Hurricane to Home
Sep 13, 2021
Tea came to PAWS as part of our Hurricane Laura disaster relief efforts in 2020. After a 13-hour ride with two kind and caffeinated volunteers, plus dozens of other pets from areas affected by the storm, Tea finally arrived in Chicago.
She was extremely fearful of new people and loud noises. It took the help of PAWS trainers, volunteers, foster parents, and foster siblings to teach her socialization skills and trust. But Tea still needed to find a very special person to take her home for keeps.
Luckily, magic was happening elsewhere in Chicago—Meagan Gagnon was perusing the PAWS website and spotted Tea’s profile.
“I just fell in love with her pictures and her story and Brian Zeman (PAWS Assistant Director of Adoption and Foster Programs) thought we would be a great match!” said Meagan.
Megan decided to bring Tea home with her through our Foster First Program, which gives people and overlooked pets the chance to make sure they’re a perfect match before adoption. The Foster First Program also provides extra support, including food, medicine and training to help with the transition.
“I think after the first night she came home, I knew I was going to adopt her. I was so excited about the prospect of fostering that, the night before, I went out and got a bunch of toys and put them in a basket in the living room. Within the first 10 minutes of coming into my apartment, she found the basket (without me even pointing it out), picked up the avocado plush, my favorite, and made herself at home next to me on the couch with her avocado in-mouth,” Meagan recalled.
After officially adopting Tea, Meagan renamed her Kiwi! These days, Kiwi and Meagan’s lives are equal parts excitement, snuggles and laughter.
“I love that she is up for any adventure with me, big or small. Going to pick up coffee—she’s in! Hour drive, then 10-mile hike—heck, yes! We love to go camping. And then come home and cuddle for the rest of the day as we both recover,” Meagan said.
Kiwi constantly amuses Meagan with her little quirks and desire for attention.
“She makes me laugh all the time. When it’s time for a walk, I’ll tell her ‘backdoor’ and she’ll go pick up her leash, bring it to the backdoor of my apartment, and wait for me. I just think that is so cute. But the funniest thing she does is while I am at my desk. Just about every hour on the hour, she will start to whine until I give her 10 minutes of petting, minimum. And that’s how we go through the day—with a break every hour that I try not to laugh at. But how can I not? She’s so cute and just wants some attention and I how can I not give it to her?!” Meagan said.
Thank you, Meagan, for giving Kiwi such an amazing home! We’re so happy you two found each other.
To support our current Hurricane Ida rescue relief efforts, please consider making a donation today.