Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK

Cat Rescue & Rehoming => Cat/s Needing Homes => Sorted/ Unknown outcomes => Topic started by: littlebrambles on November 15, 2009, 18:33:42 PM

Title: Ill, Elderly, FIV+, Unwanted ..... but happy ending
Post by: littlebrambles on November 15, 2009, 18:33:42 PM
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y79/summerleaze/DSC00024400x300.jpg)


This is Big Ben. He has a sad story but a happy ending.

I took him in several weeks ago. His original owner had left him behind when she moved out two and a half years ago. In all that time he has lived in the same cul de sac and was fed by two elderly ladies but sadly they never allowed him in their home and neither did anyone else. He was allowed shelter in the greenhouse but that was all. The woman who mainly fed him said he was always pushing his nose up against people's windows trying to get in but not one person in the whole of the road bothered with him. She even said how she used to shut the patio window curtains at night just so she didn't have to see him staring in at her. :'(  Apparently he would shed on her red carpet which is why she didn't ask him in. >:( So his life was spent outside looking in.

When I think of all the vile weather we have had and the miserable time he must have had it makes me want to cry.  :'(  :'(  NO home comforts, no mummy, no care.

The elderly lady's daughter convinced her to seek help when his eyes were all matted up and his coat was so matted he had trouble walking.  When I went to pick him up I was shocked by how matted he actually was - and he is a shorthair!  He was a little gem though and was such a softy at the vets. I couldn't sex him either as he was so matted, he stunk to high heaven and was filthy dirty. His blood test was FIV+ but all things considered he wasn't as bad as we first thought.  He had a dental, was shaved off and we estimate him to be about 15 years. His ears are an ongoing problem but will get better - there was more muck in there than a compost heap!

He has the most amazing character - he seemed a little bewildered to begin with but showed no sign of wanting to be outside again and has rarely left his heat pad. He is a real softy, with a deep purr and just loves being stroked.

I can't believe I have found him a perfect forever home too. He has been with his new mummy for over four weeks now and hasn't even bothered to leave the sitting room let alone the house. He joins her on the sofa and watches TV and has fitted in beautifully.

I'm really so happy for him - I just wanted to share his good news with everyone. We don't know how long he has of course but it doesn't matter now, he's loved and wanted and very much part of a family. Every time it rains here I can't help but think of him tucked up all in the warm surrounded by love and comforts. 

............... and Ben lived happliy ever after x

The photo was taken about a week after he came in - he had had a severe hair cut but his eyes were on the mend!
Title: Re: Ill, Elderly, FIV+, Unwanted ..... but happy ending
Post by: Janeyk on November 15, 2009, 18:38:36 PM
Awww just look at his little face bless  :Luv: how can people be so heartless  :'( such a sad story but a very happy ending, heartwarming to hear that at last he has someone to love him, thanks to you and his new mummy, well done  :hug:  :hug:
Title: Re: Ill, Elderly, FIV+, Unwanted ..... but happy ending
Post by: littlebrambles on November 15, 2009, 18:39:17 PM
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y79/summerleaze/DSC00023400x300.jpg)

