Big, sweet boy needs a home

The situation with Alex has me furious at people I've never met. Alex came back to us on Sun. and the poor guy is in terrible shape. He had fleas (was treated immediately for that), but continues to scratch so our coordinator suspects lice. He's lost fur around his neck, has infections in both eyes and has clearly lost some weight. This is not the same cat we adopted out in June. What is wrong with these people that they didn't get him to a vet? They apparently have two other rescued cats and said they "love" animals. Something had to happen in that house to stress him out. He's going to our vet today. I hate seeing him like this, but it does buy me some time to find him another home or at least a better foster care situation. He's not going anywhere for the time being.

Please keep the good vibes coming! I spent all day yesterday emailing various rescue groups/shelters. I'm determined to find a place for this sweet boy, even if I to drive him to another state.

Here's a picture of Alex I took last night. Unfortunately, we have to keep him in a kennel for now, so he doesn't pass on anything to the kittens.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/eilcon/DSCN5676.jpg

He looks like my Bob! This angers me because some of this situation sounds like what I found myself in when I took Bob in. He was out for so long he didn't know how to behave in interactions with me. It's taken 4 months, but we have made strides. I almost gave up on him at one point when he swatted me in the face while I was trying to deal with his matted fur. Now he lets me pet him without a problem and rarely swats at me as I'm walking by. I couldn't imagine life without him.

I hope you find a good home for him soon. A great cat like this should have a loving home!

Originally Posted by eilcon

The situation with Alex has me furious at people I've never met. Alex came back to us on Sun. and the poor guy is in terrible shape....<snip>

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Grrrrrrr .... Some people are just absolutely CLUELESS!!!!

Hope y'all get this sorted out soon.

Cindy

When I came into work this morning, I had two email inquiries about Alex - one from Columbus, OH - just a couple hours away from me, and the other from a woman in Vermont who saw him on the website for the United Maine Coon Rescue Alliance. I responded to both and have already heard back from the Vermont lady, who has submitted her application through the rescue group. They forwarded the application to me. Looks good, but still need to be approved by Maine Coon rescue and our coordinator. The family has two other cats - another male Maine Coon mix and and older male DSH. She is willing to drive to New York to meet me. I'm willing to do this for Alex's sake, but am also a little leary about a long distance adoption. Any thoughts, suggestions, etc...

Originally Posted by eilcon

When I came into work this morning, I had two email inquiries about Alex - one from Columbus, OH - just a couple hours away from me, and the other from a woman in Vermont who saw him on the website for the United Maine Coon Rescue Alliance. I responded to both and have already heard back from the Vermont lady, who has submitted her application through the rescue group. They forwarded the application to me. Looks good, but still need to be approved by Maine Coon rescue and our coordinator. The family has two other cats - another male Maine Coon mix and and older male DSH. She is willing to drive to New York to meet me. I'm willing to do this for Alex's sake, but am also a little leary about a long distance adoption. Any thoughts, suggestions, etc...

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Ask these people for vet references?
Since they have cats, the cats should have been to the vet, so ask for the name of their vet to make sure they are responcible unlike that last lady. Grr.

Well, instead of getting any work done today, I've been busy trying to coordinate things for Alex. The lead in Columbus didn't pan out. The home in Vermont sounds great. She provided vet references in everything, but it is a long way to drive. The latest is a woman from Louisville, Ky, just a couple of hours away. She saw Alex on Petfinder. Has two other young cats. Keeps them indoors only and doesn't believe in declawing. Our coordinator wants to give her priority, which makes sense since she's closer, but I feel bad for the woman in Vermont. She sounded so excited, but I'm sure there's another cat out there for her somewhere.

Alex has been doing fine with using his litter box and no more sratching.
He's going to our vet next week and if everything checks out will go to his new home a few days later.

Please, please, please send good vibes that things work out for Alex this time! Thanks.

Alex has been to the vet and everything checks out fine, so he'll be headed to his new home on Saturday. His new "mom" is very excited and has the experience and patience to help Alex settle in and deal with any stress he may have. I'm hoping and praying that this will be the home Alex has been waiting for!

Many Many good vibes going to you and Alex. He looks like such a sweet boy. I hope and pray all goes well for him and his new "mom". Keep us posted.

Alex has gone to his new home! I received this wonderful email from his new mom this morning, which says it all:

"Things are improving daily - we even had a game of three cat tag this
morning. Jasper is really warming up to Alex & while Morgan hasn't
totally made up her mind, she is initiating contact more & more. Alex
has done really well at switching over to kitten food which I'll keep
all of them on till Morgan is a year old (she had a good 8 months to go)
and Alex's coat is grown out again. I just think that the extra
nutrition will really help him recover fully. His eyes were both running
at first, but are also improving daily and only the right one has a
small amount of discharge. He is talking & purring quite a bit and
sleeping a great deal. He has really been through so much and I'm so
happy to give him a peaceful home. We do have moments of "kitty
insanity", but they are fun not stress. Life is generally very quiet in
my world. I know how hard it can be to detach from a good buddy - please
don't worry about him. He will get absolutely all the love and care that
is possible. As soon as I can borrow a camera, I'll take photos for you."

HURRAY!! HURRAY!!
It sounds like you found Alex's True Family!!! That is so awesome! And thank you so much for all the updates - it's so encouraging for all the other people out there who work so valiantly for those kitties who need a home...Bless you all!! Susan

Since it's been a while since I posted about Alex, wanted to share this recent email from his mom. It made me cry.

Alex is doing really great - his hair is growing out nicely and is very
soft and silky now, only a couple of scars are still visible on his ears
& I think that they will go away in time. He loves to be brushed - much
purring and talking goes on. He has put on some weight & the eye
discharge is all but gone. It does happen once in a while, but I think
that's just a normal thing rather than any type of infection. We have
conquered (I think) most of the scent marking issues by placing large
rocks & decorative fabric in the large plants. He loves laying on the
bed and watching the fish swim. We still have the twice daily games of
3-cat tackle tag. All in all, things are working out beautifully & he
seems relaxed & happy. If you are going to be in Louisville, please let
me know. I'll make tea & you can visit with him. Still don't have a
camera, but will surely send photos when I do.

What a day-brightening correspondence!! Maybe you could send a disposable camera to the adopter & have her return it to you, for developing & putting onto CD so you can post pics!
THANK YOU so much for letting us know about the update on Alex!!
This story, although it had the first setback, is very, very encouraging & inspiring!