I've had to make difficult decision...

[moosmom]

I have both Ari and Buddy up for adoption on 3 websites. I figured Ari, being a Special Needs Sphynx would probably get adopted faster, as he's unique. Buddy has been a couple of websites with only one call on him.

I got a call last night for Ari. This woman, 32, sounded like her gene pool needed filtering. Kind of airheaded, if you know what I mean. She lives on her own, has 2 finches and some fish and was interested in Ari. I asked her questions about her current pets, and asked for references and her vets phone number so I could call and get a reference from him as well. She didn't have any. That was the first FLAG. If you have pets such as birds, you certainlly should have an Aviary Veterinarian. She has never owned a cat and knows absolutely nothing about the breed. Second FLAG. She was very perky, ending all her sentences on a upswing tone (phony, if you catch my drift).

I've decided that it's not a good match. I told her about Ari, how he's a loner and has special needs such as a bath every 2 weeks, cleaning his ears out 2x a week, being strictly indoors, etc. I just don't think she can handle it.

[Laura's Babies]

It is better to be safe than sorry,screen them well! If she has never had a cat, she will not understand the needs of one, much less one that needs extra care.

[Catty1]

This decision is easy. She does NOT get Ari, or any other cat from you or anyone you know!

Airhead, yes; ARI-head, NO.

[Anikaca77]

Yes I agree it's better to be safe than sorry.

[Medusa]

Yes, take no chances, especially w/a special needs cat. Some people think they can handle it and they can't and then out the cat goes. The right family will come along, Donna. Keep the faythe.

[moosmom]

I got two more calls for Ari. One said that she found a hairless cat in Maryland and will pick her up this weekend.

The other woman is from upstate New York. She has a New Foundland mix and a Oxolo, a new name for a Mexican Hairless dog. She's concerned that Ari won't do well with dogs. I told her I'd call her back, as I don't know if he's good with dogs. My friend Rene would know more than I would.

[heidiv]

Oh man aren't Newfoundland's HUGE dogs??? I would be so worried that Ari wouldn't know how to hand that sort of situation..... Dogs for a cat that hasn't had a whole lot of exposure to dogs can be a BIG adjustment. But such a big intimadating dog of that size would be my biggest concern but you are a smart cookie I am almost postive you know what best for your kitty....That has to be a very hard decision to make when you also have to look out for his special needs you'll do what best... Thanks for a idea on the foster kittens I think I will be much better off charging for vet needs...Thanks!

[moosmom]

Since Buddy has found his home, and I'm sick and tired of screening calls for Ari, I've decided to keep Ari.

Every single call for Ari was, the impression I got, people looking for a "trophy cat". No one knew how high maintenance he is. I was afraid that they'd get tired of having to maintain him. Besides, I love the boy!!!!

So Ari is staying with me. WOOOHOOOOO!!!!!!

[Medusa]

Wow. What a surprise. NOT. Seriously, Donna, this is great news. I can tell that you're excited and this is by far the best thing for Ari. Congrats on your new family member!

[GILL]

Con-grats on your new member. It's not easy but there is always alittle more room. Lets face it we would love too take in every one, but we are resonsible enough to know our limits. Even though we have too strech them sometimes.

[moosmom]

Buddy is also staying here. I've been getting some real nut job calls and am tired of them. I've had 6 cats before and I got 6 cats again. What's one more poop in the box anyway?

[moosmom]

I got a phone call from an elderly gentleman yesterday about Buddy. He said he had a cat that looked just like my Buddy and his name turned out to be buddy. He had diabetes and Hal had to give him insulin shots twice a day. He lived to the ripe old age of 18. I called the vet and because his buddy died so many years ago, they only keep their files for 7 years. I'm going to see if he has any personal references. If so, I'll call them while I'm at his house. If it works out, I won't have to bring him back.

I'm certainly not gettting my hopes up. But I'll be taking Buddy to Hal's home tomorrow at noon.


AGAIN, keep your paws and fingers crossed.

[smokey the elder]

Someone who cared for a diabetic cat that lived to be 18 sounds like a pretty good risk! Good luck.

[GILL]

Good luck, We had a diabetic that was over 18, butshe only had a shot once a day. She was the one that turned me around. Her mission in life was too take care of me and make me like cats. I will always miss my Patchs.

[Medusa]

At least he's not intimidated by a special needs cat, given that he administered insulin shots to his cat Buddy. Here's keeping everything crossed that all will go well for you and your Buddy, Donna.