SNACK SHACK SHARON

We need to talk about Snack Shack Sharon. Our longest resident cat has officially watched an entire generation of kittens find homes while she remains here, waiting for someone to recognize that the best love stories don't always start with love at first sight. Sometimes they start with a warning from the staff and a very firm suggestion to keep your hands to yourself.<br/>Sharon arrived in late March with five orange kittens, all of whom found wonderful families. We thought motherhood was behind her. Sharon, however, had neglected to inform us that she was already pregnant with six more. ELEVEN KITTENS. TWO LITTERS. NOT A SINGLE DAY OF PAID MATERNITY LEAVE. <br/>And somehow, people expected this woman to be pleasant. She was moody and honestly, we get it. Sharon spent months making her feelings about human interaction abundantly clear. We employed falconry gloves, improvised shields, and occasionally enough volunteers to suggest we were preparing for a hostage negotiation.<br/>We loved her anyway. And slowly, something extraordinary happened. The cat who once wanted absolutely nothing to do with us began allowing us into her world. The protective equipment disappeared. The defensive behavior softened. Little by little, Sharon started discovering that people could be trusted.<br/>Now, this 2.5 year old beauty is a completely different cat from the terrified, overwhelmed mother who first arrived at our shelter. But she's still Sharon. She's not going to throw herself into a stranger's arms or pretend you're best friends because you brought a bag of treats. Trust is something she's worked incredibly hard to give, and she deserves someone willing to earn it.<br/>What Sharon needs isn't someone to rescue her from who she is. She needs someone who will love her exactly as she is, while giving her room to become whoever she wants to be.<br/>A peaceful home. A patient person. Someone who understands that affection means a little more when it comes from an animal who once believed the whole world was dangerous.<br/>We've celebrated eleven of Sharon's babies going home. Eleven happy endings that happened because this little mother kept them safe, even when she didn't feel safe herself. Now it's her turn.<br/>We have spent months earning Sharon's trust, and the thought of handing her over to someone else is genuinely emotional for us. But keeping her here because we love her isn't the happy ending she deserves.Somewhere out there is a person who will look at Sharon, hear her story, and think, "That's my girl."<br/>We just need that person to find her. Please share Snack Shack Sharon. She's spent enough of her life taking care of everyone else. It's about time someone took care of her. <br/><br/>Starting the Application Process<br/>To begin the adoption process, please fill out an application online and then visit us during adoption hours.<br/>Click here to fill out our dog adoption application: https://tinyurl.com/8usxu6bh<br/>Click here to fill out our cat adoption application: https://new.shelterluv.com/matchme/adopt/HORI/Cat<br/><br/>Adoption hours take place at: <br/>EGAPL Heart of RI, 44 Worthington Road, Cranston, RI. <br/>Tuesday: 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Wednesday: 3:00 PM 7:00 PM, and Saturday: 10:00 AM 2:00 PM<br/><br/>Submitting an application does not guarantee approval or place an animal on hold. Our team reviews applications carefully to help make the best possible match for both the adopter and the animal.<br/>What to Bring With You<br/>For an application to be considered complete, we must have all required documents. Please bring or email the following: <br/>- Proof of homeownership<br/>This may include a tax form, deed, mortgage statement, or similar documentation.ORLandlord approval<br/>If you rent, we need a copy of your lease clearly stating that you are allowed to have the type of pet you are applying for, or written and signed consent from your landlord.<br/>- Up to date veterinary records, if you currently have pets. <br/>Vet records should show proof of current vaccinations and spay/neuter surgery for animals already living in your home. <br/>You may bring hard copies with you during adoption hours or email them to HeartofRIAdoption@gmail.com<br/><br/>Requirements to Adopt from EGAPL Heart of RI<br/>To adopt from us: <br/>- You must be a Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont or Maine resident. We are unable to adopt to residents living in Massachusetts due to policies in that state.<br/>- You must be at least 21 years old.<br/>- Everyone living in the home must be aware of and involved in the adoption.All household members must meet our team before an application can be approved. They do not all need to come in at the same time.<br/>- Any current dogs in the home must complete an onsite meet and greet with the dog you are hoping to adopt.<br/>- Current pets in the home must be up to date on veterinary care and spayed or neutered.<br/>Once veterinary records have been reviewed, our team will schedule an onsite meet and greet with the dog you are hoping to adopt and any current dog or dogs in your home. We want to help make sure the match is safe, appropriate, and successful.<br/>Please do not bring your dog with you when you first apply. Our team will contact you to schedule a meet and greet if your application is moving forward.<br/><br/>Helpful Reminders<br/>There is no set timeline for how long it takes to process an application. Our team does their best to review applications as quickly as possible.<br/>We kindly ask that you do not send duplicate emails asking for updates, as this can slow down the process.We do not do same day adoptions.<br/>Submitting an application does not mean you are approved to adopt a specific animal. We are looking for the best match for each animal based on their needs, personality, age, energy level, medical history, and the home environment. <br/><br/>Adoption Fees<br/>Adoption fees help us continue to provide lifesaving care to animals in need. EGAPL Heart of RI is a nonprofit animal rescue and does not receive state or federal funding. The cost of veterinary care, food, supplies, staffing, transport, medications, and daily shelter operations has increased significantly.While adoption fees do not cover the full cost of caring for each animal, they help offset a portion of the medical care, housing, and support each pet receives before going home. Every adoption also helps make room for the next animal who needs safety, care, and a fresh start.<br/><br/>DOGS <br/>Puppies under 1 year: $675<br/>Adult dogs 1 year and older: $575<br/><br/>Dog adoptions include, as age appropriate:<br/>Spay or neuter surgery<br/>Rabies vaccine<br/>Distemper/parvo vaccines given while in our care, based on the dogs age and vaccine schedule<br/>Leptospirosis vaccine started while in our care, when age-appropriate<br/>Bordetella vaccineInitial deworming<br/>Heartworm testing, when age appropriate<br/>Microchip<br/>Flea and tick prevention or treatment while in our care<br/>Basic medical evaluation and care while at EGAPL<br/>Adoption counseling and take home guidance<br/>Please bring a leash and collar with you at the time of adoption, or ask our team what size is best for your new dog.<br/><br/>CATS<br/>Kittens under 1 year: $425<br/>Adult cats 1 year and older: $325<br/><br/>Cat and kitten adoptions include, as age appropriate:<br/>Spay or neuter surgery<br/>Rabies vaccine<br/>FVRCP/distemper vaccines given while in our care, based on the cat or kittens age and vaccine scheduleInitial deworming<br/>FeLV/FIV testing, when age appropriate<br/>Microchip<br/>Flea treatment or prevention while in our care<br/>Basic medical evaluation and care while at EGAPL<br/>Adoption counseling and take home guidance<br/>Please bring a secure cat carrier with you at the time of adoption.<br/><br/>A Note About Puppy and Kitten Vaccines<br/>Puppies and kittens require a series of vaccines as they grow. We provide as many age appropriate distemper vaccines as possible while they are in our care, but young animals may still need additional boosters after adoption.Your adoption counselor will review your pets vaccine record with you so you know exactly what has been done and what may still be needed with your veterinarian.<br/><br/>A Note About Leptospirosis Vaccines for Dogs<br/>We start dogs and puppies on the leptospirosis vaccine when age appropriate. Because some dogs are adopted before the booster is due, the full lepto series may not be completed before adoption.<br/>Your adoption counselor will review your dog's vaccine record with you and let you know whether a booster is still needed with your veterinarian. <br/><br/>After Adoption Veterinary Care<br/>We recommend setting up an appointment with your veterinarian shortly after adoption. This helps your new pet establish care, allows your veterinarian to review their medical and vaccine history, and ensures they stay on track for any boosters or follow up care they may need.<br/>Flea and tick prevention, as well as heart worm prevention for dogs, are typically prescription products. Your veterinarian can help choose the safest and most appropriate preventatives for your pet based on their age, weight, medical history, and lifestyle.<br/><br/>Why Adoption Fees Matter<br/>Every animal who comes through our doors receives individualized care. Some arrive healthy and simply need vaccines, spay/neuter surgery, and a safe place to land. Others need emergency care, diagnostics, treatment for parasites or infections, dental care, behavior support, special food, foster care, or weeks to months of daily shelter care before they are ready for adoption.Your adoption fee helps support that full circle of care. It helps the pet you are bringing home, and it helps the next animal who needs us.<br/>Thank you for choosing adoption and for supporting the lifesaving work of EGAPL Heart of RI.

