Be The Change! Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable Pet Week, Sponsored By Petfinder, Is Sept. 19th-25th

As an early kickoff  of "Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable Pet Week", sponsored by Petfinder,  September 19th thru September 25th I am featuring a very special guest blog by a wonderful woman I met online, Sherry LeVeque. Sherry wrote a touching piece about her having adopted a "less adoptable pet" (in this case  a cat) named "Lucky."

I first learned about "Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable Pet Week" by reading the most popular website for pet bloggers EVER, ( BlogPaws,) this is part of their "Be The Change" campaign where all of us who love pets and blog about them because we love them, attempt to "give back."

 What is a pet that is less adoptable? That would include pets who are considered to be "seniors" (ages 7 and above), pets with medical concerns/conditions, feral cats and even pets that happen to be a less popular color. There are many such pets who are worthy of a "furever' home and would make a wonderful and heartwarming addition to someone's family.

Some information about Sherry LeVeque in her own words:

"I came across Caren's Cat Chat via Facebook when I found her heartwarming review of Homer's Odyssey by Gwen Cooper. As for me, my husband and I reside in Genesee County, Michigan with our four "fur kids". I am employed at OnStar as an Instructional Designer for the Emergency Services team. (OnStar can even unlock your vehicle if your pet is inside!) Additionally, I volunteer during adoption events for ARC, a non-profit pet rescue out of Laingsburg, Michigan http://www.askarc.petfinder.com/. "

" I really want to send a message about adopting older and/or special needs cats.  So many are in shelters and deserve good homes."

Now...I present to you in honor of so many kitties who deserve a loving kitty mama like Sherry, Sherry's story about Lucky:

Lucky

In 2006, I went on a search for a companion for my eight year old cat, Snickers. Sure, she had lived with other cats before and was currently tolerating Aly, my husband’s dog, but I felt she needed a feline companion. (Thinking back, maybe it was I that needed another feline companion.) I rescued Snickers when she was about six months old after she was found wandering around my apartment complex. She became my loyal companion and helped me through the drama of my single years before I met my husband.

My journey for another cat began with an Internet search on http://www.petfinder.com/ where I stumbled upon a picture of a kitten at the Animal Resource Center (ARC) in Laingsburg, MI. I thought a kitten was perfect for our situation. During my visit to ARC, several cats ran by my legs, but one comical black and white cat instantly caught my eye. At a glance he appeared to be older and had a limp, but nevertheless thoroughly enjoying a game of tag with his fellow feline roomies. Megan, the ARC president, informed me he had been there for over a year because most felt he was too fragile to adopt because he was missing a rear leg. As a kitten, he lost his rear leg and mom when another animal attacked them outside. She said he may end up a ‘sanctuary’ cat due to his special needs. (Cats labeled as ‘sanctuary’ pets at ARC are taken care of for life due to their special needs and limited chance of adoption.) At the time, he also had a couple recurring medical issues yet to be resolved. I immediately felt this rambunctious cat would be the perfect fit for our family.

About a month later, this handsome fellow started his new life in our home with my husband, Snickers, Aly and I. We ironically named him Lucky (aka: Lucky Luciano or Looch). He and Snickers were slowly introduced to ensure a positive relationship, but Lucky was determined to speed up the process. We placed a fenced baby gate in the doorway of the room he was in and he immediately climbed over it to make friends with Snickers. Of course, Snickers wasn’t too thrilled, especially when he wanted to wrestle, but she later came to participate in his games of tag.


Lucky is minimally limited because of his missing leg, but don’t tell him. He can play and runs just as fast as any other cat. He also has a spunky personality and races up and down our hallway as if he were leading the Indy 500. Since he only has one rear leg, he cannot jump. It was agonizing to watch Lucky persistently attempt every possible way to get on our bed. The next day, my husband was kind enough add a small step attachment to the side of our bed so Lucky could enjoy lazy day naps on our bed.


It wasn’t long before Lucky began developing lumps on his chest and front legs. He went through two surgeries to remove the lumps before the receiving the cancer diagnosis. Lucky definitely wasn’t lucky (at that time). Fortunately, steroids have helped prevent the lumps from returning and also treat the arthritis developing in his only rear leg from excessive use. Throughout the vet visits and procedures, Lucky has remained an angel and is ever so appreciative of the care he receives. His determined will and life loving personality has taught me the importance and reward of determination. Where there’s a will, there is a way!