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COMMUNITY SERVICE - ARRF PETS OF THE WEEK

We're sharing this full article from the Dec. 11, 2025 NKC Tribune in the holiday spirit of our Buddy's Buddies Pet Giving Tree benefiting ARRF Animal Rescue as an example of the kind of work ARRF does for pets in our community.

While we usually ask that our articles not be shared digitally, and instead please share a link for others to buy their own copy of the paper (so peeps will help support our sustainablilty by buying our work!) feel free to share this particular story with our blessing.

Article by Terry Hamberg with help from our friends at ARRF:

‘The Spice Girls’ felines looking to turn sad story into joyful song this holiday season

by Terry Hamberg

"So tell me what you want, what you really really want ...”

Three cats dubbed “The Spice Girls,” Cinnamon, Pepper and Sugar came to ARRF Animal Rescue under particularly sad circumstances, but they really really “Wannabe” hooked up with happy new digs this holiday season.

Back in early November, the Cle Elum, Roslyn Police Department and local EMT’s were called out regarding a suspected medical emergency with an unresponsive woman in a car stopped at an unusual angle in a local parking lot.

Sadly they were unable to revive the woman, and a further search of the vehicle revealed that three cats were also inside with her. The animals were taken to the ARRF Foster Care shelter in Roslyn. ARRF Director Lori Clemente reported, “While we don’t know how long they had been there, we’re relieved to say they are now safe and comfortable.

“All three are incredibly sweet, social cats who have adjusted well and now have full run of our cat room. They don’t appear to be strongly bonded to one another, but each has a wonderful personality and plenty of love to give. We’re simply grateful we could provide them with a safe and caring place to land until they can get vetted and be placed for adoption.” The fact that they are not strongly bonded opens up the possibility of being adopted out individually if someone is looking for a single cat or two.

Lucky Cinnamon

In fact, one lucky girl out of the trio, Cinnamon, the tortoise shell colored one, just landed her dream home this week. “She warmed up to her new family right away and even strutted into her carrier, ready for her next adventure,” Clemente said, “Cinnamon is a sweet, chatty girl who loves to share her thoughts and show off her playful side. She adores her toys and absolutely melts for a good brushing session. We’re absolutely thrilled for her and know she’ll bring her new family the same joy and sweetness she shared with us. Congratulations, Cinnamon!”

Sugar and Pepper ready for THEIR furever homes

The white and black cats are still waiting for their turn to be welcomed into a new home. “Say You’ll Be There,” another Spice Girls hit seems to be an appropriate plea from these affectionate felines. They offer an opportunity to “Spice Up Your Life”!

Sweet as Sugar

So sweet she had to be called Sugar, the 5 year old all-white spayed female domestic short hair loves making biscuits in her blankets, which is as adorable as it sounds. ARRF foster Deanne Cook said, "She really is sweeter than sugar, she loves attention."

“Sugar is an absolute sweetheart,” Lori confirms, “While she can be a bit timid in new situations, a little time and patience will help her confidence blossom. She loves curling up in your lap, enjoys being brushed, and will make a truly wonderful companion. She is a wonderfully sweet girl with a heartbreaking past, and she is now ready to find the loving forever home she deserves.”

Pepper the Stomper

At the other end of the spectrum, the 5 year old all-black kitty has a more peppery personality to go with it. “This sweet girl is full of personality. She can be a bit bossy at times and isn’t afraid to ‘stomp’ her feelings, but that’s all part of her quirky, lovable character,” said Clemente. “Pepper may be carrying a little extra love around the middle, but she’s working on her fitness—and her charm more than makes up for it! “Pepper adores being brushed, enjoys exploring her surroundings, and would be over the moon to have a family of her own for Christmas.

“Pepper is truly the queen of her domain and would love the chance to reign over a family of her own. Despite her heartbreaking past, she is incredibly sweet and full of personality. Pepper is ready to find a loving home where she can shine and be cherished as she deserves.” Cook added, "She is so funny with her stomping silly walk and chasing toys!"

Home for Christmas?

ARRF is actively seeking loving homes for the remaining two cats, but in the meantime the volunteers have brought a bit of holiday fun into their lives. The cat room at the shelter has been decked out with holiday cheer. In addition, Lori said with a laugh, “We had a fun photo shoot in the cat room. Pepper was quite the little star, Sugar seemed convinced the photographer had lost her mind, and Cinnamon… well, her expression suggested ‘murder, death, kill.’ Despite their opinions on modeling, they all looked absolutely adorable.”

The Spice Girls recorded their own rendition of a favorite holiday classic,“Sleigh Ride” which reminds us of the joyful time of year we are currently celebrating. In the spirit of the season, now through Christmas the adoption fee is sponsored for these two, so this is an excellent time to bring a Spice Girl into your life. Just keep in mind that pets are longterm commitments, and it’s best to make a family decision together rather than springing them as surprise “gifts”. To learn more about Sugar, Pepper and all adoptable pets being offered by ARRF, visit https://www.arrfanimalrescue.org/adopt .

All pets are only seen by appointment. To ensure safe, loving and forever homes for their pets, prospective adopters will be asked to fill out an application, pay an adoption fee (currently sponsored for Pepper and Sugar) and a home check will be done prior to placement.

As The Spice Girls sing, “Viva Forever, I’ll be waiting ...”

Want your own copy of this story and more local news? This entire issue of the NKC Tribune available digitally at https://nkctribune.com/sales/december-11-2025-issue-digital-single-copy-purchase/ or print copies at the Tribune office, or order mailed copies at https://nkctribune.com/sales/single-copy-purchase/ and select the 12/11/25 issue.

Be advised (12/15/25):

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