disclaimer: if you follow me on twitter or we are facebook friends, you are probably sick of hearing about the three-legged cat. I don't blame you. I promise, after this, no more!
About four months ago, I started feeding a stray cat that had been hanging around my apartment. I know feeding strays is a bad idea, because then they keep coming back, but I can't help it. I love animals. Especially cats. AND HE ONLY HAD THREE LEGS. Also he was slightly cross-eyed. I could not resist.
I made friends with him pretty quickly, though I never let him into my house (well maybe once or twice. but never for very long!) because I was worried about what kind of disease he might give to Oscar. He showed up pretty reliably around 7pm and 7am, hollering for his food, which I gave him.
I really wanted to just adopt the poor little animal, who Chris and I called many various names, all beginning with "Tri-". Tripod (duh), Triangle, Trident, Trinity, Triclops...on and on. I wanted to just get him his shots and bring him in. But Chris wouldn't let me. Chris and I each have a cat, and he is very adamant that we not become crazy cat people. Apparently three makes us that, though I say that number is debatable. Nonetheless. I could not adopt the cat.
One night it got a little chilly and I started to worry about Triangle's livelihood this winter. I began to research how to take care of a stray cat when it's cold. Because I live on the third floor, I finally concluded that his best chance for survival was for me to take him to the no-kill shelter where I volunteer. Surely somebody would take pity on his poor, three-legged soul and give him a new home.
Two days after I made that decision, as I was bracing myself to take him in, I noticed a flyer for a lost cat. This person's cat had been lost for about 4 months. He was gray and black, and OH YEAH, HE HAS THREE LEGS. I immediately called the number and left a crazy-person message rambling on and on about "I have your cat! I have been feeding him! Oh my goodness I so hope this is your cat because I thought he had been abandoned and I am so happy that he has a home!" Honestly I am lucky she called me back.
But she did. And she was as excited as I was, which made me happy for this little dude's future. The next morning, I let him in, now being assured that he had all his shots. He hung around my house for the day, much to Oscar's chagrin, and that evening Jennifer came by to pick up Gibson.
She rescued him when he was hit by a car several years ago, and she took care of him when the vet had to amputate his leg. She used to live here and then she moved, but he was too fast (he is surprisingly speedy!) and she could not catch him to take him with her. She tried and tried, but couldn't find him. She had given up hope but she posted one last flyer the day after I decided I had to take him to the shelter. WHAT ARE THE CHANCES?
Their reunion was so happy. I loved it. And the next morning as I was eating my cereal by the window, I was a little sad when I didn't hear his obnoxious demand for food. I miss that little dude. But she texted me a few days ago and said he has settled back in nicely and has been sleeping in her bed again and they are obviously all very happy. I am so excited that I helped this happy little story.
MORAL: microchip your pets!
I'm TOTALLY not a cat person, but it's a great story. If I ever lose one of my dogs, I hope someone like you finds them!
And, Yes! to microchips for pets. I had never heard of it until we moved to Hawaii, where it is mandatory. And, we've microchipped the dogs we've acquired since living there. It totally pays off!
Posted by: Stephanie | October 06, 2009 at 07:15 PM
Such a fantastic story, Leah. And tell Chris that we have three cats, so I guess we are crazy cat people. Just want to provide full disclosure, so he knows the extended family he is marrying into.
Posted by: Cheryl | October 06, 2009 at 08:09 PM
What a wonderful story!!! You have been so good to him during his months of being lost, feeding and caring for him! I was very curious about the three legged cat, and i am so, so glad that he is safely home! I love the photograph of his big MEOW.
Posted by: Josepha | October 07, 2009 at 06:44 AM