We need to talk about Snack Shack Sharon. Our longest resident cat has officially watched an entire generation of kittens find homes while she remains here, waiting for someone to recognize that the best love stories don't always start with love at first sight. Sometimes they start with a warning from the staff and a very firm suggestion to keep your hands to yourself.
Sharon arrived in late March with five orange kittens, all of whom found wonderful families. We thought motherhood was behind her. Sharon, however, had neglected to inform us that she was already pregnant with six more. ELEVEN KITTENS. TWO LITTERS. NOT A SINGLE DAY OF PAID MATERNITY LEAVE.
And somehow, people expected this woman to be pleasant. She was moody and honestly, we get it. Sharon spent months making her feelings about human interaction abundantly clear. We employed falconry gloves, improvised shields, and occasionally enough volunteers to suggest we were preparing for a hostage negotiation.
We loved her anyway. And slowly, something extr

We need to talk about Snack Shack Sharon. Our longest resident cat has officially watched an entire generation of kittens find homes while she remains here, waiting for someone to recognize that the best love stories don't always start with love at first sight. Sometimes they start with a warning from the staff and a very firm suggestion to keep your hands to yourself.
Sharon arrived in late March with five orange kittens, all of whom found wonderful families. We thought motherhood was behind her. Sharon, however, had neglected to inform us that she was already pregnant with six more. ELEVEN KITTENS. TWO LITTERS. NOT A SINGLE DAY OF PAID MATERNITY LEAVE.
And somehow, people expected this woman to be pleasant. She was moody and honestly, we get it. Sharon spent months making her feelings about human interaction abundantly clear. We employed falconry gloves, improvised shields, and occasionally enough volunteers to suggest we were preparing for a hostage negotiation.
We loved her anyway. And slowly, something extraordinary happened. The cat who once wanted absolutely nothing to do with us began allowing us into her world. The protective equipment disappeared. The defensive behavior softened. Little by little, Sharon started discovering that people could be trusted.
Now, this 2.5 year old beauty is a completely different cat from the terrified, overwhelmed mother who first arrived at our shelter. But sh