This article is the first in an ongoing series about rescue animals here in Melbourne who have been rehomed and are living happily ever after in their forever homes. It’s my aim to show how wonderful and fulfilling it can be to rescue, and to encourage adoption as the first option. If you have a rescue pet with a story to tell, click here to email me.

Peppa started life out tough, with her brothers and sisters Coriander and Chilli. Originally named Sage, she caught my eye straight away with her super cute little ginger nose and sweet eyes. Dumped at the height of kitten season, she was taken in by Paws and Tails, who got her vet checked, vaccinated, and in to foster care. When there are thousands of kittens looking for homes, foster carers are absolutely invaluable. Peppa was a shy wee thing, and while she loved her brothers and sisters, people still overwhelmed her.

Left to right – Peppa with her brothers and sisters, getting brave and exploring her new house, helping her humans in the bathroom. Photos courtesy of Paws and Tails (1) and from Peppa’s new humans (2, 3 and 4)

Peppa was adopted by Jess and Kieran, who absolutely adore her. Little Peppa was absolutely terrified at first, and she dug out a hiding place in the bookcase, where she seemed determined to stay. Jess was having none of it though, and coaxed her out for socialising. Within two weeks Peppa had taken over – attacking Jess & Kieran at 5am for food, doing crazy laps around the house, and snuggling up and purring like a champ. Her new hobbies include: eating bugs, chasing her stick (but only when the feathers are removed, otherwise it’s scary), giving her humans kisses on the eyelids, stealing and playing with Jess’s bobby pins, and scooping water out of bowl onto the floor for no reason. Dislikes include the weird lady with the camera (me), loud noises, not being the centre of attention.

Below are some photos of Peppa today – happy, healthy, and dominating the house, exactly the way it should be. Peppa’s story is a great reminder that sometimes the shy or timid cats are the ones that can turn out to be the most amazing pets, all they need is a little time and care. Thanks for having me over Jess and Keiran, I loved meeting Peppa (even if she wasn’t so keen on me)

Being watched by the paparazzi

I spy a fly!

Do you ever get the feeling you’re being hunted?

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