Today was a very sad day at the shelter as we said goodbye to one of our beloved office cats, Tony the Tiger. Tony came to us five years ago after his owner died in a tragic fire, and it was believed that Tony had perished as well. Amazingly, Tony, minus one of his nine lives, surfaced a few days later covered with grease and soot, and came to live with us at Safe Haven.
Tony was quite depressed upon arrival and refused to eat. We soon discovered that his English caretaker had fed him only people food, and Tony felt that he should continue with that menu! After some negotiation, we worked through the diet dilemma, and Tony settled into shelter life with us seamlessly. With the exception of a short adoption when Tony “peed his way home,” he spent the rest of his years at Safe Haven. His days were spent sunning himself on the deck and lounging on the love seat or in his heated bed receiving pets and love from all comers. Kind and mannerly, Tony was a shelter favorite and a wonderful companion to Tippy and then Lexi, as well.
Shortly after coming to us, Tony was diagnosed with early kidney failure. Due to the best vet care and wonderful support provided by our staff, we were able to keep Tony doing well until the end. Always a sweet and gentle cat, Tony departed this life as graciously as he lived — in his home and surrounded by those he loved most. In spite of our sorrow, we celebrate his life and the joy he brought to all who knew him. He will be greatly missed.