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About this column: Each week, Patch will feature an adoptable pet needing a home from PAWS, an all-volunteer animal welfare organization based in Wakefield, MA. Founded by Esther Nowell in 1982, PAWS responds to animal-related needs in many communities north of Boston. The PAWS service areas includes Wakefield, Lynnfield, Reading, North Reading, Saugus, Stoneham, Woburn, Winchester, and Malden. PAWS' mission is to promote and protect the rights and well-being of all domestic animals and wildlife, and foster a greater understanding of animal welfare and animal rights through education. PAWS receives no local, state or federal funding - the budget is completely funded by membership dues, adoption services, annual fundraising efforts, and kind donations from friends and members.
Look at me under the Christmas tree! With a name like Sequoia, I think I should have been photographed under my own tree.  But, of course, sequoia trees grow mostly in California, and I am definitely a Massachusetts cat.  I was found in Reading and rescued by PAWS with the help of a very nice lady who was feeding me.  I wish my previous owners had kept me in the house so I would not have gotten lost.  But I do consider myself one lucky cat to be spending the holidays inside.  The only thing that would make me happier would be to be with a forever family of my own. As I said, I was found …
Sniff, sniff, sniff…..hello nice person.  My name is Lilo and I am a one-year-old mini lop eared bunny who really likes people.  And people seem to like me, too.  I guess it is because I am quite cute with my hanging ears, beautiful harlequin markings, and sweet, twitchy, bunny nose.  Rabbits just don’t get much cuter than I am, if I do say so myself.  You might think I am a bit biased.  But really, I am just a very happy and social boy who enjoys life and dreams of a wonderful home. So, you are asking yourself: Why do I need a bunny in my life?  Well, I am just a bundle of pure joy.  My …
Sniff, sniff… you smell good.  Can I come home with you?  I really want a home and even from here I can tell we are a match.  My name is Mitzie Horn.  I am a one-year-old black and white puppy.  I can’t give you a pedigree since I am a combination of things as you can see.  But I think I really turned out to be quite sleek, elegant and special… a one of kind. I am a very happy and friendly girl.  I have met one other dog here about my own size and I love to play and wrestle with her.  I also love to chase balls and play with stuffed toys.  I have a special toy I keep in my cage when I can’t …
  Hello, I am Peppermint, a sweet confection of a girl who is in the market for someone who can appreciate a cat in the prime of her life with tons of love to offer.  When it comes to choosing my friends, I definitely pick people over cats.  What can I say but that I just love humans?  As for my personality, I run the gamut from the energetic feline to a mellow lap girl who wants to curl up and snuggle the evening away with you.  I am the perfect combination, don’t you think?  I am black and white, sugar and sass, sweet and snappy.    Life with me will never be boring.  I am always up for a …
My name is Jeneva, meaning "white wave," which seems appropriate considering my beautiful white coat, green eyes, and exotic features.  From the looks of things, I must have some Siamese in my family tree.  And, my tendency to talk while I'm walking around my foster home could be another hint, although my voice is as sweet and soft as I am.  Yes, I am a very friendly cat who will nuzzle against you and can’t get enough petting.  I am also very maternal.  Anyone I love will be the object of my watchful care. I came to my foster home as a single kitten, rescued while I was trying to cross a …
Did you say party?  My name is Tuxedo Tom and I am ready to go.  Dressed up in my beautiful shiny, black coat, lovely, white ascot and stunning, amber eyes, I always look my best.  Yet, I am really not a formal guy.  Instead of going out, I would rather sit on your feet when you are at the computer or by your side when you are watching TV.  On the other hand, I’m also not a couch potato. I love to play, especially with toys that I can hunt and stalk.   So, if we do go to the dance, you should know that I would want to lead.  My foster mom says that makes me lots of fun to live with and she …
Hi, my name is Carberry and as you can see, I am a beautiful five-year-old orange tabby.  I have to say, I am delighted Halloween is over since I keep getting confused for a pumpkin.  Must be my beautiful orange coat and the way I sit around and purr.  OK, I am large, 14 pounds (all brawn) and I guess when I curl up, I look just like a jack-o-lantern.  But really, what pumpkin purrs, is beautiful and laid back and gets along well with dogs and well-behaved cats?  The best news of all about me is that PAWS is lowering adoption fees on certain cats just for this weekend.  I see I am on that …
There we were, my sister (Chloe) and I, having a perfect life with our beloved owner, when she got sick and could no longer care for us.  We missed her terribly, and counted ourselves very lucky that her parents took us in.  But you know, they were not so young, and now they have moved to assisted living, where we are not allowed.  Can you imagine that?  OK, we are not here to discuss the health care system.  But Chloe and I are a bit heartbroken under our brave demeanor.  We have had two big losses and that is not easy for any cat, let alone two loyal and loving felines like Chloe and me.  …
My name is Noirot and I am a purr machine.  Nothing makes me happier than a long petting session and a good, loud rumble in my throat.  When I see my foster person, I give her a cute meow or two and then, even before she moves in to pet me, I start to purr up a storm. I can sit forever when I am being stroked and groomed.  My medium-length fur is now glossy and sleek from all that care—and wait until you see my amazing, bushy tail.  I will even let you touch my paws. Yes, you heard that right, touch my paws! For those of you who know cats well, you know that a cat who lets you do that must be…
