Abyssinian Needs a Home ASAP - California

[Bari_d]

Here's the situation...photo below. Email me [email protected] or his friend, Marjorie [email protected] if you can help.

Chula Vista,CA
Name: Alfie
> Age:9 1/2
> Sex:Male

Gorgeous fawn-colored, green-eyed, short-haired, spayed, pure-bred cuddly cat! Dad had to move back to the U.S. from retirement on the beach in Baja, Mexico in order to live in an Assisted Living apartment in California. Taking care of his cat is too hard for him now but he wants a great home for Alfie, his best friend. Best if hes the only pet because hes used to
hanging out with an old guy, tolerating visiting dogs, being walked on a leash or free to go it alone. But, he should be #1. He will grace your home with his beauty and warm you with his cuddly, affectionate body. We'd like to hear how he's getting along, later on.

http://www.cathappy.com/images/Temp%20photos/Alfie3.jpg

VISIT ALFIE'S WEB PAGE - www.cathappy.com/alfie.htm for more info on adopting him! TRANSPORTATION CAN BE ARRANGED!

[Steffi N]

Alfie is so beautiful. I hope he finds a new home soon.

[kimlovescats]

Oh, what a sad situation, Bari! Thanks so much for posting this! Come on all you Aby-loving Californians!!!! Let's get this boy a good home!!!!!!!

[wolflady]

OMG! He is just gorgeous! I could jump on the Aby bandwagon! ;)
Where is Chula Vista, CA in relation to the San Jose area?? I'm sure I could at least foster him until a home could be found (unless I decide to keep him first! HA!)
Yikes, I'm sure my hubby would have a hay day with that! :o But, since I was recently laid off, I'm home all day and taking care of an extra cat or two isn't too much of a big deal. Do you know if he gets along with other cats? We have 3.
**hugs**
Karen

[NoahsMommy]

I just told Wolflady that I'll be in the Chula Vista area this weekend and can pick Alfie up on Sunday.

Let me know..... :)

[Logan]

OMG!! He's gorgeous and I love that fang sticking out of his mouth!! Karen, I hope you can foster him until he finds a perfect home. :) You guys keep us posted!!

[moosmom]

Kelly,

You rock!!

[CameozMom]

I was just reading this thread about this beautiful cat and was very very touched! Please keep us all posted about what happens!! Good luck!!!!


Susie

[kimlovescats]

Sounds like a great plan... but I thought the post did say he needed to be an "only cat"????

Maybe you can still work it out though! GOOD LUCK!!!!

[terry]

century large small large purple

[terry]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by kimlovescats
Sounds like a great plan... but I thought the post did say he needed to be an "only cat"????

Maybe you can still work it out though! GOOD LUCK!!!! [

Hi-this is Alfie's owner's friend, Marjorie Terry. Thank you all for your interest. Owner is going blind and has brain damage from a fall and brain surgery. So, that's the only reason he'd want Alfie to go because he's his best friend. I really do think that if he was with any other cats, or animals, he wouldn't get along with them. I'm not trying to be picky, just avoid a bad situation. He will reach out and scratch you if you push him too far (ie put your face right into his so he can't breathe). He lives, actually, in Encinitas, CA not too far from the famous Del Mar racetrack. I'm in Chula Vista, closer to the border. I have to go up there to get him a bigger kennel and get him up to date on shots before he can leave. I plan to do that on 6/6/3. Please email me if you have any interest. [email protected] He needs a lot of love and attention because he isn't getting any now and it's sad. I've known him all his life. He's very "hardy", not coddled, maybe has a chip on his shoulder, if that's possible. Beneath that is a little boy who needs closeness that he never got from a gruff alcoholic.

[Denyce]

I sent you an email about Alfie. I will try my best to persuade my father. But keep looking.

Denyce

[Kona & Oreo's mom]

Oh, what a sweety this boy seems to be! I wish that I could help--however, most of my friends and all of my family have other fur-kids, and you mention that he must be an only pet. But I will ask around for someone to give this boy a great home. Please, let us all know how this works out!

(Just for the reference of those not familiar with southern California cities, Encinitas is just a little north of San Diego and Chula Vista is just a little farther south. All three are very close to each other.)

[Uabassoon]

I hope Alfie finds a home. If Alfie didn't need to be an only cat I might consider it, but I wouldn't want him to be unhappy.

[PayItForward]

Is there no way of checking if Alfie will or won't get on with other cats ??

Isn't it worth a chance of trying him with other cats !

[Uabassoon]

Terry who knows the cat said that he doesn't get along with other cats. I know that sometimes cats are just like that and it really stresses them out and upsets them. My roommates cat is already like that and I feel so bad for her. It's been almost two years and she's just barely starting to relax, she stopped eating stopped going to the restroom. And even now 2 years later getting her to eat is still hard for my roommate. When she sleeps on the windowsill she sleeps with one eye open, it's really creepy. I don't think I'd feel right having another cat like that around, not if she can find him a home where he could be the #1 cat.

