It's Lexy's Seventh Gotcha Day! | Lola The Rescued Cat
Monday, April 17, 2017

It's Lexy's Seventh Gotcha Day!

Hello, everyone! This is Lexy and I’m here to tell you that today is a very special day. It’s my Gotcha Day! But like to refer to it as “the day my life changed forever." 

It’s actually a two-part day with the first being April 10. Seven years ago on April 10, 2010, Mother and I found each other. It was serendipitous if I do say so myself. By happenstance, Mother found herself in Petco in Nanuet, NY the same day I happened to be “on display” at an adoption event with Hudson Valley Humane Society


animal rescue|pet adoption
I quickly accepted my reign as Queen at the White House. 

"On display" may seem a little negative to say, but that’s how I felt. Family after family, person after person, just passed me up. After a while even the most confident girl starts to feel there’s something wrong with her. This went on for almost a year, and then it happened; a human stopped by my cage and couldn’t take her eyes off of me. It was Mother. She "oohed and aahed" over me and didn’t even look at the other cats. For the first time in a very long time, a human had eyes for only me. I liked her and I could feel her positive energy, and I felt something else, too; love. I didn’t get my hopes up too high, though, because I didn’t want to get let down again. Especially when she left without me. 

A week later on April 17, 2010, the volunteers (who were all so wonderful to me) told me I was going home. They kept petting me (I didn’t do hugs back then, either) and told me how happy they were for me. I wondered if they had me confused with some other cat because surely I hadn’t been adopted. A little while later I smelled a familiar human scent; it was a human who had petted me before in my cage but I didn’t know who. I looked up to take a peek and there was Mother who looked so happy! She was accompanied by an entourage of humans who I later found out were my new relatives. They all came to see me! The next thing I knew I was in a carrier (it was actually a cardboard box type of thing but it served its purpose) with my bed from my crate and off I went in the car to Queens, NY. (You know what? I never slept in that bed again and I never went near it. That part of my life was over and I was happy when Mother finally threw it away.)



animal rescue|pet adoption
I claimed the bathroom sink as soon as I moved in.





















About 90 minutes later I was home, but it felt so strange to say that word. The last “home” I had ended up with the humans moving and me being thrown outside, left behind, to fend for myself. But I had a feeling deep down inside that Mother wouldn’t be like that. The house was already set up for the arrival of a queen, complete with fancy dishes, scratching posts, beds, catnip toys, and plenty of treats. After a quick trip to the litter box, I took a look around and then I jumped in the kitchen window. It was so long since I was able to do this and I didn't realize how much I missed the birds!



animal rescue|pet adoption
Birds! Oh, birds, how I've missed you so!











I turned around and looked at Mother to say “thank you”, and at that moment I gave her my heart.  We’ve been in love ever since. 


animal rescue|pet adoption
Thank you for letting me adopt you. You'll be my Mother now. 



I know how lucky I am to be rescued and adopted because not all cats can say the same thing. I have a wonderful home and family (including a pesky little feline sister), and I am truly the Queen of my castle here at the White House. I am loved and I am safe, and I will be forever. 

So, to say “thank you” to the folks at Hudson Valley Humane Society




I’m having a comment-thon! For every comment we receive on this post and on our Facebook page between today and May 1 we will donate .50 cents to HVHS. That’s how grateful we are for everything they do for the community in Rockland County (where Mother grew up - did you know we're from the same hometown?) and for taking me off the streets. My wish is for all cats to be as lucky as I am and to have a wonderful home. 


animal rescue|pet adoption
My lovely bed/cave that was waiting for me when I got home. 



Thank you for celebrating my seventh gotcha day with me. I am one happy cat and I am grateful for your friendship. I bet HVHS didn't know I would famous alumni that day I was adopted! 
Lexy


Would you like to comment?

  1. Happy Gotcha Day sweet Lexy, ya sure done good!

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  2. HAPPY Gotcha Day Lexy!! We know you have a wonderful home and love that you are giving back.

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  3. What a beautiful story, Lexy! It hurts my heart that you felt forgotten and unloved for so long, but your wonderful Mother sure has made the wait worthwhile!!! Wishing you the most purrfect day, sweet girl.

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  4. Beautiful story! Happy Gotcha Day, sweetie!

    Purrs xx
    Athena and Marie

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  5. Happy Gotcha Day Lexy!! Hoping you have a PAWfect day!! Smiles, Barks (& Meows), and Waggin (Swishing) Tails, Denise & ~Shasta

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  6. Loved your Gotcha Day Story Lexy!! Happy Happy Gotcha Day! catchatwithcarenandcody

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  7. Oh Lexy, Happy happy Gotchaday gawjus. We're so glad you got gotted and dat you have such a pawsum mommy and home. And even da pesky little sisfur. Me knows all 'bout dat. But me also knows you wouldn't change it fur da world. We're so glad to be your furiends, and we hope your day is as purrfect as you are. And we hope ya'll can come to sis Raena's birthday pawrty this Furiday. Big hugs fur all.