My name is Mr. Leo, but you can call me Cream Puff. I know, I look like I recently retired from the WWF, but I am really a young, three-year-old, go-along, get-along kind of guy. Plus, with my dark reddish tiger stripes and my Maine coon fuzziness, I combine the best of the feline kingdom. I mean, who wouldn’t want an orange tabby? And everyone seems to love Maine Coons. As for my personality, I’m a sweet, gentle guy who is ready to warm right up to anyone. And, if you offer to brush me, I may just roll over so you can get my tummy, too. Yes, brush my gorgeous, fluffy, orange fur and I will …
I may look like a fiery red-head, but believe me, I am as mellow as can be.  I was abandoned by my owners when they moved, but being so sweet, I found my way to some nice neighbors, who noticed I looked lost and forlorn, and rescued me.  Now I am at PAWS’ adoption center at the Danvers PetSmart.  Life here is OK, but, well, a sweet guy like me needs company. This place sure gets lonely at night when everyone leaves and the lights go off. Can you come adopt me? I promise I will slide easily into your life. As I said, I am the sweetest, mellowest orange tabby you will ever meet. I love to curl …
My name is Sacagawea, and my days exploring in the wild are over.  Like my namesake, the brave, pregnant, Shoshone girl who guided Lewis and Clark on their expedition, I was quite the outdoors woman, giving birth in a backyard and evading my trappers for two months.  But now that I am in a PAWS foster home, with all the comforts that brings, I realize that the indoor life is the one for me. So, you may ask, what’s so great about staying inside? First of all, I love all the cool toys, especially the ones with catnip and anything that rolls.  And, of course, I love the people who toss the balls…
Do you like cookies? I hope so, because I am Lorna Doone, an orange Maine Coon mix who is looking for someone to love her. I know you can see I am stunning to look at. Can you see my tail in the pictures? Isn’t it just so fluffy and amazing? I am also special and sweet on the inside as well. I have lots of favorite activities we could share. I love to be pet and I will purr and knead when you do that. You can pick me up and I will cuddle. Okay, I will need to get to know you just a bit first, but after that I will be relaxed and happy to be around you. When you are not around, I will hang out…
Are you a real cat lover?  Are you looking for a cat who has lots of personality and will be a strong presence in your life?  Then look no further.  My name is Myra and I am the cat for you.  Not only am knock-down gorgeous with my silvery, shimmering Russian Blue-like fur, but I am a cat with pizazz. When you come home each day from work (or wherever), I will meet you at the door, ready to tell you all about my day and to list off the things I want to do with you, now that you are home. I love, love, love to play with string toys. But, it’s okay if you aren’t ready for play time right away…
My name is Berwick and I might as well come right out and tell you that I was orphaned on the side of the road.  I am no modern-day Huckleberry Finn.  I don’t want to be alone and wandering.  I am not the tramping type or a thrill seeker. I haven’t an ounce of wander lust in me.  No, I am just a cuddly, loving tiger cat who wants to go home…. to you. As you can see from my pictures, I am a young, about two-years-old, very handsome, fit and trim medium-sized cat.  Unlike some felines,I am easy to pick up, very snuggly, and an all-around happy guy.  Nothing ruffles me.  I am not bothered by new…
Wow, are you looking at me?  That is me in the picture!  My name is Emma, I am a Collie-Mix, and I want you to love me.  I already love you because, well, I am a very friendly dog.  And, I bet this will not surprise you, but I want to go home with you.  I do.  I really do. Right now, I am living at the VCA Wakefield Animal Hospital.  But I don’t belong here.  This is a hospital and I am not sick!  And, I don’t like being kept in a cage.  During the day I do not mind it too much because I get to hang out at the reception area.  There are many people working here and everyone pats me and says I…
Small, but sassy, that is me, Petite, a gorgeous eight pound tuxedo girl with white socks and a big need of human affection and kisses. I love to play and explore, but will always be happy for a long session of petting first. If you call me, I will come running and then I will roll on my back and play. I am still a kitten, less than a year old, and have my kitten behaviors.  But, I can also be very mellow, sitting in the window and watching the world go by or snuggling in bed with you at night.  Mellow only goes so far, however.  Wait until dinner when I come running at the sound of the can …
Everyone who sees me says I am right from the jungle.  I do not understand this at all.  Yes, I am a tiger cat.  Okay, I am a BIG tiger cat.  Well, a HUGE tiger cat.  But really, if you come to meet me you will learn the truth: I am quite civilized and downright sweet. Yes, that’s me, Kelly RB, a young, laid-back brown tiger. My idea of fun is hanging out, looking impressive.  I also like to sit in the window and watch the birds and squirrels.  Watch is the operative word here.  I am not a hunter.  I am very mellow.  Mostly, you’ll find me lumbering around the house looking for friends to …
My name is Milo and I have some growing to do so I can catch up with my long legs and big feet. Being an adolescent boy is a part of my charm. Don’ t you think I am adorable in my orange tiger striped coat? Besides being cute, I am also very friendly and playful.  I love string toys and will jump very high to catch them. I am thinking of a career in basketball or possibly a try for the US men’s gymnastics team in 2016. My event will either be the high jump or box diving. Ok, as you can see from my picture, maybe I will specialize in being stuck in the box when exploring. Is there a gold medal…
Let me introduce myself.  My name is Franny and I am a very people oriented feline.  I love humans and I will follow you around the house, brushing up against your legs.  I will also flop down so you can pet me even more.  Did I mention I like to be patted?  Ok, I just wanted to be clear about that.  I am a big girl at 15 pounds, but I am not fat at all.  Still, there is lots of me to love.  I am very food motivated, so I think I could learn some tricks if you took the time to train me with a clicker and treats.  One trick I am good at is drinking out of the faucet.  I love moving water …

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