Bringing a Cat Rescue to a Doodle Home

[Teresa]

Lots of discussions about rescuing Doodles and in time, I will be doing this. But I want Hudson (almost 7 months old) to get the time he needs with me and to get the training that he needs to be a great dog - in my opinion he already is, but I've owned dogs all my life and know the difference between the dog that is good at home and the one that is great out in public AND when visitors come over. Anyway, I think he deserves me time for a while yet. However, my cat of 22 years passed away about a year ago and I have been debating getting another cat. Today - after many weeks of discussions with different rescue groups and going out and meeting them and the cats they have, Hudson and I have brought home #64825 who is about 6 years old and was dumped at some point in his life. We don't have a lot of background on him but he is absolutely lovely. He is a ginger/cinnamon color - so he really brings out the "apricot" color in Hudson LOL!! The shelter was calling him Garfield - but he so not a Garfield - I need to figure out who he is over the next while.

At the shelter, he was hiding in his "hole" (the little cubby holes they make for cats to scratch on and hide in). I spend most of the morning sitting on the floor with all of the cats (some kittens) and Garfield was one that although he didn't come out right away, watched me closely for a long time and allowed me to reach into his hole and pat him and scratch under chin and his belly! His eyes looked at me with such complete trust, I was sold. BUT - was Hudson agreeable to this companion? I already know Hudson is fine with cats - he would make friends with the rabbits in my back yard if they wouldn't run away from him! The rescue suggested bringing Hudson into the room, but I thought - this isn't fair to any of the animals. It is already stressful there so I decided to bring Garfield home and let the intro happen slowly here. I figure I am a good enough judge of character in animals (boyfriends NOT included) so decided to take the chance. Of course they always tell you to bring the cat back if it doesn't work out......ya, like I could take an abandoned, 6 year old cat home and then bring it back! I'll make it work - I'm already losing my heart. Oh, did I mention that by this time Garfield has come out and is eating food out of my hand?

So we are all home now. I am drinking a glass of wine; I set up my spare bedroom with the cat condo, food, toys, a baby gate so Hudson doesn't go in but "cat" can come in and go out as he pleases. All is going extremely well. Cat is not hiding - he is actually spralled out on the bedspread after stuffing his belly with food and water.....he has cuddled with me for a while on the bed and now I am leaving him to just enjoy not fighting for food or hiding in the hole. This cat obviously has been loved at some point in his past and has given love back - too many are just dumped and left behind. I will guess that is what has happened here.

Well, he is in his forever home now. Hudson is sleeping beside me and is fine with the situation. All appears to be going well for the time being. They will have to figure out their pecking order at some point - both are very docile and loving animals so I believe it will work out well.

This is just another situation when I can't believe someone could walk away from this beautiful creature. I am overwhelmed by the emotion I am feeling for a cat I have only known for about 6 hours. I want him to know he is safe now. He doesn't have to fight for food or ever feel cold, hot, hungry, thirsty again. He is home.

[Richard Crowe]

Wonderful story; it is heartwarming, We rescued a kitten about 12-years ago and he has grown into a loving 25 pound yellow tabby. We had our Golden Retriever.German Shepherd/Wolf hybrid when we adopted Felix and they became best busies. After we lost Felix' dog buddy to cancer, we got Holly our F-1 Goldendoodle when she was 7-weeks old.

We didn't know how it would work with a 12 year old cat and a rambunctious puppy but, they have become best buddies and play for hours. They don't take naps together but, they are definitely buddies. Felix' head is usually wet from Holly licking him.

[Carole (*Koda*Monty*Bindi)]

Thank you for sharing your story Teresa. It really touched my heart. We adopted a cat many many years ago in a similar fashion. She was an adult and no one was able to get her out of her cage, let alone see her face. Something tugged at me, as Garfield did you, and home she came with us. That was over 20 years ago and she has since passed but the memories of her still linger. So many people want kittens when they adopt.....there is nothing in the world like adopting an adult. I wish you many years of happiness and quiet moments with your new family member. Welcome home "he who has yet to be named" :)

~Carole

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Congratulations on your new addition! I hope we will see some pictures soon, especially of Hudson and He-Who-is-Yet-to-be-Named together. How interested does Hudson seem to be in his new brother?
Rescuing an animal is always so rewarding, Teresa. Scary & sometimes stressful, but ultimately wonderful. Good for you...and good for your new kitty!