Showing off his handsome body spots!
Title: Re: Ill, Elderly, FIV+, Unwanted ..... but happy ending
Post by: Janeyk on November 15, 2009, 18:41:38 PM
 :Luv2: fabulous I just love that kitty  :Luv2:
Title: Re: Ill, Elderly, FIV+, Unwanted ..... but happy ending
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on November 15, 2009, 18:52:14 PM
i am so pleased he has a home and feel so sorry for him being out all that time  :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Ill, Elderly, FIV+, Unwanted ..... but happy ending
Post by: clarenmax on November 15, 2009, 18:54:43 PM
Aw bless him, I'm so pleased he has a forever home now, all the comforts he deserves  :Luv2: :Luv2: :Luv2: :Luv2:
Title: Re: Ill, Elderly, FIV+, Unwanted ..... but happy ending
Post by: Millys Mum on November 15, 2009, 18:55:29 PM
What a beautiful boy   :Luv2:
Well done for helping him  :hug:
Title: Re: Ill, Elderly, FIV+, Unwanted ..... but happy ending
Post by: bunglycat on November 15, 2009, 19:36:45 PM
What a sad story -how can people be like that  :censored: :censored: :censored: :censored:
So pleased you have taken him in and he has a new devoted slave - all thanks to you -well done  :hug:
Hope he has a few more years yet  :hug:
Title: Re: Ill, Elderly, FIV+, Unwanted ..... but happy ending
Post by: bonnielass on November 15, 2009, 20:09:59 PM
People who move and leave cats, especially old ones   are beyound belief :censored:
This poor old lad looks like he could do with lots of TLC and Love which im sure hes now getting  :Luv:
I cant believe they used to shut the curtains  so they could pretend he wasnt there it beggers belief
Its a wonder he survived through last winter and this horrible weather we ,ve had this year poor old boy :Luv2:
I hope he has  a good few years of comfort and love now :Luv:
Title: Re: Ill, Elderly, FIV+, Unwanted ..... but happy ending
Post by: AliCat on November 15, 2009, 20:23:12 PM
Awww what a lovely ending.  :Luv:
Title: Re: Ill, Elderly, FIV+, Unwanted ..... but happy ending
Post by: Sam (Fussy_Furball) on November 15, 2009, 22:03:31 PM
Poor poor baby.  So pleased he has a forever home and I hope he has many happy years with his new mummy xxx
Title: Re: Ill, Elderly, FIV+, Unwanted ..... but happy ending
Post by: Bazsmum on November 16, 2009, 02:59:46 AM
So glad that this gorgeous gentleman got the forever home he so rightly deserved! Well done!  :wow: :Luv2: :hug:
Title: Re: Ill, Elderly, FIV+, Unwanted ..... but happy ending
Post by: Christine (Blip) on November 16, 2009, 08:54:21 AM
Poor old Ben.  He must be so relieved and happy now though.  Well done to all concerned.
Title: Re: Ill, Elderly, FIV+, Unwanted ..... but happy ending
Post by: Mark on November 16, 2009, 09:08:35 AM
 :Luv: What a lovely old boy - I am amazed that people can sleep at night knowing that a poor cat is outside needing a shelter  :'(

Anyway  :hug: - we need more like you - well done for finding him a nice retirement home :hug:
Title: Re: Ill, Elderly, FIV+, Unwanted ..... but happy ending
Post by: moira on November 16, 2009, 09:24:46 AM
Bless you for saving ths this little one, and FIV+ too. Wonderful to know that he will now spend the rest of his life in comfort being loved. Shame on those who knew of this boy's suffering and turned their backs on him.
Title: Re: Ill, Elderly, FIV+, Unwanted ..... but happy ending
Post by: CC & The Pussycat Guys & Dolls on November 16, 2009, 09:40:03 AM
Thats brought tears to my eyes- both of sadness and joy  :Luv2:

Well done Bramble for saving this guy, and here's to you and a happy rest of your life Ben  :hug:
Title: Re: Ill, Elderly, FIV+, Unwanted ..... but happy ending
Post by: Dawn F on November 16, 2009, 09:56:40 AM
poor baby - to think of that awful snow at the beginning of the year - can't imagine anyone who would move and leave a pet behind
Title: Re: Ill, Elderly, FIV+, Unwanted ..... but happy ending
Post by: wharfevalley catsprotection on November 16, 2009, 11:00:30 AM
What a lovely story to brighten up a horrible rainy morning!!!

Ben looks stunning with his spots  :Luv2: :Luv2: :Luv2:

Well done to everyone involved in his rescue and care  :Luv:
Title: Re: Ill, Elderly, FIV+, Unwanted ..... but happy ending
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on November 17, 2009, 08:29:59 AM
What a sad story, but at least he is safe and loved now. He is so gorgeous.
Title: Re: Ill, Elderly, FIV+, Unwanted ..... but happy ending
Post by: littlebrambles on December 26, 2009, 10:20:36 AM
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y79/summerleaze/005.jpg)

Just an update on the totally gorgeous Ben!!

I visited him last week and what a fantastic sight he was too. Curled up on the sofa on his red throw I had bought him and on his heat pad. I had tears in my eyes seeing him - he was so relaxed, so happy. He looks so much better having now been in his new home for two months and his new mummy is totally smitten with him.

He sleeps in her bed at night under the duvet with her and then moves over to the sofa in the day. He is showing absolutely no signs whatsoever of wanting to go outside (which was always a worry after he had been outside for so long)  and has settled beautifully. He still has some ongoing health issues but is responding reasonably well.

