Pet Adoption Tails: Luna Valkyrie and Aurora

Twenty-year-old Luna Valkyrie grew up in a home surrounded by cats. Three years ago, the costume design student and nanny babysat Aurora for a friend, fell in love with the kitten, and eventually adopted her for good. This is their story.

Waldo’s Friends (WF): Do you remember the first cat you ever owned?

Luna Valkyrie (LV): My family has had many cats at a time. Almost 10 years ago, I got Mika who I believe was purchased from a small family breeder. It turned out to be a cat farm with horrific conditions. Mika had bowed legs and was terrified of everything. Now, even though she’s a grumble bum, she is in perfect health and not scared of anything. Since Mika, we have only adopted rescues.
 
I live away from home now but between me and my mom, we currently have six living and breathing cats. Over the years, the only real problem we have ever had with adopting them is that it’s always difficult to introduce someone new since there’s an established hierarchy.

WF: How did Aurora come to live with you?

LV: One of my closest friends got out of a horrible, abusive long-term relationship. The woman had a full psychotic break and said she couldn’t look after Aurora, so he could either pick her up in 24 hours or she would put her on a gum tree. He was unable to take her as he moved back to his parents’ home. Things were also getting aggressive toward Aurora from the other pets,so he called me and I got her immediately.
 
Initially, it was going to be me babysitting Aurora temporarily, but she loved home with me, so we signed over papers. I’m still great friends with her “baby daddy,” as I joke to him.

WF: What do you love most about Aurora?

LV: Aurora is the sweetest thing. She always cuddles and kneads you like she’s making bread. She would do it for hours if you let her! She also must walk over your book, tablet, or phone that you’re using at all times. 
 
But my favourite thing about her is that she’s obsessed with Game of Thrones! Ever since I started watching it, she would look at the screen the whole time. Once or twice when I started an episode without her, she heard the theme song, ran into my room, and yelled until I put it back to the start. Sounds like a lie but it’s true!

WF: As a long-time cat mom and pet adoption advocate, what’s your advice to people who are adopting animals?

LV: Be patient, don’t panic, do your research, and develop a good relationship with a reputable vet. When arriving in a new home, give your adopted animal some space. Let him come to you. Lastly, definitely consider adopting an adult animal. You will know their temperament and health history much better than that of a kitten’s. Plus, there is a really smaller rate of adult cats being adopted, which is so sad.

WF: Why should people adopt not shop?

LV: Adopting animals and changing their lives for the better changes your life for the better, too. It’s immense love in both directions. Plus, knowing you made a real difference is so good. 

Read more rescue stories here! Do you know of an interesting pet adoption, foster, or rescue story? Share your suggestion with us by commenting below!