Mannie
In late March 2007, with the last snowstorm close at hand I knew that the end was near for me. I was too thin, too weak and too hurt to try surviving anymore. I didn’t want to die on the road so I pulled myself up onto the front step of the nearest house. A nice woman found me and called animal control. The man came and brought me to the Tantramar Veterinary Hospital. I think everyone thought it would be kinder to put me to sleep.
When I got to the Hospital, Dr. Gina felt so sorry for me. She offered me some yummy cat food and I almost ate the stick it was on. I was so hungry and it tasted so good. Dr Gina thought that if I wanted to live that much, she would give me a chance. After giving me a thorough examination, the extent of my condition became apparent. Torn and battered skin covered nothing but bones. I had Infected lacerations and most of my fur was matted and stained from laying in filth. I couldn’t even walk anymore. I needed a lot of care to get better.
Dr Gina and the staff bathed me (the yellow fur turned a clean white), gave me medication for my infection and enough food that my belly didn’t hurt anymore. They put me in a nice warm basket. I thought for sure I had actually died and had been dreaming it all. Once, a long time ago I had been taken care of. My family had me neutered, but I’m not sure what changed. I did know I felt safe again.
They named me Mannie and they were so proud of me a week later when I walked slowly on my own for the first time since arriving. As I got stronger, I got to roam around the clinic and explore. I had my own sunny spot to sleep in and they never worried that I would try and get out the door. I wanted no part of the outside any more. I didn’t like the dogs that came in to the clinic, but I loved the other cats. By the fall I had doubled my weight and was feeling so much better.
In the fall some kittens came in for the adoption program. What little energetic youngsters they were. One of them had left to find a home, leaving his little orange brother all alone. They started letting the two of us out together so I could keep him company. This little guy followed me around, pulled on my tail and stole my basket. Soon though, I started really liking the little bug. I started feeling like a kitten again myself and we’d wrestle and then go sleep in my basket together.
One day someone came to look at my little friend. They really liked him and wanted to take him home. I was sad because I didn’t want to lose my friend. They saw the two of us together and told Dr. Gina that they didn’t want to separate us and asked if they could care for me too. Someone wanted me!! They came and filled out the paperwork and then took us both to their house.
Mannie Update
Mannie was placed in long-term foster care but, unfortunately, his guardians are moving and he is back at the clinic for now, soaking in the attention while he waits for a new home. If you are interested and would like to meet Mannie, please drop in to the clinic.
Mannie Update 2
June, 2010
Mannie has another new home with another local couple, has been there 2 years now and seems quite content.