When A Cat Isn’t Being Held The Shelter Staff Gets Creative
Cats have a reputation for being antisocial. Dougie, on the other hand, is not one of them.
Dougie adores cuddling – he does it all the time.
And when it comes to demanding what he wants, the senior shelter cat isn’t bashful.
The 15-year-old orange tabby was in horrible form when he came to Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland (ARL) in early June. Because he had feline inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the shelter workers had to work extra hours to get him the medical attention he required.
Dougie was finally strong and healthy enough to start seeking for a new home after months of therapy. Dougie’s endearing eccentricity had been well-known among the shelter employees by that time.
Jeana Roth, head of community engagement, tells The Dodo, “He is tremendously gregarious and highly people-motivated.” “He constantly wants to be close the people around him and meows until he receives affection and attention,” says the narrator.
Dougie’s need to be held had become a source of amusement for the shelter employees, who would have to stop what they were doing to hold Dougie — or else be forced to listen to his pleasant, no-nonsense meows. “Dougie is adamant about getting attention. He’d let you know if he wasn’t being handled or patted,” Roth adds.
When it came time to relocate Dougie to the adoption floor, the staff had devised a brilliant plan to highlight the senior cat’s distinct personality. They shared a photo of Dougie curled up in a BabyBjörn worn by one of his favorite shelter mates on Facebook.
“Dougie’s meow can be heard from galaxies far away when he’s not being handled.” So, after some deliberation, we came to the conclusion that a BabyBjörn would allow Robert to both hold Dougie and do his work properly,” the post stated. “And we believe it’s the prettiest thing we’ve ever seen,” said the group.
Users couldn’t agree more, as the message soon piled up likes and shares on social media. Dougie, on the other hand, was uninterested in his sudden viral celebrity because he had already met his prospective mother, Ashley Perkins, a social worker.
Perkins tells The Dodo, “I was seeking for a mate for my cat Jax, and there was Dougie.” “As soon as we saw his age and personality type, I knew he’d be a strong contender to return home.”
Ashley went to ARL to meet Dougie and carried him home the next day, wrapped in a baby wrap.
Dougie continues to demand the attention he deserves from both cats and humans at his new home in Springvale, Maine. “He and Jax have already formed a friendship, and they kiss and play often,” Perkins adds. “Every morning, Dougie meows and pats my face with his paw for cuddling time and his meal. If you stop caressing him, he’ll meow to let you know that he’s not finished yet.”
Dougie is gaining weight and enjoying his new mom’s love and care, despite the fact that he still has to take medication twice daily for his stomach issue. Fortunately, the sentiments are shared. Perkins continues, “I adore spending time with my newest little son.” “He exudes so much love that it’s difficult not to fall in love with him!”
The affectionate kitty has even maintained contact with his Animal Rescue League companions, who visit him on a regular basis to see how he’s doing.
Dougie now has a house and a family to call his own, after a difficult childhood.
“Whenever I get the opportunity, I want to adopt older cats. They have so much love to give and want our attention just as much as, if not more than, the younger cats,” adds Perkins. “It seems like older cats and dogs have a tougher time finding homes at times, but they… deserve to be well-cared for and cherished for the remainder of their lives.”
She says, “That’s what I want for Dougie.” “He’s being pampered beyond belief, and he deserves it!”