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Making a difference, one pet at a time…It takes a shelter
Arcadia Weekly Apr 10, 2013
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The beauty of senior animals
As part of our continuing desire to focus on those in our community who care for unwanted animals, we are highlighting here the work that animal rescue organizations do in helping those animals find homes.
“Oooh! Look at this one! Shes SO pretty!” The middle-aged-looking couple was at a cat adoption event in Pasadena. Although they had recently lost their own much-loved cat due to a cancerous tumor, the couple felt they were ready to adopt another cat. They knew that they could never replace their late, beloved Mitsi, but they still had lots of love, and wanted to give it to a homeless cat.
The couple was enthralled with Ziggy, a beautiful female, with long gray & white fur. She is lovely, with striking eyes which look as if she uses eyeliner. As usual, Ziggy had turned on the charm, putting her nose to the cage, and rolling over for a tummy rub whenever anyone stopped by to “talk” to her.
The smiling volunteer came up and pointed out Ziggy’s beauty and friendliness. Then she said, “Shh! Don’t tell her she’s a senior! She doesn’t know it, and acts like a youngster!” Yes, Ziggy is a 12-year-old gal, which is about 84 in people years.
Obviously shocked at Ziggy’s age, the couple smiled politely and walked away.
It is difficult to believe that with all the beautiful attributes going for her, Ziggy has yet to find a permanent home. Well, that is to say, another permanent home. You see, she HAD a first “home”–for 10 years! Then, her owner moved out of state and decided not to take Ziggy with her.
Needless to say, the past three years have not been easy for this plucky little gal. Ziggy has gone from life at the “cat pad,” with unfamiliar cats, to a few days at the vets, to boarding at the groomer’s. She is finally now in a loving foster home, with lots of attention and no other cats; however, this cannot be permanent, and Ziggy is still being driven to Petsmart to be shown every weekend, with hopes that someone will not be put off by her age and reach out to this amazing soul.
Yet, throughout her ordeal, Ziggy has remained very loving. She loves to sit on laps, and will always be where you are. She needs to be the only kitty, but she is ready to shower you with affection.
Senior cats are purr-fect for homes with no young children or boisterous pets, and can thrive to live many more years! Seniors are calm, already vaccinated, and spayed or neutered. A cat like Ziggy can make a wonderful companion, as all they want is a permanent home, a lap to cuddle on, and LOVE! We hope Ziggy and other seniors will find that peaceful, forever home . . .
With apologies to a quote from Eleanor Roosevelt on aging, “ . . . beautiful senior cats are works of art.” This observation certainly holds true in the case of Ziggy. Wouldn’t we all love to grow old as gracefully as she has.
. . . It just takes time, it takes caring rescuers, and, often, it takes a shelter.
As part of our continuing desire to focus on those in our community who care for unwanted animals, we are highlighting here the work that animal rescue organizations do in helping homeless pets find homes.
NOTE: We do understand that circumstances change; however, the decision to adopt a pet should be carefully considered. Rescuers and shelters have seen horrific situations, and firmly believe that a pet should be considered part of the family “for life.” If finances or conditions change, serious thought should be given as to how the owners will provide for the pet, who will have no idea what became of his home and loved ones. It is traumatic for most, who are suddenly in a cage at a shelter (if they are lucky), surrounded by unfamiliar people, and being driven back and forth to adoption events. To find a list of no-kill rescues and shelters in the San Gabriel Valley: adoptapet.com or petfinder.com.
For an application or more information on ZIGGY: www.lifelineforpets.org or call 626-676-9505.
By Darlene Papa
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