by Lupe Gore

Feral Paws Rescue Group in Fresno shares with us some of their animal rescue adventures every month. Check out KRL’s article about Feral Paws to learn more about them. Lupe Gore is a FPRG volunteer.

On April 20, 2016, Paula of Feral Paws Rescue made yet another trip to the CCSPCA shelter in Fresno to pick up kittens and cats, and as usual, she left there with her truck filled with cat carriers. She stopped by my house on her way home that evening with a very special adult male cat who had just gone through intake at the shelter, and they didn’t even have paperwork on him. He had been picked up by animal control as a stray even though at one point he had gone through a TNR (Trap Neuter Release) as one of his ears was tipped.

Miercoles

When Paula arrived with him, I didn’t even need to use the carrier to bring him into my house. I knew this big boy was just so gentle and wanting to be loved. As it was a Wednesday, I named him Miercoles. The shelter had guessed him to be about four-years-old, but he probably was older. Miercoles settled right in with all the other cats I have, and most of all, he wanted to be with me. He spent a lot of the time in my bedroom, in which I also have my computer desk, so when I’d get home from work, I’d be in that room. He was either on the bed or the desk, and often when on the desk, he’d reach up his front legs to get onto my shoulder.

Miercoles knew his name and would come when he was called, even after I’d gotten into bed if he wasn’t there. He’d snuggle up next to me and stay there all night. Every Wednesday I’d tell him “Es miercoles,” meaning “It’s Wednesday,” and each month on the 20th, we’d celebrate an anniversary. Meanwhile, Paula would make more trips to the shelter, often bringing kittens and other cats for me to foster. Miercoles loved the kittens, and he would be their surrogate daddy, often bathing them and letting them sleep with him. One kitten who did not come from the shelter but was found where I worked, was only a few weeks old and had to be bottle fed. I named her Willow. Miercoles bonded with the little one and took care of her. It wasn’t just the kittens, but every other cat who was in here he got along with very well. For a cat who had most likely spent his life outside, he was very grateful to have a home and be indoors only. Miercoles also loved to go for a ride in the car, being a perfect gentlemen on the front passenger seat. One of our rides together was to Paula’s house for Christmas dinner. He just sat on the sofa the entire time I was there.

Miercoles

In early March 2018, I noticed my Miercoles wasn’t his usual self and was sleeping most of the day and night (I was no longer working and home all of the time) and not eating very much. He had developed a serious infection and was given antibiotics and IV fluids. He didn’t mind taking his meds or being syringe fed his nutritional supplement which I sometimes would just put on my finger and he’d lick it off. He’d still get up on the bed and sleep on my pillow. I spent most of the days holding him and having him with me. Despite trying everything for him to get well, Miercoles went to Heaven on the morning of March 10. We didn’t make our second anniversary together, but for over twenty-two months Miercoles knew he was loved and that is what matters most.

Thank you, Paula and Feral Paws Rescue for saving so many lives and for bringing me the best gift who I will treasure in my heart forever.

“April gave us springtime and the promise of the flowers?
And the feeling that we both shared and the love that we called ours

Dave Loggins

Our next adoption event is Saturday, April 21@ Tractor Supply Co, 1630 Herndon Ave, Clovis, CA.

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.