Update: 4/3/2026
Next Stop, Forever Home
As many of you know, Noel underwent surgery in December after it was determined that she had a dislocated kneecap. What followed was a long and careful recovery—one that required warm and cold compresses, physical therapy, laser treatments, medication, and, most importantly, time and patience.
For several weeks, Noel remained on strict crate rest in a large dog crate while her body began to heal. Once cleared by her surgeon, we were able to slowly expand her space, first allowing short, controlled movement in a small area before eventually transitioning her into one of the larger enclosures at the adoption center.
The adjustment wasn’t immediate. Noel spent many days hiding, unsure of her new surroundings. But with daily encouragement, gentle interaction, and consistent care from our staff and volunteers, she slowly began to build confidence.
In March, Noel reached another milestone—she was spayed and microchipped. Around the same time, something else began to shift: her spirit. As spring arrived, so did Noel’s confidence.
Now, she enjoys time outside of her enclosure at least twice a day, exploring the adoption center alongside her buddies Tut and, occasionally, Cornelia. Though she’s still petite at just 5.5 pounds, Noel carries herself with growing curiosity and courage. The other cats may tower over her, but she doesn’t let that stop her from engaging and exploring.
She still has a touch of “stranger danger” with new people, but even that is improving. In fact, she’s starting to show a little bit of sass—something we absolutely love to see. Each day, her leg grows stronger. Each day, her confidence builds. And each day, Noel becomes more and more the cat she was always meant to be.
She has stolen the hearts of our team and volunteers, and her journey is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when a community comes together. We are so incredibly grateful to everyone who supported Noel’s care and made her surgery—and her recovery—possible.
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Update: 1/30/2026
Short walks and regaining strength
Noel — the kitty rescued from the cold just north of Saratoga — recently had her three-week follow-up appointment after knee surgery, and she’s doing great! While she’s still a little unsure around strangers, she immediately starts purring when familiar faces come by to give her love and attention.
The staff and volunteers at H.O.P.E. are working closely with Noel to build her confidence and gently encourage short walks to help her regain strength and mobility in her leg. Once she completes her eight-week recovery period, she will be spayed and ready to begin the search for her forever home.
Noel may need a little time to settle in and bond with her new family, but once she does, she’s sure to steal their hearts. We absolutely adore her and are incredibly grateful — with the help of our generous donors — that we were able to give her the care she needed to heal and thrive.
Update: 1/10/2026
Purrs, Progress, and a Promising Recovery for Noel
Thank you to the donors who made Noel’s surgery possible
When I got the call regarding a stray cat that had wandered on to the property of a neighbor’s home in a north country community, I knew that we may be in trouble.
The kitty had a lame back leg and was putting minimal weight on it — but how could I say no when every shelter and rescue in the area is full? I took a chance, and the concerned neighbor dropped a petite, adorable young kitty off at the H.O.P.E. pet adoption center. The kitty, who we named Noel, is estimated to be a little over a year-and-a-half. Despite the pain she must have been in, she is the sweetest thing who purrs and loves attention.
We were able to get her to the veterinarian the same day, and they advised us to wait over the weekend to see if it was a soft tissue bruise or something more serious. We decided after the weekend to get X-rays, and it was determined Noel had a dislocated patella or kneecap. We confirmed the diagnosis with a veterinarian who specializes in these types of injuries and it was determined that Noel needed surgery costing up to $4,000. But thanks to a few very generous donors, we were able to raise the entire amount needed for Noel’s surgery.
These donor’s names are Dawn M., Heather M., Lori P., Danielle Z., Barb F., Andrew and Arlene D., Rita V., and Lisa M.
The surgery was successfully completed on 12/30/25. She will now have a long recovery ahead of her but we are confident she will heal so that she can eventually play and run around like she hasn’t had the chance to do. We can’t thank these donors enough for their generosity — it is because of them that we were able to provide Noel with the care she needed, ultimately giving her a chance to find a loving, caring family.