This is Chuck. One of our “foundling” pets. He was abandoned in an apartment at about 6 months old. His previous owners left him there when they moved out 
Although it’s really bad that he was abandoned, it turned out to be great luck for us. He’s been one of the best pets I’ve ever had.
I’ve written about him before and will do it again because it’s important to remind people that there are a lot of animals that get left behind or dumped for whatever reason. These animals need help and homes.
I’ve heard people say that the animal was probably dumped for a good reason - they blame the animal for it’s situation. I’ve heard people talk about the “fun” of having a new puppy or kitten. There’s the “cute” factor that turns people off adopting older animals. As in, older animals just aren’t “cute enough”. I’ve got a different point of view.
There are a lot of reasons pets are left and it’s all about the owner’s problems - financial troubles, owners become too old or sick to care for them, work schedules, family issues - none of which are the animal’s fault. Chuck’s only “crime” was that he was inconvenient when it came time to move. He was not a “bad cat” that deserved to be left behind.
/mini-rant
Yes, I do sound a bit upset with the people who left him and I am. They were students who knew they’d be moving out. They should have made sure they were going to be able to care for their pets for life before they picked up cute new kittens (Chuck had 2 sisters abandoned with him - all were adopted and are happy. They were lucky.). Cats live for a long time - longer than 6 months.
/end mini-rant
If you are thinking of getting a new pet, PLEASE check the shelters and rescue leagues before heading out to get a brand new baby animal. If “bonding” is a concern I can understand that but I can also offer our experience with Chuck. He couldn’t be more part of our family if we had gotten him at 8 weeks old. It actually seems that he appreciates us more and is more affectionate because of his ordeal. (I’m just comparing him to the many other cats I’ve had. I’ve never had one more focused on being part of the family.)
As for “cuteness” that does wear off for all pets. The upside of him being older was that he was beyond the crazy destructive kitten thing. You cat owners know about that stuff - the chewing, the curtain climbing, the wailing kitten in the night, the furniture destroying, the child clawing - ugh!!!! That’s right dog owners, cats are a bundle of trouble when they are babies too 
Anyway, that’s it. I just need to post my “support pet adoption” thing every so often. It’s a good thing to do.
Some helpful links
Pet Rock Festival
Pet Rock is a festival and ongoing project of Charlene Arsenault. I’m sure if you check their site, you can find lots of advise on how to adopt a pet or how to find a home if you cannot keep a pet. Pet Rock has an annual event, visit their site for information or to learn how you can support Pet Rock: http://www.petrockfest.com/
The Cat Hostpital of Auburn
If it’s a cat you are looking for, The Cat Hostpital of Auburn always has adoptable cats. They post pictures on the site so you can have a look at who needs a home.
Related ‘I’m From Worcester Posts’
Animals! Post about a pregnant cat that was dumped at our complex.
Update post This one was an update to the “Animals!” post.
Final update on “Animals!” Yes, The abandoned cat found a home.
Here’s another site that can help you find an adoptable pet:
Pet Finder. You can find info. about adoptions, pet care, adoptable pets - you get the picture.
Sunday, 16. March 2008
Your Chuck is gorgeous!
Thanks for writing so passionately about pet adoption! All but one of our pets over the years have come from shelters or needed homes and we took them in. They have all been wonderful members of our family!
;o)
- Lee
Sunday, 16. March 2008
Thanks Lee! I’ll let Chuck know you think he’s gorgeous too - he likes attention
Monday, 17. March 2008
Claudia -
Hi. I’m Train Rider’s partner-in-crime.
Your animal adoption plea was very well done. Chuck is a lucky kitty.
My mother-in-law rescued my cat, Yoda. Yoda was a feral kitten who found herself pregnant and in my mother-in-law’s yard. When she was rescued, Yoda was probably about 9 months old. My mother-in-law couldn’t keep her, but we gladly took her in. She is the best cat I’ve ever had the privilege of owning.
Yoda is a wonderful pet. She is an only-kitty - her one flaw is that she shows a lot of aggression towards other animals. But she is such a happy cat. She doesn’t do anything destructive to our furniture or belongs (she loves her scratch pads), she is incredibly clean and she even coughs up her fur balls into her little box.
Animal adoption is so important. Most adopted animals really seem to innately know that they were rescued. They make wonderful family members.
On a different note, I know Train Rider has also received the Joffrey’s coffee. Train Rider hasn’t tried it yet. I’ll try to finagle an invitation to Train Rider’s house to try the coffee.
Thanks!
Commute-a-holic
Monday, 17. March 2008
Hi Commute-a-holic! Thank you for stopping by with the nice comments. I really appreciate it.
Thank you also for sharing your story. I’m always glad when I hear stuff like that.
Monday, 17. March 2008
Oh yeah - make sure you are very near-by when trainstopping makes the coffee, it’s really good stuff!
Wednesday, 19. March 2008
Amen Sister…
Both my cats are rescues. The second one had a pretty hard start into life. He was found all alone at 4 months old in Marlborough. The poor guy was two meals away from not making it. He came with the normal issues of a feral cat, scared of life,people and anti social. This was back in October, he since has become the biggest love bug I have ever had, he loves to be rubbed and cuddled and so on. I never regret adopting him even though he wouldn’t let me near him for the first few months. But he has came to his own and is one of the best kitties. My older cat was a cat that my brother took but then left him alone for days at a time. He is a true love also.
I would gladly adopt all kitties that need homes. If only my home was bigger and my pockets deeper
Saturday, 22. March 2008
I adopted our cat, Mojo, from the Worcester animal shelter when he was 1 year old and had been living homeless on the streets the entire time. He is also super loving and affectionate, and I agree that he ‘appreciates’ us more because of his ‘tough childhood.’ We also have 3 enormous labs he ADORES strangely enough - sits on them, licks them, tries to grab their tails as they walk by. Yep, Mojo owns us all. ADOPT FROM A SHELTER FOLKS! And yes, even ‘older’ cats.