    Luv ya'

    Dezi and Raena

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  8. LEXY; STOPPIN BYE WITH PLENTTEE OF BEST FISHES HAPPEE DAY WIZHEZ & MICE CREEM DIZHEZ FORA TOTAL LEE MEGA SOOOPER GRATE AWESUM GOTCHA DAY....HEERZ TWO 900 MOR; HEERZ TWO A YEER A HEAD FILLED WITH HAPPEE NEZZ & HEALTH & WAY AWESUM OH EWE TA GIVES SUM GREEN PAPERZ TWO HVHS ...... ♥♥♥ BEST FISHES WITH YUR COMMENT THON ~~~~~~

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  9. Happy Gotcha Day, Lexy! What a great way to celebrate by helping others not as fortunate as you to have a great home.

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  10. Happy gotcha day, Lexy! How awesome that you and your human are having a commenthon!

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  11. Happy Gotcha Day Sexy ! We're glad you found such a wonderful home ! Purrs

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    1. OMC, what did that silly autocorrect ?!? We're so confused, Lexy ! Purrs

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  12. so happy for you! finding a forever home is something I wish for everyone.

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  13. Lexi, I got teary eyed thinking about how long you waited for your own forever home...but so happy that you have been with your Mother now for 7 years! Happy Gotcha Day!! Love Shiloh, Sadie Mae, Vinnie and Auntie Jan

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  14. Happy Adoptiversary dear Lexy......some of us are ever so lucky to adopt just the right humans and you sure did find yours!

    Love, Angel Sam

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  15. Happy 7th Anniversary sweetie. You and I look so much alike htat M had to turn around and check to see if I was still behind her sleeping on her bed. i was. So she walked over and gave me a kissy. We are so lucky, so I know how you feel Lexie. I was in the shelter for 2 years at the Humane Society - they never once thought about sending me ascoss the bridge. They knew I WAS A special boy and they just waited until M and D came and adopted me. We are so lucky Lexy.

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  16. Happy Gotcha Day, Lexi! Good things come to those who wait, so I've been told.

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  17. Happy Gotcha Day, Lexy! I am glad you have such a lovely forever home.

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  18. Happy Gotcha Day! Thank you for sharing your story and that's just perfect - “the day my life changed forever”.

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  19. You and your Mom are both blessed to have found each other! Don't worry about all those foolish people who passed you by, Lexy ... most humans can't appreciate what's right in front of them. And you're much better off sharing your life with a Mom that appreciates how incredible you are. One of these days, Lola might come around too :) Happy Gotcha Day, Sweetheart!

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  20. What a beautiful story Lexy ! We love happy endings !

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  21. Lexy, I never tire of reading your rescue story! Happy Gotcha Day, sweetheart! We just love you to bits. Love that picture of you in the sink! It's so nice of you guys to do a comment-thon for HVHS!

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  22. First things first! Lexy, Happy Gottcha Day! If Nellie was still here, I KNOW she would sing!
    I cannot think of any words to express my heartfelt thanks for the condolence and sympathy you extended on her last post. I am thankful to you and appreciate your love at this time of the loss of Nellie.
    Much Love
    Barb (Nellie's Mommy)

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  23. Happy Gotcha Day!! I am so glad you gotcha'd such a loving home. XO

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  24. Happy Gotcha Day Lexy!!!! We are so glad you and your Mom found each other.

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  25. Happy Gotcha Day Sexy. And I want to tell you that this story made mom's eyes a little bit leaky because it was so filled with love...BOTH ways! You and your Mother were made for one another. I am so glad you found one another. xxxooo

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  26. Happy belated Gotcha Day, Lexy! What a great story! We've read it before but each time, we are all just a little misty eyed! From the back, you and Manhattan have very similar markings, but of course NOT the same because you are both so unique! We think that your Mother is such a wonderful human, and are so happy that she found herself in the same place as you that fateful day. Keep sharing your story, because it will help other kitties find their wonderful humans!! Love, Laura and Coco, Valentina, Manhattan, Bessie, Lulu and Foster kitty Mimi

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  27. The bathroom sink photo is my absolute favourite !! So cute <3

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  28. Happy Gotcha Day!! You are such a lucky kitty to have found such a loving and caring home, what a lovely story :) I think both pet and humans win in this situation. How wonderful that you are giving back by donating HVHS, that will help others.

