They wouldn't be in a home today...they wouldn't be in your home...without HEART.
Here are just a handful of their stories.
Stories that would never have been told without you!!
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"PANACHE"
Panache was an adorable little cat. His history told of a rough life, having been hit by a car and a mother who had distemper, leaving him with equilibrium problems and cross-eyed. Panache was a lesson in perseverance and an inspiration in the lesson of never giving up. Every day was a struggle, but he met that struggle and exceeded everyone's expectations. Panache found a way to do whatever it was he wanted to do, even if it wasn't in a traditional "cat-like" manner. He played chase with other cats (for those of us who saw him walk or run this was something to see). Panache was the best "Good Will Ambassador" the cat world could have. People fell in love with his sheer determination to succeed, not to mention his sweet little face and bright blue eyes. He was brave, sweet, tough and cuddly. Panache was adopted by a very special family where he was a cherished member of the family until he passed away. |
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"RAY"
Ray was rescued from a hoarder house with over 90 malnourished, sick cats. 90 cats in one home? Meowsers! Poor Ray wanted to get out of there! There just wasn't enough food, affection and space to go around. Ray is one of the lucky ones that came to HEART. He was a little bewildered about life when he first came us. But today “wow” you wouldn't recognize him! He's a social butterfly. Ray is blind due to ocular herpes that went untreated in the hoarder home. But he doesn’t let his blindness stop him in any way. He is a happy, sweet, loving bundle of enthusiasm that loves to run and play with his jingly balls and fuzzy toy mice!! If Ray had gone to a traditional shelter he probably would have been euthanized. HEART knew Ray didn’t want to die and deserved a chance just like any other cat. His new pet parent says Ray is an amazing addition to her household and she is blessed to have such a wonderful cat!! |
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"JACK SPARROW"
Jack Sparrow was a tiny six-week old kitten. He was found with life-threatening injuries caused by a lawn mower accident. His injuries included a broken pelvis, a broken leg, an eye laceration as well as a head wound. He was being eaten alive by maggots that had invaded the wound on his broken leg. Jack was rushed to the hospital where he underwent surgery to fix his broken little body. He spent many days in intensive care with loving caregivers and HEART volunteers to keep him company. Sadly, things took a tragic turn and Jack died. But, he passed on knowing that he had many new friends who loved him very much. A HEART volunteer was with him until the end. Even if that’s all we could do, we still made a difference in the life of this precious kitten. |
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"HEATHER"
Heather's back leg was caught in an illegal leg hold trap. She struggled to crawl back to her newborn kittens, dragging the trap with her. She became entangled on a fence and hung there for hours. Poor Heather!! She was so frightened and hurt. She suffered greatly but she didn't give up. Someone found her hanging on the fence and called HEART. We rushed to Heather’s rescue but we weren't sure she would make it. Heather is a tough little girl and with tons of tender loving care she pulled through. Due to her severe injuries, her back leg was amputated. But Heather’s story has a happy ending. HEART found this very brave mom and her family wonderful new homes!! |
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"BOB"
Bob is FIV positive. When cats like Bob are diagnosed with FIV, nobody wants them. You'd think they were an unexploded bomb or an X-rated movie. Make that "FIV-rated". People are always surprised to see how healthy many FIV cats are. But that's the way most of them are!! FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) is not an automatic death sentence, and many FIV cats live long, healthy lives and never suffer any ill effects. Bob was adopted several years ago and is a healthy and cherished family pet. In an effort to display his gratitude, he “volunteers” his time as a HEART therapy cat and visits nursing homes. This handsome lug is also a famous model. This is Bob’s picture from the national PETCO Foundation Pet Calendar (no autographs, please!!). |
Cats are Wonderful Friends
Gentle eyes that see so much,
paws that have the quiet touch,
Purrs to signal "all is well"
and show more love than words could tell.
Graceful movements touched with pride,
a calming presence by our side.
A friendship that takes time to grow
Small wonder why we love them so. |
