It’s that time again for a monthly segment of our long-term residents. A long-term resident is someone who has been here at least thirty days or longer, and we try to narrow it down to some who have been here even longer. Last month we featured Ellery and Oreo, and we have some good news. Ellery has found her forever home! This month, we are going to feature Charlie and Ryland.

“Thank you for reading about me! My name is Charlie, and I’m a handsome, dapper black and white shorthaired boy with one of the cutest, pinkest noses you’ve ever seen! I came to Wayside from another shelter that was low on space, and I’m tickled pink to be here, where I just know I will find my forever person or people. You might have noticed that I am 7 years old. That is just barely middle age for a cat! In fact, I am right in my prime—well past the silly kitten stuff and ready to focus my time, attention and affection on you! When I had my Felineality assessment here at Wayside, they told me I am a Secret Admirer! That means that I tend to be a little shy and timid in new situations. However, I am a people-oriented cat and need to be around people. I am keeping my paws crossed for a gentle, patient adopter who will give me time and space to get acclimated to my new surroundings. In return, I promise to fill your home and heart with beauty, purrs and love.”

Learn more about Charlie here.

“Hi there, I’m Ryland!  I’m an active, playful, happy boy searching for a home and family to call my very own.  I don’t think I’ve ever had that before…at least not that I remember.  So I’m still learning and experiencing new things and I’m a work in progress, trying my best to figure out where I fit into this crazy world.  Sometimes I’m skittish of new things and sometimes I get so excited that I forget my manners.  But I’m smart and eager to learn, so I’m positive that with time, I will become an incredible companion and member of the family. I’m a handsome, 1 year old, 59 pound bundle of love and muscle.  And I seem to be at least partially housebroken or crate trained, because I keep my kennel clean and I know to go to the bathroom when I get outside.  I came to Wayside as a stray after a kind stranger found me wandering alone along the highway in Grandview, MO.  I was happy to be safe, but I also felt confused and sort of afraid, especially of men.  So I got busy, enrolling in all the programs Wayside has to offer.  Some of the volunteers worked with me on my confidence while others taught me manners and focus.  It all started to come together for me and now I’m ready for you! I’m strong and athletic and I will need daily exercise in my new home to keep me happy, healthy, and calm.  I love to go for walks and I do really well on my leash, especially when I use my harness.  I’m curious and social and playful and I never pass up a good game of fetch.  Please stay patient and calm with me and help me learn the rules and boundaries, so that I can figure out what you expect from me.  You can see my wheels turning as I think about and evaluate new things.  I already know several commands, but I’d love to learn more, so teach me!  My friends at Wayside have been using NILF (Nothing in Life is Free) training, which teaches me that I need to work to get what I want, like sitting for a treat.  That’s been very effective for me and I hope to continue my training with you. I think I’ll fit in just fine with most active families.  I enjoy playing with all different kinds of dogs.  I’m patient, tolerant, friendly, and polite with them.  In fact, I frequently get to participate in doggie playgroups at Wayside.  If you have another dog that’s looking for a buddy, I might be the perfect match for you.  Since I can be jumpy and mouthy when I get excited, I might do best without kids under the age of 5 or so.  I just don’t want to accidentally hurt anyone.  You can bring the family to meet me, if you’d like, and we can make sure we’re all a good match for each other. I’m a sweetheart and I have such a zest for life!  I’m happy and I enjoy attention and I appreciate each day.  I just need someone to share all of that with.  I hope it’s you!  I can’t wait to get out of the shelter and get settled into my new home and my new life with you.  I’m ready!”

Learn more about Ryland here.

You can visit all of our adoptable Waifs during our adoption hours!

  • Monday: CLOSED
  • Tuesday: Noon-8pm
  • Wednesday: Noon-8pm
  • Thursday: Noon-8pm
  • Friday: Noon-8pm
  • Saturday: 10am-5pm
  • Sunday: 10am-5pm

Written by Teryn J.