She’s a bit shy at first, but this sleek, sweet kitty at KC shelter warms right up

Arame

Breed: Domestic shorthair

Age: 3 years

Meet the beautifully sleek Arame at Wayside Waifs. She may start off a bit shy, but once she feels safe, her loving nature shines through. Arame would do best in a quiet home where she can take her time to warm up and build trust. Arame has a lot of love to give, and she’s always ready to play.

She cannot resist the thrill of chasing a wand toy or pouncing on a toy mouse. A fun fact about Arame: She absolutely loves watching bird videos. Looking for a way to connect with her gentle soul? Put on a bird video and watch it together. You’re sure to gain her trust in no time. With a little patience and a lot of love, Arame will make a wonderful companion for someone ready to welcome her.

Kirby

Breed: Pitt bull terrier

Age: 2 years

Kirby is a sweet, exuberant guy who views life as one big adventure. Kirby, under the care of Wayside Waifs, loves to stay active. Whether he’s splashing in the water, chasing after a ball or engaging in a game of tug, this dog brings the fun everywhere he goes.

Along with staying active, Kirby is also very smart and knows several commands. Kirby knows “sit,” “down,” “wait” and he even knows “shake.” What a gentleman! Besides knowing some cool tricks, Kirby is also house- and crate-trained. Already have a dog? Kirby loves other dogs, and would love to meet them before going home. Have a cat at home? Kirby has lived with cats before and did really well with them. With his enthusiasm for life and eagerness to learn, he’s sure to bring the fun and joy to any home.

Bella

Breed: Coonhound

Age: 11 years old

Bella, a treeing walker coonhound, is not your average hound. She’s really quiet and doesn’t mind being around small animals, though she does love to chase a squirrel now and then. She’s really a go-with-the-flow kind of girl. If it’s a sunny day, all she wants to do is sit outside and work on her tan. If you’re tired, just give her a place to lay her head and she’s fine napping all day.

Need a partner for a daily walk/jog? Don’t let her age fool you; she can still manage at least two miles. She’s super laid back and sweet as can be. She’s also fine with other dogs, cats or children. While she doesn’t care for toys, she’ll work for treats. Want to arrange a meet and greet?

To fill out an adoption application for Bella, go here. Melissa’s Second Chances is a nonprofit animal rescue in Shawnee. The group finds homes and safe refuge for animals in need of a second chance to be beloved family pets.

Wayside Waifs is able to welcome visitors without an appointment. To learn about the adoption process and available animals, go here.

This story was originally published April 2, 2025 at 5:00 AM.