What’s in a Name?
Chinear is named for his affinity for chin and ear scritches!
Coming to SAFe
Before his arrival at SAFe Rescue, Chinear lived with someone who loved him very much. But sadly, when his owner became ill and had to move to an assisted living facility, Chinear couldn’t go with him.
Older cats are often overlooked by adopters, and ten-year-old Chinear was at risk because the shelter he was surrendered to was overcrowded. They didn’t have the space and resources to continue caring for him as long as he may need. Fortunately for Chinear, he was transported to SAFe Rescue to get a second chance!
Sweet-natured though he is, Chinear was cautious and initially struggled to adjust to his new environment. He would accept pets on his preferred spots (chin and ear, like his name), but he was nervous and shut down. Still, we could tell he enjoyed the company of people. He just needed someone patient to give him the time and space he needed to open up.
Luckily, Chinear didn’t have to wait long. About a week later, on February 24th, 2023, Chinear went home with his new family!
Building Trust
His adopter immediately recognized his personality as independent but docile and took care to provide him with the care he needed to feel comfortable. A few days after his adoption, she wrote to us: “I’ve been working on slowly building trust while respecting his boundaries and I think he seems to appreciate that. Today he’s been sunbathing by a window next to me, and he seems significantly less stressed than he has been.”
Weeks passed, and Chinear and his adopter’s relationship progressed from side-by-side window-watching to a close bond.
“He’s been extremely affectionate and doesn’t like to leave my side when I’m home,” Chinear’s adopter told us in March of 2023. “He’s also gotten more playful as time goes on–his favorite toy right now is a fake bird on a string, and oh my god, is he good at catching it. I’ve been so happy to have him!
One Year Later
Chinear’s adopter sent us another update in 2024, where she gushed: “He’s been the best companion I could’ve asked for and has inspired me to do better in every aspect of my life. His personality remains sharp and cautious, but he loves to cuddle, especially at night.”
Cheers to Chinear and his adopter for over one year of companionship! We are so glad you two found each other. Here’s to many more years together!
