Athena is a beautiful, long-haired black cat who came to Helen’s Haven later in life. She was
the well-loved princess of a very caring man who, unfortunately, was diagnosed with cancer. As bad as that was, it meant he would lose Athena. The place he moved to access treatment would not allow her. He reached out to family, friends, anyone who might be able to take her in - all without any luck. He had to move on Monday and he’d have no other choice but to drop her off at the shelter on his way.
It was a heart-wrenching situation since he knew as an older black cat that her chances of being adopted from a shelter were slim to none. But, Sunday night we heard about them and stepped in to help.
Her owner hoped he would be able (and well enough) to reclaim her in a few months and we agreed to offer her shelter until he could get back on his feet. Despite being in an only-cat home she fit in well with the other cats at the sanctuary and seemed quite happy.
Time passed. Her owner kept in touch after he’d successfully completed his treatment, always asking about how his beloved girl was doing. Unfortunately, the illness had taken its toll, especially on his finances, and a safe, stable place where he and Athena could once again live together eluded him. We began to think she might be with us for the rest of her life - she had other ideas.
One day Ellie came to find a cat to be a companion for her little female cat. She had an agenda. Her little girl had just lost her older “brother” and Ellie thought she’d take a look at a few of the male cats at the sanctuary. While none of the boys seemed at all interested in going home with her, Athena put on quite a show. She meowed and strutted around like a little diva, demanding petting. Ellie was smitten, pulled out her cat carrier and promptly took her home, with the understanding that it would likely be a short-term arrangement until Athena’s former owner could have her again.
Despite her former dad’s best efforts, circumstances just wouldn’t allow him to take her back. He was thankful - very thankful - to hear that Athena had a home that she ran like the little queen she is. Bossing around the other cats, demanding love and attention from every visitor, and cheerfully perching on Ellie’s shoulder for head rubs. Ellie adores her and notes she’s the only cat she’s ever had with “resting blep face”.
Athena is lucky - she found her forever home! Your donations allow us to help pets and their people who find themselves in impossible situations.
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