Meet Mr. Murphy - Rescue Cat Extraordinaire

Often, when we are looking for the perfect family pet, we overlook a great source of possible "family additions". Rescue groups and organizations that specialize in salvaging society's casualties almost always have a wide variety of "rehabilitated pets" ready for adoption.Rescued animals are given a second chance for a happy life with a caring family through the efforts of such caring people.

Usually these animals - once adorable and tiny little bunnies, puppies, chicks, and kitties - may have outgrown their former "cute" stage. The families that once owned them may have moved, become unable to care for them, or may simply have grown tired of the demands on their time and resources. Sadly, some of the rescue animals are strays, or have been abandoned, or removed from abusive environments.

Mr. Murphy started life as a stray. Abandoned soon after his birth, he somehow managed to survive long enough to be scooped up by the local Animal Control Officer, and taken to the town's shelter. Warm and fed for the first time in his short, young life, the tiny, malnourished kitten still had an uphill battle ahead, with the cards stacked against him.

The shelter did not have a "no-kill" policy, and when the lovable and loving kitten wasn't adopted, he was sent to the town's vet to be euthanized. Kitty won the tender hearts of the vet, and her staff. She couldn't quite bring herself to put the charming little fellow down, and so, for another two weeks, he again managed to hang on against the odds.

As luck would have it, a grieving pet owner and long-time client of the vet was on his way to see her with his beloved pet, a venerable, Tabby-Striped Siamese, named Tigger. Mr. Tigger's quality of life had deteriorated sharply due to old age and disease, and it was now time to ease his passing.

Tigger's owner and the vet agreed the vet would wait until the owner's wife could come and say her goodbyes, so Tigger was installed in a cage next to the little waif, who was still awaiting his own end.

After the owner's wife had made her farewells, the vet suggested the woman might like to just hold the little stray, explaining that he was supposed to have been put down, the vet, hadn't had the heart to do it.

The woman reluctantly agreed, and the tiny waif was placed in her hands. The little fellow purred so loudly his whole body shook, nestling into the woman's neck. His big, bright blue eyes blinked up at her and the little stray was a stray no more.

Murphy has grown somewhat since those first few weeks, though he has a few unresolved issues from his earlier life. He still startles easily, and does not like change.

Murphy also has a kind of feline-agoraphobia - he panics when he goes outside, and tries to hide under the house. To avoid the repercussions, he is now an indoor kitty, even though he still thinks he needs to go out when the dog does.

Aside from that, though, he is as happily well-adjusted as any cat can be. He is the King of the world, and alternates between treating the dog as his personal chew-toy, and advocating for her.

He has become truly adept at knowing when she wants something, what it is she wants, and selecting the correct human to provide it for her.

To see him in action is quite a treat. Murphy will sit in front of his helper-of-choice, or "victim" if you prefer, and complain loudly until they get up.

Then Murphy will walk in the direction he desires them to go, meowing encouragingly over his shoulder, or weaving helpfully between their legs.

Once they arrive at his chosen destination, be that the back door (to let the dog out or back in), or the refrigerator (to find a treat for the dog), Murphy will loudly demand you accede to his request, secure in the knowledge that you, like all humans, know exactly what he wants you to do. Not surprisingly, he is often right.

If you don't catch on right away though, never fear. Murphy is quite ready to repeat the whole process until you do.

Before we consider selecting our next family addition from a pet shop, we should consider calling our local shelters to see what rescue pets are available.

We can get involved as volunteers. There are many opportunities to make a contribution, helping to organize or work at special events. Shelters are always looking for volunteer pet-walkers, and other care-givers.

This would not be a good match for me, because I would bring home every cat, dog, and bunnie that came in to the shelter, but many find this a most rewarding experience.

As well, the very first link above, sent to me by another hubber, takes you to a site where you can contribute to sheltered pets at no cost. Animals are deserving of our care and consideration.

We need to ensure that they have every chance to live in a safe, caring environment, and become part of a loving family.

All photos and images by Elle Fredine

© 2010, Elle Fredine, All rights reserved