After Two Decades Of Love, Family Cat Is Abandoned At Shelter, Left Confused And Heartbroken
Owning a pet is a lifelong commitment, or at least it should be. It’s heartbreaking to think that some families abandon their loyal pets as they age, or worse, leave them to survive on the streets.
Who could possibly have the heart to do such a thing?
Sadly, this is exactly what happened to a 22-year-old cat named Thelma. She had spent her entire life in a loving home, hoping that it would be her forever family.
But one day, her family made the difficult decision to surrender her to a local shelter.
At least they didn’t abandon her on the streets, but it was still a devastating situation.
To make matters worse, the shelter she was taken to was already full, lacking the resources to properly care for an elderly cat like Thelma.
Luckily, the team at Best Friends Felines heard about Thelma’s plight and quickly arranged a foster home for her.
Niki from Best Friends Felines explained:
“Her family are no longer able to afford her care due to the rising costs of living.”
Instead of living out her golden years in comfort, Thelma found herself alone, underweight, and with patches of missing fur.
But Best Friends Felines was determined to give her the love and care she deserved.
They reached out to their community for a foster carer, and a dedicated volunteer stepped up to change Thelma’s life.
When Thelma met her new caregiver, it was a heartwarming moment. It was as though she knew this was the person meant to help her.
She rubbed her face against him and made biscuits with her paws, instantly proving to be a loving, affectionate cat.
The first thing they did was take Thelma to the vet for a full examination and any necessary treatments. She even got a luxurious spa treatment. Her rescuer shared,
“She is looking sparkly new with a mat-free coat.”
She was treated for a urinary tract infection (UTI), but aside from that, she was in good health, a fact she expressed with her constant purring.
Thelma was beyond happy to finally be in the gentle hands she so richly deserved.
She was quickly settled into the rescue’s palliative care program, which ensures that special needs and senior cats live out their final years with love and comfort.
It didn’t take long for Thelma to adjust to her new home. She immediately explored every corner, quickly finding her place.
Her favorite thing was nestling into soft blankets, pillows, or sharing a bed with her favorite humans. As Nikki shared:
“She will live the remainder of her life, however long that is in Best Friends Felines’ care with endless love from her carer, vet trips when needed, and a full belly and comfy bed.”
Though she may no longer be with the family she grew up with, Thelma is content. She has a full belly, a cozy place to rest, and everything she needs to make her golden years special.
