Oliver the cat not fazed by his instant fame

For Immediate Release

Contact: Mary Leavens
Humane Society of Harford County
410-836-1090, x101
[email protected]

Fallston, MD (July 8, 2014) – On Tuesday, June 24th, “Oliver”, a 5-year-old brown and black tabby cat was lounging in a deluxe cat condominium at The Humane Society of Harford County’s (HSHC) off-site cat adoption center, Rescue Me! at Harford Mall, when he caught the eye of Heather Simon and became the 300th cat to be adopted since the center opened last fall.

Rescue Me! at Harford Mall is part of The Humane Society of Harford County’s multi-faceted approach to finding homes for the overwhelming number of cats brought to its facility each year – 2,900 in 2013 and 1,200 in the first 6 months of 2014 alone! Opened in September 2013 by HSHC, Rescue Me! at Harford Mall is a convenient way for shoppers to find a brand new companion, while saving lives and finding homes for hundreds of abandoned and unwanted cats and kittens in the Harford County community.

During a planned visit to the store, Heather Simon visited with the large selection of cats and kittens, but ultimately decided that Oliver was the best fit. “Oliver’s personality reminded me of our first cat, Quincy, who passed away 2 years ago,” said Simon. “Oliver touched my heart the same way Quincy did years ago. He is such a cool and unique kitty, and I instantly fell in love with him.”

Since bringing Oliver home, he has met the Simon’s two large dogs and their resident cat, Winkey. Initially Oliver wasn’t sure about the dogs, but he’s since decided that “they’re okay.” He’s also decided to forego the cat bed and sleeps between Simon and her husband at night. “Oliver has touched the heart of everyone in my family, and we couldn’t be happier to have him be a part of us. We love him so much!”

“We are absolutely thrilled that the community is embracing our Harford Mall location,” says Mary Leavens, Executive Director. “Our main goals with Rescue Me! at Harford Mall have always been to expand our reach in the community with a convenient adoption location and to find forever homes for as many adoptable cats and kittens as possible.”

Cats available for adoption aren’t the only things you’ll find at Rescue Me! at Harford Mall. The Mill of Bel Air shares retail space to cater exclusively to pet lovers and new adoptive families with pet supplies including food, treats, toys, crates, beds, grooming supplies and other accessories. The Mill also carries wild bird seed, feeders and accessories as well as unique gifts including flags and Mill T-Shirts.

HSHC recently announced that it was extending its popular Pick Your Own Price adoption special until July 31st. Adopters may visit HSHC or Rescue Me! at Harford Mall, select the perfect feline friend, and decide what they’d like to pay to adopt. Adoptive families are asked to consider that for every cat it shelters, HSHC invests well over $100 to ready the cat for a permanent home, including immunizations, medical treatments and testing, food and care. Knowing that they’re getting a fully-vetted cat or kitten from an independent community non-profit organization, adopters can select what their adoption price will be.

If the new family friend isn’t already spayed or neutered, HSHC collects a $50 deposit at the time of adoption and issues a certificate that covers the spay or neuter procedure only (additional charges may apply and should be discussed with the chosen veterinarian). Upon completion of the spay or neuter procedure within 60 days of adoption, the $50 deposit may be refunded or left with HSHC as a donation.

Rescue Me! at Harford Mall is down the hallway near Sears and next to Visionworks. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 11 am – 7 pm and Sunday, 11 am – 5 pm. Holiday hours may vary. Harford Mall is located at 696 Bel Air Road, Bel Air, MD 21014.

To view all the animals that are currently up for adoption, both at Rescue Me! at Harford Mall and at HSHC’s shelter at 2208 Connolly Road in Fallston, MD, click here.

About the Humane Society of Harford County
The Humane Society of Harford County, Inc., (HSHC) is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to the welfare and well-being of the approximately 4,500 animals that come to us each year. We promote the kind treatment of homeless, stray and abandoned animals by providing shelter, care, adoptions, and community education. HSHC also owns and operates Rescue Me! at Harford Mall, the region’s first deluxe cat adoption center and boutique located in a shopping mall. We are not a county agency nor are we affiliated with any national or regional organization. Your tax-deductible donations, bequests, and proceeds from events are crucial to our life-saving efforts on behalf of the animals of our community.