There are some animals who seem to know exactly where they belong. For a little cat named Junebug, that moment came the instant she stepped out of her carrier and into her foster home.
“Adopting Junebug was more her decision than anything else,” says Kaitlyn Quinn, Junebug’s pawrent. “The minute she popped out of the crate all scrungly with her big plastic cone, bald patches and many extra toes, it was like she arrived home.”
Junebug wasted no time making herself comfortable. She greeted her foster mom with purrs and cuddles.
“Even though she looked like an alien from her time living rough on the streets, she was full of so much love.”
Having fostered other cats before, Kaitlyn was familiar with helping animals settle into a new environment. But Junebug was different.
“I’ve had many fosters in the past, and none were so trusting right out of the gate. She knew this was meant to be her forever home long before I even realized.”
Before long, Kaitlyn officially adopted Junebug and made her a permanent member of the family. Now three years old, Junebug has built quite a reputation around Halifax. Equal parts diva, distinguished lady and lovable goblin, she collects admirers everywhere she goes and charms everyone she meets with her big personality.
She enjoys neighbourhood walks, visits to local coffee shops and spending time on the Dalhousie University campus, where she has become something of a mascot among students and staff. At home, she keeps busy with her collection of toy springs and maintains her impeccable grooming routine. But her favourite hobby of all is people-watching from the window.
“Anytime someone passed by and talked to her, she would chirp, meow and roll around,” says Kaitlyn.
While Junebug loves being the centre of attention, she also has a major soft side. As a former foster cat herself, she has welcomed other animals into the home and shown them kindness (with a side of sass).
Junebug had a special connection with one foster kitten named Sunflower. Like many kittens, Sunflower quickly became fascinated with her big sister, following Junebug everywhere and mimicking her every move. During Sunflower’s teething phase, Junebug endured endless tail chomps and playful attacks.
“Junebug, bless her heart, was very patient with Sunflower despite the constant chomping,” says Kaitlyn. “She would kindly reprimand her with a gentle swat followed by an intense bath session.”
Despite her love for Sunflower, Junebug generally enjoys animals that respect her space and that’s how Kaitlyn ended up with a second foster fail cat named Rusty Beetle. “He won her heart with his elder statesman charm, and our home became filled with even more love,” Kaitlyn says.
Watching Junebug nurture and bond with other animals revealed just how gentle and caring she could be beneath her confident exterior. These qualities have lead Junebug to an exciting new chapter.
This year, Junebug became certified through Therapeutic Paws of Canada and will soon begin visiting people in need of comfort and companionship.
The inspiration for pursuing therapy cat certification came from a deeply personal place for Kaitlyn. During cancer treatment in 2020, Kaitlyn experienced firsthand the impact therapy animals can have during difficult times.
“Being on the receiving end of animal therapy visits, it brought me so much joy and hope during some of my darkest times,” she says.
When she later learned that cats could become certified therapy animals too, she immediately thought of Junebug. “Junebug is the embodiment of the saying ‘strangers are just friends you haven’t met yet’, and she truly carries that attitude into her therapy work,” says Kaitlyn.
Whether greeting visitors from her window, travelling on adventures or soaking up attention from anyone willing to stop and say hello, Junebug seemed perfectly suited for the role.
The certification process evaluated her temperament in a variety of situations, including loud noises, unfamiliar people and other animals, and Junebug took it all in stride.
“Having a room full of people admiring Junebug was a dream come true for her,” says Kaitlyn.
Today, Junebug is officially certified and preparing to begin volunteer visits this fall. For Kaitlyn, the opportunity feels like a full-circle moment.
“Miss Bug brings me so much happiness every day, and I would hate to keep that joy all to myself.”
It’s a remarkable journey for a cat who once arrived at her foster home bald, scruffy and recovering from life on the streets. Thanks to the love of a foster family who became her forever family, Junebug has transformed into a confident ambassador of comfort and healing.
As she begins sharing her special brand of sassy sunshine with others, one thing is certain: Junebug has found exactly where she belongs. And now, she’s helping others feel the same.
To learn about fostering animals like Junebug, click here.