Spring is here, with little lambs, crocuses in bloom, yard cleanups… and inner cities filled with litters of kittens. They appear under porches, in garages, even cuddled up in drain spouts. Such sightings send feline rescuers to the far reaches of cities like Worcester, Fitchburg, Leominster, and Gardner to save them from an uncertain fate. This is the good news. The not-so-good news is that adult cats in shelters are passed over for these younger little darlings, waiting far longer for a “forever” home. Cages are not ideal places for cats, social creatures loving to stretch and romp, climb and explore. They can become “cage crazy” aggressive or removed and withdrawn, neither of which helps to make them appealing. I invite readers who are looking for a new cat to consider options other than a kitten. My organization partners with the Worcester Animal Rescue League, 139 Holden St. in Worcester. At the shelter now are over a dozen special needs adults with much love to give. There is declawed Sonya who wants to play one minute, run away the next. Alisa is shy and wants a quiet perch to sit on and to cuddle with you at night. Garfield is a lovely orange long-haired fellow who has been through tough times and needs quiet and understanding while he sorts out if he can trust you, with eyes begging for you to be that person. Toby, Boey, and Trinka, all very friendly, sweet and happy, have tested positive for a feline immune disease, but are healthy in all other respects and could live to be 15. Readers who have it in their hearts that they don’t need the perfect pet, and would like to give one a second chance, are invited to contact me at Jan.Beckwith@comcast.net or 978-779-5227.
Jan Beckwith, president
Second Chance Fund for Animal Welfare, Inc
