by Lorraine Monfils
This past winter The Ark took in two cats and two dogs as an owner surrender. None of the pets had been altered and three out of the four had some pretty serious health issues. We were able to help all four with the necessary vet care, which was just about $2,000.
Once they were medically sound, they were put up for adoption. Three of them would end up being special needs. We adopted the two dogs and one cat, but one cat remained. He was a long-haired black cat, 9 years old, with no teeth. His name was Casey and he had three strikes against him: he was a senior cat, with no teeth, and he was black. For whatever reason black cats are not easily adopted.
Day in and day out, Casey waited for the perfect home. After his dental surgery and neutering, he blossomed. His fur became thick and shiny and he loved everyone. Casey was one of the sweetest cats I have ever met. He never complained; he just waited patiently for the perfect owner to come along.
The days turned into weeks and the weeks to months, and there was little hope that he would be adopted into a “fur-ever” home. People would look at him but keep right on walking. They were drawn to the younger cats or the more colorful cats. Poor Casey didn’t stand a chance. The volunteers would give him extra attention and love because he had been with us so long.
Then one day about a week ago, it finally happened. A lady came in looking for an orange cat; it had to be orange because that is what she liked and wanted. We had no orange cats, but she spied Casey. She had always had long-haired black cats growing up and they were always named Fluffy. She said, “Maybe he is the one.” She spent some time with him and decided to make him a member of her family. It didn’t matter that he had no teeth and that he was 9 and all black. They say three strikes and you’re out; well, not in in Casey’s case. It is three strikes and you’re in!
Casey will be going to his new home in the next few days, a home where he will be loved and very well taken care of, a home that he deserves and that he has been waiting for. Casey is at the bat and he has hit a home run. Of course, he has been renamed Fluffy, and the name really does suit him.
We have learned so much from Casey and the others that were surrendered. Being special needs does not mean that you can’t find a fur-ever home, it just means it could take a little longer. The two dogs that came in with Casey were seniors at 10 years old, one with a heart murmur and both with no teeth. They found a home together. The other cat that came in with him was adopted right away, and now Casey has found his new home.
The Ark is very proud of the fact that we have been able to help so many special-needs animals. There are so many people out there willing to go the extra mile to give special-needs animals a home, It just takes a bit longer to find them. Most of them don’t even think twice about the extra financial responsibility; they are in a position to help and they do.
Casey (now Fluffy) will be going to his new home next week. There will be no videos or fanfare – just a group of individuals with smiles on their faces and warm hearts just knowing they were apart of his journey and knowing that his life only gets better from here on out. Life is good!
Please join us for a bake sale outside Hollywood Pet Salon on Saturday, Aug. 15, from 9-2.
Building update: The insulation is down for the floor and we are in hopes the slab will be poured next week. The account sits at $50,000; that does not include the slab. We will update the financial information once that is poured.
The Ark is looking for a small building or trailer truck trailer for a special project as well as storage. If an one has one they would like to donate please call Lorraine at The Hollywood Pet Salon, 532-7387.
Thank you for your continued support and as always thank you for reading our column.
