a shame that humans abandon family members like that. I have abandonment issues also.
ummm…ahem…ya, well…as you know CK…so do I …big time
Another moving and thankfully and good story (because of the happy ending!). It is true what Jonesie says, that all kitties are beautiful (well, she is especially beautiful I think), but not all humans are willing to see that. Thank Ceiling Cat she found good humans!
Thank you both for the interview!
Purrs
Hey Texas…Dad especially liked what Jonesie said at the end…”Kitties are furrever”…Pawsome insight I think
Jonesie’s story always makes Mom misty-eyed! Thanks for coming by my party!!
I luvluvluv’d it! And thank you for visiting my blog today! High Paws, Savannah
Hiya Quill! My total pleasure!! So sorry, embarrassed ears, that I dont leave more comments…I do read always…(glaring at Mom ) I just don’t always have command of the iPad!!
What a sad past Jonesie has lived through and how cruel to be abandoned – how would the people feel if the ones they trusted and loved just walked out on them or locked the door and wouldn’t let them back in.
I’m so glad Jonesie found such a wonderful home and is now looking beautiful and well.
oh Princess Zena; you totally understand what Jonesie went through. Her depression is so real and her loss so clear. Thank you for hearing her voice; paw pats, Savvy
Savannah, that was an excellent interview, and we really appreciate your sharing it with us. We did not know Jonsie, but will be jumping over to her blog from here. There were so many touching things in her story that some of us could really relate to. What a special and lucky girl to find the perfect forever home. Purrs and hugs, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Josette
That was a pawsome interview, Savvy. Jonesie is such a lucky kitty to have found not only the purrfect family, but a garden, as well. She’s a beauty!
Thank Ceiling Cat that Jonesie found her *real* furever home and has had 11 wonderful years with them so far! She is one of the most beautifulest girls ever and I luffs her. I wish I had a garden, or even some houseplants, so I could join the Society. Sigh.
Thanks for writing such a wonderful story!
oh Spitty, your human has many gardens in the City she can use to post for you. Remember, we don’t do anything with this garden, but we can share it with efurryone…be creative..even your neighborhood flower markets count…seriously
Savvy we love Jonesie and it was with his inspiration that we started our gardening posts. We just loved this interview! you’re pawsome and so is Jonesie!
paw hugs Abby…and purrrs
Savannah, I loved Purresident Jonesi’s story. Will hop right over to his blog and learn a little more about gardening. Pawkiss 🙂
Jonesie is a GIRL Binky!! Remember in her interview she was originally called “Joanie”…and purrlease visit, she is very furriendly
Oh Jonesie I do believe you really TRULY lucked out finding your furrrever home. It sounds like you really needed help and your family gave it to you with that unconditional love some of us are lucky enough to find from humans. Wish we could say the same for all kitties in need. But Mom says “one paw at a time” is better than nothing for sure. Anyway, it’s grand to meet you and thanks for sharing your story through Savvy’s blog. You are a beautiful kitty!
Kitty Hugs, Sammy
I loved this interview Savvy!! Jonesie is very special, but I have never officially introduced myself to her. I should do really, as I’m a garden cat too 🙂
oh my yes. She lives on her brofur’s blog Cory Cat Talks. If you don’t already visit, you must stop by Austin as you and Miss Caro will just luvluvluv them I know
Uh oh Savvy…not only is Jonesie a girlie girl (Joanie aka Jonesie)…I’m a girlie too! Miss Corretta! Cory for short. It’s ok, everyone gets confused by my name. Purrrs ::chirp::
Cory
MOUSES!!! I KNOW THAT CORY!!! I am SO SORRY!! MOUSES!!!
Oh Mouses!! Austin! Of course I have blundered!! Cory is also A GIRL!!!
That was such a wonderful interview Savannah. No wonder we all love that Jonesie so much!
What a wonderful interview! I never knew any of that about Jonesie! I’m so glad she’s got her home forever! And her garden of course!
she is like Scylla, she loves her garden
Hi Savvy,when you get a chance sweetie please pop by when you have a minute as I have given you an award,xx Speedy
oh Speedy, you are so nice to me! Popping over right now, paw waves, Savvy
How AWESOME that you featured Jonesie today, Savannah! She has a great story and I loved hearing about it all in detail!
This was another great interview, Savvy! We knew a little about Jonsie’s Gotcha, but we learned a whole lot more. She’s so wise, about gardens and other stuff! Like love.
I love your courage, Jonesie. You furever parents are as smart as you are strong. Plus you’re all pretty lucky to have garden food. Mom can barely get a stem of parsley to grow around here!
Love and licks,
Cupcake
That was beautiful Savvy,she is one lucky kitty,xx Speedy’s mum
Jonesie is beautiful. I’m so glad they found her.
APWAZ APAWZ to Jonesie fer sharin her story!! It iz so tru dat many abandoned kittehz look ruff but wif lub & attenshun we can blossom into the gorgeeus 4 leggedz we were meant to be!!!
Doez kittehz who helped Jonesie get adopted were speshell kittehz n me hopez dey found dere own furever homez!!
Fankz Savannah fer another FAB interview 🙂
Lub n paw patz frum Nylablue n kissez frum Mum Sherri-Ellen…
Savannah, thank you so much for having Miss Jonesie tell her story! What a beautiful, dignified lady she is. I would like to thank her especially for pointing out that her first people were very wrong in thinking that she could get by outside by herself. Also, my hat is off to Miss Jonesie’s gardening abilities! Good for her, too, for starting the Society of Feline Gardeners. Excellent post all around!
Me LOVES Jonsie’s story! Me eyes is all leaky!! We is NOT disposable! Whew!
And me LOVES your Primary graphic! It looks so cool! And the painting is coming along. mommy needs to take a picture and post it! But if she gets a chance to paint, it should be all done this week!
Kisses
Nellie
Harrooo Jonesie & Savvy, we really enjoyed woooos interview…we are happy wooo found some of the good people Jonesie. Play bows kittehs,
RA
Another great interview Savvy. So glad those angel kitties helped to find Jonsie find a new and loving home.
Oh savvy! What a sweet interview. I cried a little at the thought of poor little jonesie being left outside alone and giving up. Thank goodness for those little kitten angels. How wonderful to be a garden cat. I wish I could garden, but I’m afraid of killing the plants. * hugs to both of you*
We have long been big fans of Jonesie and her entire family, and we really enjoyed reading about her in greater detail. You are a very special girl indeed, Jonesie!
Purrs,
The Chans
OMC – what a story. We had leaky eyes here. A sad sad story with a very happy ending. I’m so happy Joansie found her home and family and that it was this home and family. Thank you sweetie for this great interview.
*clapping paws* I love my sister Jonesie and we all love her so much. Thanks for interviewing her and letting the world know her story. purrrrrrr
Hi Savannah! We wanted to thank you for introducing us to Jonsie and her family. We look forward to checking out her blog. We’ve sure found several great blogs because you introduced their feline to us. This was another Great Interview. We look forward to the next one! You’re the best!
Purrs,
Mistletoe & Hitch
rwb
I agree with Jonesie, I can’t believe that humans can abandon pets. They live together for years and suddenly they dump their pets or they go and leave their pets alone. I can’t understand this… But I’m glad you found your new family, Jonesie. If you would write your book about gardening, I would read it , that’s for sure. Thanks for this great interview, Savannah and I think, snoopervising counts :o)
I have to tell you mommy and I read each and every word with care and we loved the story and how Jonsie became a member of the family. What loving good pawrents. Makes us feel very good. Xxxooo