This week’s featured cat is Polly. She’s available for adoption through City Kitties. Polly is a polydactyl kitty with extra toes on each of her paws. Polydactyl cats are sometimes referred to as ‘Hemingway cats’ because the author is known to have favored them.

Polly was found wandering the streets alone and scared with a terrible eye infection. But as you can see, it didn’t take long for this stunning dilute calico to heal, clean herself up, and look forward to the next phase of her life.

Polly’s got more than a unique look—she has a winning personality to match. She adjusts easily to new surroundings and is quick to make herself at home. Her favorite toy is a string to chase, but she also enjoys curling up on a lap or pillow. As a young and gentle kitty, Polly is likely to adapt well to cats, dogs or children. She’s ready to find her forever home today, so don’t miss your chance to adopt this special girl!

Polly is spayed, FIV/FeLV negative, up to date on FVRCP and rabies vaccinations, and has been tested/treated for fleas and parasites as needed.

Polly’s adoption fee is $85 to help subsidize the cost of veterinary care. To fill out an application click here.

Dogs, cats and even a turtle came to St. Francis De Sales church (47th and Springfield) on Sunday for the “Blessing of the Animals,” a ceremony honoring Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.

A similar ceremony was also held at the Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral (3723 Chestnut St.) earlier in the day.

At St. Francis De Sales, the ceremony included a blessing from Rev. John Hand, the church’s pastor, and of course a shout out to Noah and his ark.

Our favorite line from the “Blessing Prayer for Pets”:

“May we never treat our pets as dumb animals, but rather let us seek to learn their language and to be students of all the secrets that they know.”

West Philly resident Susan, who lives at the corner of St. Bernard and Springfield, lost the entire third floor of her home in a devastating fire last Saturday. Two of her cats died in the fire. Intense water damage has rendered the lower two stories and the basement unlivable for now.

While Susan is temporarily staying with friends, her remaining cats are still residing in the house as they have nowhere else to go. Susan is looking for temporary housing for them. She writes:

“…kitties are all freaked and living under rather unhealthful conditions, with the noisy and major internal work now underway, still smoky air, very wet floors, mold starting to grow, etc. I am trying to find foster homes, even for one or two, here and there, for about eight weeks, until they say we can all move back in. They are all sweet cats, great company, very people-oriented, and cuddly — especially warm when the weather starts to turn cold. Can anyone open their homes for a furry feline for a couple of months? I would gladly pay for food and other supplies during their stay… So, far, I have one volunteer for one cat. Believe me you would enjoy their presence… I have always found them comforting.”

If you’d like to help Susan, or know someone who might, please write her at: susaniris [at] msn.com or call 215-435-5273.

This dog’s name is Chief. He was lost sometime yesterday morning in the Drexel University Campus/Powelton Village area.

If you’ve seen him please call 302-559-0525 at any time.

Our readers Zem and Jakey, who live at 49th and Springfield, found these adorable kittens in the hurricane and are trying to adopt them out.

“Once poor bedraggled kittens, these four little boys have become incredibly playful and snugglable. They will bound about, chasing and pouncing on one another and on their toys, and then, collapse in a purring kitten pile. They love being held and will sit on your shoulders if you let them. They are extremely social and get along well together, adopt them in pairs, or on their own. They want your love!”

If you are interested please email Zem at: arrangingtapestry [at] gmail.com

This week’s featured dog is Tulip O’Hare.

Tulip is currently living in the ACCT shelter. She desperately needs out of the shelter, as soon as possible. She is a full-grown, adult Pitbull mix (with a sweet baby face!) and was found wandering Philadelphia, but was probably owned before since she was obviously well-fed. However, days went by and no-one came to claim her. And now she is waiting in the shelter and is beginning to get very depressed and sad – she won’t look you in the eye and shakes when she comes out.

Tulip needs some extra TLC to help her rebuild her confidence. While Tulip would prefer a home without cats, she passed her food tests beautifully, and has met some other scared dogs in the shelter, and seems interested, but not overly social.

With Tulip’s adoption fee ($50), she will be spayed, vaccinated and microchipped. This dog is located at 111 West Hunting Park Ave in Philadelphia. Adoption hours are 1-8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on weekends. If you are interested in adopting or fostering her, please contact nsmith@pspca.org or jsweeney@pspca.org.