cat-E-corner.com

Special Cats, Special People

    When you walk into my veterinarian's office, one of the first things you notice is not how clean it is (that's an important criterion when choosing a vet) or that you're immediately greeted by the helpful and intelligent receptionist, who, after your first visit remembers not only the name of your pet but your name as well. No, one of the first things you notice isn't a "thing" at all, but a pretty little brown kitten that purrs loudly and rubs her head against your leg lovingly.  Her velvety chocolate fur tempts you to pet her. Her soft dark eyes implore you to pick her up. Only then do you notice that something is terribly wrong. Her back legs seem fused together; they do not work as separate limbs. The receptionist explains something about a congenital defect of the kitten's spine, but you are too taken with this furry little ball of affection to follow her explanation closely. It's only when she tells you that the people who bred her brought her in to be put to sleep that you take your eyes away from the kitten. "The vet didn't have the heart ... ", she says. "We all wanted to keep her and take care of her," she says. "She is so lovable and adorable, and she gets around fine," she says. As if on cue, the office door opens and the kitten leaps agilely out of your arms and scampers off into a back room. You notice that she runs quickly and without apparent pain. The receptionist confirms this as she helps the next patient. While you wait to meet with the vet, you notice that dotting the walls everywhere are photos of the little kitten with various other animals that you assume are patients. The curious little kitten cuddles a big Labrador Retriever that has a bandaged leg. She sits on the lap of another dog's "mother" as the dog is being examined. She curls up next to a carrier with kittens. Photos show her in the examining rooms, the lab, the waiting area and on the laps of dozens of smiling people. Before you leave, you have to have another look at the little kitten. She is brought out to you in the arms of a technician who kisses her before handing her over. The kitten begins to purr and rubs her face against yours. You can't imagine that anyone would want to snuff out this precious life because of a birth defect. The other people in the waiting room begin to crowd around you, awed by the strong life force and winning personality of the kitten. One of them asks to hold her. You hand her over gently. The kitten purrs into the face of the man now holding her as a huge smile spreads over his face. You walk out of the office, looking forward to your next vet appointment, even if your own cat is not. 

    Because this website is devoted to cats and the people who love them, it would be remiss not to mention the scores of people who are doing much to help animals in lower Manhattan and the Washington, D.C. area in the wake of the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Many animals had to be abandoned by NYC apartment dwellers who were told they could not yet go back to their homes. Many others were left orphaned. Rescue workers including veterinarians and people from the ASPCA, animal shelters, humane societies and animal-loving "civilians" set up hotlines, collected donations and bought and/or donated food and medical supplies in their ongoing efforts to help.  Veterinarian offices remained open after hours to accommodate the influx of pets that were brought in when people were finally allowed back in their homes. Of course, there are animals that will not be reunited with their owners. Neighbors and friends of those who lost their lives should report knowledge of pets to animal rescue groups. Another way to help is to foster or adopt abandoned animals. If you know of a pet that was stranded in Manhattan as a result of the terrorist attacks, here are some places to call for help: 

ASPCA, 212-867-7700, ext. 4PET

BARC, 718-486-7489

City Critters, 212-252-3183

HSUS, 1-888-LOST-123

Questions or comments? Contact us.