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  29. Happy Gotcha Day Lexy! You sure landed in the perfect forever home!

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  30. Happy Gotcha Day my beautiful niece! What a special day, week, month it is! I hope you had a wonderful day with Mother and she served you with extra special devotion and all your heart desired. I know Lola is grateful to have a sister to love and share her days with, and all your friends and loved ones cannot imagine life without our sensible, snarky and loving Lexy.
    Purrs of love to you always sweetie!

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  31. Happy Gotcha Day, Lexy!!! All of us are rescues too, so we know that wonderful feeling of gratitude, love, and being Home and having a loving family. There's nothing like it! We are lucky kitties indeed. Thanks for giving back to those who aren't quite as lucky. We hope you raise lots of money for them!

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  32. Happy to comment and I will share with our friends and get them to comment too. It's Thankful Thursday here so I hope I can remember to put it there. Today's Dusty's vet visit so Mum's nervous but we will manage.

    Miranda Kitten
    (Fellow Tuxie)

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  33. Happy Gotcha Day Lexy! How fortunate for you that you were able to go home with your Mama who fell in love with you at first sight!! We know that was worth waiting for.:D

    the critters in the cottage xo

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  34. What a wonderful story! My birthday is April 10 by the way. Happy Gotcha Day. You are a lovely cat and I'm happy you found the right home.

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  35. Happy Gotcha Day Sweet Lexy! A comment-thon is a great way to celebrate and spread some love to kitties in need. I had a cat growing up who loved lounging in the sink as well, so it must be a good spot!
    -Jessica from Beagles & Bargains

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  36. Darnit where is the tissue!? Now I want to go out and adopt ALL the kitties!! So very touching and I am so happy you got your forever home Lexy! What a wonderful one it is!

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  37. Happy Gotcha Day! I know it was a long wait, but you sure ended up in the perfect home!

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  38. Happy Gotcha Day, Lexy! I'm new to your blog, so that's the first time I've heard your adoption story. It's very sweet.

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  39. GOTCHA! Congratulations Lexi and family. You are adorable and so lucky to have such a wonderful home. I love your sink photo.

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  40. Ok, Commentathon - that's a great idea. I'll post twice just so the SPCA gets $1.

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  41. Here's the second post. I can't believe people dump cats like this - especially with rescue organizations nearby. Wish I could shame the all. I have to find out my cat's official 'gotcha' date - then I'm going to have a cat shower for all the people who made me go to their baby showers....

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  42. Happy Gotcha Day!!! I just love that first picture of you so much. I can't believe you were waiting a whole year - but things always happen for reason and you found the most wonderful mom and home. I couldn't be happier for you! And how wonderful that you are using your Gotcha Day to help even more kitties find homes!

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  43. Okay Lola, mom had a hard time reading your story because of her leaky eyes. She follows you on IG but never really heard your story, she even knows your mom. But, you made us understand what it's like to be a cat, waiting to find their forever home. We did that when we took in our Rhette. Abandoned twice, we can tell that he knows that his is where he belongs. Love Dolly

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  44. We loved hearing your gotcha tale, Lexy! Happy gotcha day, sweet girl. You sure did find yourself the perfect forever family. :)

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  45. I can't believe you were looking for a home for a year! But you ended up in the right place. Happy Gotcha Day!

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  46. I love your Gotcha Day story, Lexy! I wish more people would read this happy adoption story and realize how many amazing animals are out there in shelters and rescues just waiting for a forever home. No animal should have to wait a year to find a loving family. So glad you find your perfect home!

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  47. Happy gotcha day Lexy. I loved reading your story and how you were finally rescued after a year long wait. I am so glad that the shelter did not give up on you and looked after you until you found your furever home. Loved the pic of you in the sink - you look absolutely gorgeous

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  48. Happy Gotcha Day Lexy!! I love your adoption story, it literally brought tears to my eyes. I'm so happy for you that you found a great Mom and that you will live out your life as an important part of a loving family! Celebrate your day with gusto.
    Love & Biscuits,
    Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them

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  49. Lexy, we are sorry it took such a long time for you to find your forever home, but that is only because Mom Dawn was waiting just for you and you were waiting for her. We know you have the purrfect home by how content you look in your photos. Happy belated Gotcha Day. Best wishes for many, many, many more. XOCK, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Angel Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth, Calista Jo and Cooper Murphy.

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  50. I love happy endings for kitties! Happy Gotcha Day Lexi, and many more ❤❤❤

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  51. Happy Belated Gotcha Day!

    The Florida Furkids

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  52. A very belated, but full of love, Happy Gotcha Day!

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