[terry]

Thank you, Uabassoon, for understanding that I don't want to test Alfie at this point in his life. It wouldn't be fair to another cat, for one thing, if Alfie hissed or got mad at it. I've just started looking for a home so I'm sticking with him being #1. I know that will eliminate nice offers but I don't want nice people to waste their time and good intentions. I could be wrong and am not totally closed-minded because you all know so much more about cats than I do. I'm really basing it on his hissing at cats outside where he lived in a trailer on the beach. Or, at my 2 dogs inside the trailer but he tolerated them. This was normal, I'm sure. So,
if the right situation came along, another cat might be good as a companion. Thank you all for your interest in this saga.

[Bari_d]

I've known very few cats that wouldn't adjust to having others in their lives. In fact, one or two other cats if they are introduced separately and slowly usually makes for a happier cat in the long run. Males usually adjust more readily, especially if he is the one being introduced to a strange house rather than defending his existing one.

I understand Marjorie's concerns, and certainly wouldn't want to say send him a long distance just to find out it wouldn't work. But I agree, it would be nice to "see" if it might work if someone nearby could try to foster or something?????

Bari

[terry]

OK, I do like that idea, Bari_d. If anyone wants to try it, please let me know. I'd be so happy to someday see a picture of Alfie with friends.

[NoahsMommy]

I know that Wolflady wanted to try and see if her cats would be OK with him...she said she could foster him if it didn't work out and find him a happy home.

I do have an interesting option though. My mother-in-law called me and asked me to help her friend find her one or two cats. Her father passed away and she's very lonely. She came to me because we volunteer at the Humane Society and thought it would be better to really know something about a cat. She DOES want an older kitty, not a kitten. Do you think that would be a good option for her? Can you tell me about his personality? Is he a lap cat? Does he like attention? Is he loving? I know you said he seems to have a chip on his shoulder, but do you think that if he had lots of attention, he'd be better?

Please let me know.

Thanks,
Kelly :)

[wolflady]

Hmmm...I can understand not wanting to risk Alfie not getting along with other cats. However, if you do find that he gets along with other cats, do let me know and Kelly will help get him to me.

If not, I think the option of your mother-in-law's friend is a good idea, Kelly!! I'm sure we'll get this boy a home one way or another! :)
**hugs**
Karen

[terry]

Thanks so much Kelly and Karen. First off, I do love the idea of the friend because it's a one-on-one and the lady will give him a lot of attention that he sorely needs. He's lived in nice places with food and water but "nobody's been home" so to speak. He hasn't been treated like the special cat that he is. I had him for 3 months while his owner had brain surgery in August and I saw a new side of him that I never saw in all the years I've known him as a "visitor". He's not only a lap cat, he's an arm, head, leg, hair cat as far as wanting to get close. Always wanting to cuddle! Loves to sleep with you and purr loudly at times. The sound is so comforting. When he gets into a little ball to take a nap I just can't believe how precious he looks.
He would need time to get used to the new situation, of course.
Bari said if he was going to be with other cats, it would be best if he entered some other cats' territory instead of vice-versa so he won't be territorial like he can be. You all know this stuff! By the way, his breeder emailed me today and remembers him and his owner from almost 10 years ago. Amazing! She saw my ad some-
where. She still has a business and you can talk to her if she gives me permission.
Can you tell me more about the friend? Where does she live, how old is she, has she ever had pets? I assume she loves animals and understands them and is responsible blah blah blah.
Stay tuned, Karen.

[terry]

There's an owl on this cat page and it's ME. I stay up very, very late and sleep in until 10, 11, or so. So, in case you're wondering why I'm not responding it's because I'm asleep!

terry (Alfie's friend)

[terry]

More news on Alfie: his breeder just told me that his father was a National Winner in the aby world. His name was Tinbats Searching for Caleb and his owner was a Lynn Martin, probably in CA. I think it would be fun to find her and see what happens. The mother still lives at the cattery and is doing well at 14 along with her sister. The father passed away but I don't know when. He had Alfie's green eyes. We are talking a beautiful and special cat here! He should be ready for adoption by 6/8/3

terry :D :D

[NoahsMommy]

Wow....Alfie just keeps getting better! ;)

I called my mother-in-law's friend this evening and am awaiting a phone call. I'll ask her all of the things you've asked. I know she has had cats in the past. So that's a GOOD thing.

I'll keep you informed. :D

[terry]

Thanks a lot. I forget where you live. Is it in CA? I'm on my way right now to buy him a bigger kennel and the owner and I plan to take him for exam and shots on Saturday. I've heard from the breeder all the details about his family and she's been trying to find a home for him, also. So, please keep me posted and it would be good if the friend and I could talk if she's interested

M'Lee :)

[terry]

Noah's Mommy- it might be better to email me at [email protected] It's less hassle, more private and I can save it in the Alfie file!

