New Gericatrics at Almost Home by Laurie O'Leary

They are five in number. The youngest is thirteen three are seventeen and one is an eighteen year old beauty. This would be an energetic, young group if we were talking about people, but Missy, Sassy, Calvin, Clovis and Tortie are a group of elderly cats and the newest residents at Almost Home Animal Sanctuary.

We were contacted by a wonderful rescue group that we've worked with several times now. They were trying to help a couple who had life throw them some unforseen difficulties making it necessary to give up their beloved animals. These folks had been rescuing animals down on their luck for a number of years and many of them were hard to place. These five oldsters were at the top of the list. It's very difficult to find homes for young healthy cats, let alone five seniors at the end of their life-span! Wayne and Susan drove three hours to get their elderly friends to Almost Home. Fighting tears they handed them over to us one at a time and so lovingly told us about each one.

Missy is the oldest and was the first to come forward and greet us. Her little stubby tail stood straight up and her ears perked high. Not a shy bone in this little girl's body! She sniffed and rubbed, and then went on exploring her new situation. Susan explained that her tail was injured badly when she was found as a tiny kitten, a majority of it had to be surgically removed. Missy seems to consider her little furry stub a flag and uses it to let all know she's the head of whatever parade may be in progress. And at Almost Home there's always a parade somewhere.

Sassy was the next to meet us. Sassy is quite a lady, Susan explained. She'll politely wait her turn for the food dish, treats or attention. We've also discovered that Sassy LOVES water and will stand directly in the shower while in use. She's also very vocal and will tell you every story she knows time after time as if she's never mentioned it before.

Calvin is the group's clown. The shyest at first, he now likes to entertain and seems to think everything looks better upside down. I think he would love amusement parks!

When Clovis was initially set loose in his new environment, he wandered around checking out every inch. Since here I haven't seen Clovis react to any of the other animals. It's as if he'd been at Almost Home his whole life. He's a handsome, proper old gent with his gray flannel colored suit and matching white socks and gloves.

Thirteen year old Tortie, the youngest of the group has one eye missing. Susan and Wayne explained her mama tried to cross a major highway with her litter. Mama and several kittens didn't make it. She has occasional seiaures from complications with the injury, but they are infrequent and seem to affect her very little.

We are so happy to be able to help these wonderful new buddies and for Wayne and Susan to know that five of their precious friends are going to live their golden years out happily. We send these kind people our best wishes handling what they must.