HARLINGEN — “Oh, hi, you are so pretty.”
Davina Navarro and her two children were welcoming Nugget into their family.
The young cat had quickly endeared himself to his new owners. The healthy yellow and white bundle of love curled up in their arms, seeming to smile at his good fortune.
Nugget had experienced a run of bad luck, having been abandoned by owners when they moved. Fortunately, someone took pity on the poor creature and took him to the Humane Society of Harlingen.
The society couldn’t find him a home at first, but he lucked out yesterday at the first ever “Clear the Sanctuary” event. More than 20 cats were adopted out Friday and yesterday at the Panda Sanctuary.
The facility across the street from the Humane Society of Harlingen at 1021 Markowsky Ave., had started out with about 50 cats, said Pat Turman-White, president of the board of directors.
That number, she said, was being quickly reduced, thanks to a steady stream of people visiting the sanctuary this weekend. She appreciated the interest for many reasons.
“We did five yesterday and 15 today,” she said. “We need to close the sanctuary. It costs $2,000 month to house these cats.”
The “sanctuary” sat a few feet away, its unassuming appearance concealing the treasures within.
Homeless cats lounged on the cool floor amid the hum of an air conditioner. Containers of food and water lay a few feet away. Gray cushions waited in separate bedding areas for easy sleeping. One cat lay sound asleep oblivious to the world, while others seemed to be watching NCIS.
Nugget had been there, but no more. Navarrro and her two children, Domingo and Heaven, were finishing their adoption arrangements and fussing over him.
“I feel happy,” said Domingo, 11, his face bright with hope for the new family cat. They’d had another cat, Isis, who’d recently died. The family was still mourning the loss, and they were quick to point out that Nugget wasn’t replacing that cat. He was a new beginning, a new relationship, a new experience.
“I think it’s good he’s coming home,” Domingo said. “I want him to feel free and content in our house. It feels just right for us because he’s real calm.”
That “fit” also concerned Angela Garza. She’d already adopted one cat, Jax, from the sanctuary in March. It was declawed, and she wanted another cat that also didn’t have claws. Apparently she didn’t want Jax to be picked on.
He’d fit in well with her family of three boys. They’d enjoyed the summer with Jax but they were now headed back to school. Who would Jax play with?
Answer: Another cat.
“I don’t want him to be alone with the dogs,” she said.
The cat adoptions cost $10. Pet adoptions usually cost more than $100 but sponsors have helped defray costs for the “Clear the Sanctuary” initiative. Cats are spayed or neutered and given all their shots before being put up for adoption.
Anyone interested in adopting a cat as part of this initiative can call 956-245-6523.