M'Lee:cool:

[terry]

Great news!! Alfie got adopted yesterday by a really nice man who is a former client of his breeder. He loves Abyssinians and
wanted to replace the one he lost awhile ago.:D :D :D :D :D

By putting the word out there, this wonderful event was able to take place and his former owner is in awe of the whole process. He kept waiting for a "bomb" to go off as he waited at the vets yesterday while Alfie got his shots and exam. But, the new owner knew how to handle him so well that he stayed right in place and didn't complain. The next challenge is for Alfie to learn how to get along with his other cat and a huge dog. I wasn't aware he had those at first but I knew he could always go back to the breeder if things didn't go right. Lucky to be a purebred, I must say.

I want to thank those of you who responded to Alfie's plight. You are all so generous and kind. I learned a lot from listening to you.
I'm ready for the next animal who needs adoption;) ;)

terry

[Bari_d]

Terry, this is just the best news!!!!!!! So wonderful! Oh! I kept hoping we'd hear from you this weekend that it had worked out.

People, this really does tell us how much we can do with the sharing of information online...thanks to everyone who cared!

There are many sad endings to possible adoptions...this one is a winner, and we are so thrilled for Alfie. Our best to his "master" and to his new "purrson!" May the Lord smile on all of you and Terry too - you did a great job, girl!

Oh, and Terry, I know you wanted to "keep" a copy of Alfie's web page. I'll copy it to a Word doc before I delete it and send it to you to "keep!"

Bari and the Pride

[moosmom]

That is wonderful news!!! Have a great life, Alfie!!

[terry]

Bari, I really was just about to write you. I didn't want to say a word until the deal was sealed yesterday. And, afterwards, I had to help my boyfriend with lots of stuff in Encinitas. He's relieved that the new owner knows how to handle Alfie so well. Inside the vet's office he held onto Alfie while he was examined. Unfortunately, his gums are probably infected and he's in pain. This will be checked into tomorrow and, otherwise, would have NEVER been checked.

Thank you SO MUCH for all that you did. You got the ball rolling in several ways and I'll never forget that Alfie had his own website. That was so cool to say when people asked about him. Incredible and, like you said, what AMAZING things that can be accomplished by sharing at this website. You just never know who's out there! Thanks to everyone who gave me encouraging words along the way. They meant a lot because I didn't know what I was getting into or how I'd get out. It was a perfect
experience now that it's over with and I've met some nice friends. You are all such caring and sensitive people!!

[Steffi N]

I'm happy that Alfie has a new home and will be well taken care of. I'm sure with patience he will adapt to his new surroundings and new fur siblings. Terry, please keep in touch with us at Pet Talk. (I hope we will see more of Alfie too.)

[NoahsMommy]

I'm so glad sweet Alfie found a home. I have been praying hard for this little guy to find his perfect home.

I was sad not to get a call back from the woman who wanted a cat by Friday night when we left for San Diego. But, it looks like Alfie had his meant to be home getting ready for him. :)

Yay!!!! :D

[terry]

Thank you for your message and caring as well as trying to find a place for Alfie. I met his owner last night to give Alfie's things to as he'd thought he didn't need them but now he needs anything familiar he can get to help unstress Alfie. He's really patient and is even delivering a care package to Alfie's former owner as we speak.:) It is SO good to be close by!! That is, that he goes to San Diego twice a week to help his mom. Very caring guy. Take care and maybe we can stay in touch. You're doing such a good thing with all of your children.:) :)

[NoahsMommy]

The woman called today and it seems she wants a cat AND a dog from the shelter we volunteer at. Seems things worked out perfectly. Alfie's new "owner" sounds like a wonderful man. That makes me so happy!

Thank YOU for trying so hard to find the right home for Alfie. :)

[wolflady]

Yay!! I'm glad that Alfie found a home!! I knew he would! ;)
Kelly, that is so neat that that woman is going to get a cat and a dog from your shelter! How sweet!! I tell you what, I can see myself getting into trouble with this shelter volunteer stuff. I have completely fallen in love with this beautiful grey female cat (sort of looks like a russian blue) and this shep mix dog that has a bad case of mange. Oh Oh! Whatever am I to do to resist the temptation! :o LOL LOL

Congrats on your new home Alfie!! :D

[terry]

Kelly- it really did work out for the best because it was becoming inevitable that Alfie would get a home once the breeder got in-
volved. So, it's much better that shelter animals got a home and it's so nice of her to take a cat and a dog. I wonder how they're doing. Maybe she'll write in here, too. I guess things worked out well for all concerned!:D

Wolflady, thanks for the congrats. This has been fun, like getting telegrams in the old days. I'm sure I would fall in love with all kinds of animals at a shelter, too. I was just thinking today that I wish I could have a giant farm kind of place so that anytime I saw a stray, I could keep it. Seems like Oprah should do that. What ever happened to her furr-kids, by the way? Anyway, good luck controlling the urge to take home too many pets so that your own life- and those of the pets you already have-doesn't start to suffer. Mine did in Baja with too many Tired and Poors and I lost sight of my own self. Or am I the only one this has happened to?

terry