Rutland County Humane Society & City Cat Allies host a day of feline fun with the 3rd Annual Catwalk
The Rutland Intermediate School's Keefe Gym hosted playtime for more diverse species than usual. On the afternoon of Saturday, November 3, cats and their people began lining up to enter contests, play games, and generally appreciate the joy of cats.
Robin Smith, a Catwalk volunteer, stands by Danny, a cat she had been fostering. Robin's mother has adopted Danny, giving him a future in the loving home that all cats deserve.
Robin helps cat mom Loraine enter her Tangie in the day's contests. At age 16, Tangie competed in the Oldest Cat category.
Silver, who owns humans Will and Sarah, won last year's Heaviest Cat competition. A dedicated fellow, he won again this year -- having gained three pounds.
Sampson couldn't hold a candle (or scale) to Silver in the weight category, but with his distinctive white fur and dark brown tail, he won the Bicolor Cat competition.
Here's Will again, but who's that fabulous feline with him? That's Mack, who had been adopted into another home but, unfortunately, those people neglected sweet Mack. Will and Sarah welcomed Mack into their home, healed his sad heart, shaved his matted fur, and now delight in his rounding out their family of . . . 17 cats and 4 dogs! Will and Sarah brought 8 of their felines to compete in Catwalk contests.
Matt Romano exudes confidence as he registers Bullseye in Catwalk events. At last year's Catwalk, Bullseye had been in Matt's family for only a week and handled the event with grace and dignity. Now Bullseye glows with the joy of a well-loved family member.
Here's Sarah with Cupcake, one of the 17 cats that she and Will share their lives with. They believe that Cupcake is about four months old, one of two kittens who survived an orphaned litter.
Fetching little Cricket was unfazed by the day's excitement, enjoying being held by her people, Andy and Crystal, and anyone else who wanted to love on her.
Let the judging begin!
Catwalk judges Mei Mei, Kathy, and Taryn are duly decorated for the occasion.
Cricket teaches a thing or two to Mei Mei, a member of the Rutland County Humane Society board of directors and lead volunteer for the Brandon Feral Cat Assistance Program, which TNRs feral cats, fosters kittens, and finds homes for the tame cats they trap. Later that night, Mei Mei went out to dinner still wearing her whiskers and little pink kitty nose. She got some interesting looks, but what do you expect? She was dining at Cattails Restaurant!
Robin presents the judges with beautiful Abby, a competitor in the Solid Color category.
Loraine and Tangie celebrate Tangie's win for Oldest Cat.
Relaxed in her elephant head mask, sweet Cricket took Best Costume. Mom Crystal is so proud.
A shelter's work continues
At the end of the day, Catwalk volunteers discovered that someone had abandoned a large crate containing three terrified cats. Those three cats are now in caring, loving hands. Thanks to the Rutland County Humane Society's ongoing work on behalf of homeless and needy animals, the three cats now are destined for a much brighter future.
What you can doClick here to visit the Rutland County Humane Society online and learn how you can help -- including adopting an animal in need, volunteering, donating, and more
Photos & text by Sheryl Rapee-Adams, Best Friends Network
Lead photo of kitties available for adoption courtesy of the Rutland County Humane Society