by Lupe Gore
Feral Paws Rescue Group in Fresno will be sharing some of their animal rescue adventures with us now every month. Check out KRL’s article about Feral Paws to learn more about them. Lupe Gore is a FPRG volunteer.
Around three years ago a handsome gray and white cat named Austin somehow found himself at the Los Angeles County shelter in Lancaster, California. He was scared and only had days to be rescued or adopted. Thankfully Feral Paws Rescue found out about him and made the long trip to the shelter and rescued him along with a few others. Since Austin was friendly and healthy he was brought to the Rescue’s Adoption Center. Not content to stay in the main cattery, he managed to make sure he was in the “front room” (originally for seniors only) where he could lounge on sofas and chairs and sit in the window watching the traffic in and out of the parking lot. He became friends with some of the elderly cats in the front room, and they bonded with him.
Austin
Every time I would come to the Adoption Center there would be Austin waiting for me. He even recognized my car and would be pawing at the window. He soon became very attached to everyone associated with the Rescue, and after a while, it was decided upon that Austin’s home would be at the main rescue site. He was put in housing with other cats, but every time someone would go in or out of there so would Austin. So he made friends with some of the feral cats on the property as well as some chickens, and other animals including a resident dog who is very friendly with all the cats. Austin and the dog can often be found playing together. Austin also loves to follow the humans around thinking he is being helpful at feeding time, washing and cleaning out litter pans (he loves the garden hose!), and other “chores.” Most of all he loves the human companionship, and when he isn’t patrolling the grounds, he loves to be held and petted. 
Wherever Austin actually came from, whether he had a home before being at the shelter or not, he definitely changed once he got out. So many cats are frightened at the shelter, but once they are rescued, they are the most loving pets who are just so grateful to be loved and have a home—and grateful to be alive. Austin knows Feral Paws Rescue saved his life, and every day he thanks them by “helping” and giving his unconditional love!
Add this event to your calendar!
Cat Adoption Event
Saturday, May 20 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tractor Supply Co.
1630 Herndon Ave
Clovis?
You can learn more about Feral Paws on their website.
Check out more animal rescue stories in our Pet Perspective section & watch for more stories from Feral Paws every other month. Advertise in KRL and 10% of your advertising fees can go to Feral Paws.
I love how Ausitn “helps with the chores”. Both my cats were rescued and just like Austin, they are best friends with my dog. However, I can’t believe he likes the hose!
I love a good rescue story, I always get teary even when I am cheering on the cat involved – silly eh 🙂
Austin mate, you fell on your paws there. Good one!
Sounds like Feral Paws is a special group! It is great that you are offering them an outlet to gain exposure!
We’re so happy that Austin has a happy life and is safe! Feral Paws sounds like a great rescue – thank you for doing what you do for cats
I love that Austin would paw at the window and recognized your car. I agree the most frightened kitties at the shelter are often the friendliest and most grateful when given a second chance and forever home.
Awee what a wonderful story! I love hearing about animals personalities like this. You told his story well. How wonderful that he is such a social being – so much so he made sure everyone knew it! I am glad he gets to be in the action.
What a great story. Once I brought Nutter inside from being a scared stray, he was so thankful. He totally knew he had a forever home.
I’m glad Austin found his happy ending. Thanks to Feral Paws Rescue cats have another pathway to finding hope in what is normally a hopeless situation. Thanks for sharing.
I’m glad that Austin made it out of that first shelter! It sounds like he is pretty happy being the official resident and helper cat!
Austin sounds like a great cat! Its incredible how knowledgeable and thankful some pets can be. I think they really know how much certain people helped them.
Love this story. I have a new cat and she seems to like other cats (she was rescued from an hording situation). When I figure out her medical issues, I might let her pick a ‘friend’ at the shelter. But that’s it. One dog, and two cats is all I can handle.
Austin is adorable and so full of personality. It’s great how he plays with the dog! Mr. N doesn’t believe in inter-species friendships.
Austin sounds like quite the character! I love how animals “help” with chores 😉 I especially love that he greets you with pawing the window. Feral Paws sounds like a great organization!
Austin sounds like quite the social butterfly! How fun that he’s made friends with so many of the other animals. He sure is handsome too!
Loved reading Austin’s tail(tale). Feral pawssounds like an amazing place i hope there are more places like them in the days to come
Austin is quite a character! I love his story, I’m so glad he’s staying with you at the shelter, clearly he has a purpose there and is needed.
Love & Biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
Austin is one amazing cat! It just goes to show you that getting adopted doesn’t necessarily mean by a family in their home. He’s having a great life where he is!
Sorry it took me so long to read this story. I’m sure glad I took the time! I think that Austin is absolutely adorable and it surely sounds like he knows that he has “made it good”! Bless you, Feral Paws Rescue!