Some people have dogs they can take on long leisurely strolls in the morning sunshine. Others have cats or birds they can have relaxing naps with while basking in the summer warmth coming in through the windows of their home.
Part of our mission at Feral Paws Rescue is to save as many cats as possible from high-kill shelters, mostly those the shelters have deemed unadoptable for various reasons. Often those cats are “special needs,” including those who are vision impaired.
Every time we welcome a dog or cat suffering from severe medical conditions, our hearts ache. The sight of their small faces, bearing the weight of pain, is deeply distressing. Often, pain that is neglected becomes something much harder to bear.
Charlie and his Maine coon cat have a new helper at the library. Tara Martin is an odd person. She rarely makes eye contact and has no tact. She blurts out whatever comes to mind without a thought as to how it sounds to the recipient. For example, she told Charlie’s co-worker, Melba, that the green dress she wore made her look like a cucumber.
A million years ago, when cavemen discovered fire, I was just a kid roaming the earth. TV screens were the size of a postage stamp, and every channel was black and white. All three of them. My family had a tiny television on wheels, with small dials that you had to actually turn by hand. That’s right, my little millennials, you had to get out of your chair, cross the room, and physically switch channels. You had to mess with the rabbit ears too, cursing like a sailor and begging the TV for a clear picture.
Joy and Cupcake, two mixed-breed puppies, had a rough start in life. They were born outside and lived their first few weeks outside. When a foster mom for Lone Star Westie Rescue saw a Facebook post about their plight, the rescue reached out and, even though these pups are not Westies, agreed to take them in.
My month had an upsetting beginning because of a post on social media about an abandoned mother cat and five newborn kittens. The post led me to believe that the family had been dumped near a school located not far from my home. The temperature that day was around 110° so of course I was deeply concerned for the welfare of the cats.
When choosing to adopt from a rescue, you give a second chance to a deserving pet and contribute to the welfare of animals in need. It's not only the deep fulfillment that comes from giving a home to an animal in need; happiness and the bond between a rescue dog, and its new family is immeasurable. The companionship, joy, and happiness is truly special for both parties, as is knowing you're giving a dog a second chance to experience an unparalleled bond, and the love they deserve. These rewards can be immeasurable.
Vito, Sal, and David were adopted in December of last year by Olivia and her husband. We caught up with them to hear how the rats have settled into their new home. "They are doing great––as I speak, they are running around causing all kinds of chaos," says Olivia. The boys were affectionately given mobster-themed names by Olivia and her husband, except for David, who apparently was named by his foster after David Bowie. Olivia says the name suited him too much to change it.
We at Feral Paws Rescue always welcome those cats who have special needs and this month we will tell the story of two of those cats who have warmed our hearts.