So he really has had a happy ever after ending. One little FIV+ cat enjoying all the treats, luxuries and love and warmth he so deserved.  :Luv:   :Luv:   :Luv:   :Luv:

 :grouphug: :grouphug:
Title: Re: Ill, Elderly, FIV+, Unwanted ..... but happy ending
Post by: clarenmax on December 26, 2009, 10:26:31 AM
Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful  :Luv2: :Luv2: :Luv2:

He's well and truly landed on his paws  :Luv:
Title: Re: Ill, Elderly, FIV+, Unwanted ..... but happy ending
Post by: Mark on December 26, 2009, 10:44:21 AM
 :Luv2: Such a nice story that he has a lovely retirement home  :)
Title: Re: Ill, Elderly, FIV+, Unwanted ..... but happy ending
Post by: Janeyk on December 26, 2009, 10:54:27 AM
 :Luv: awwww I'm just so pleased for him   
Title: Re: Ill, Elderly, FIV+, Unwanted ..... but happy ending
Post by: Christine (Blip) on December 26, 2009, 12:13:04 PM
What a wonderful sight that picture is  :Luv:  Thanks for sharing it, littlebrambles  :thanks:
Title: Re: Ill, Elderly, FIV+, Unwanted ..... but happy ending
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on December 26, 2009, 15:44:10 PM
I so love to hear things like this.
Title: Re: Ill, Elderly, FIV+, Unwanted ..... but happy ending
Post by: bunglycat on December 26, 2009, 16:52:05 PM
What a fantastic ending for this wonderful boy - thanks for sharing -nice to see a happy ending - hope he has many more years left to enjoy his new life. :Luv2: :Luv2:
Title: Re: Ill, Elderly, FIV+, Unwanted ..... but happy ending
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on December 27, 2009, 01:26:51 AM
So pleased he is doing so well and enjpying an indoor Christmas  ;D
Title: Re: Ill, Elderly, FIV+, Unwanted ..... but happy ending
Post by: Kirst on December 27, 2009, 18:41:02 PM
Just look at him , right at home! :Luv2: :Luv2:
Title: Re: Ill, Elderly, FIV+, Unwanted ..... but happy ending
Post by: Sam (Fussy_Furball) on December 27, 2009, 21:10:27 PM
Ahhh bless him ... he looks so chilled on his throw and I love the fact he sleeps under the duvet at night  :Luv2:  Obviously making up for all those cold nights out on his own.
Title: Re: Ill, Elderly, FIV+, Unwanted ..... but happy ending
Post by: Pinkbear (Julie) on December 27, 2009, 23:22:45 PM
Well done to all concerned.... I really needed a positive story right now. Thanks so much for sharing!  :naughty:

He's a peach.  :Luv2:
Title: Re: Ill, Elderly, FIV+, Unwanted ..... but happy ending
Post by: Baggy on December 28, 2009, 19:49:35 PM
 ;D Great to read a story with a happy ending, he looks like a lovely boy.
Title: Re: Ill, Elderly, FIV+, Unwanted ..... but happy ending
Post by: Schmew on December 28, 2009, 20:24:08 PM
Oh that made me cry, the thought of that poor boy sat outside looking in, and having the curtains shut on him, that's so awful.  :(

well done for taking him in and finding him a lovely new home, really nice to see him looking so happy.

Sounds really like my Biscuit, he'd lived out for a long time and since living here he's so happy with his home comforts, not interested in going out at all! Still got manky ears but I'm glad to report he's still going strong 2 years on. All the best to beautiful Big Ben

x
Title: Re: Ill, Elderly, FIV+, Unwanted ..... but happy ending
Post by: littlebrambles on January 10, 2010, 00:33:14 AM
There are times in rescue when things should be kept quiet and there are times when things should be shouted from the roof tops - this is a shout it from the roof top time!!

This is the picture that Ben's mummy sent me today, it did make me cry. It is one of the most wonderful sights, I know many cats have Ben's story so I'm sure many of you will share in my delight at this photo.

Bearing in mind he now lives in a centrally heated, double glazed, fully carpeted house he still is managing to hog the fire !! I love this fella. Anyway, hope you like the picture as much as I do!  :Luv: :Luv: :Luv:


(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y79/summerleaze/ben350x467.jpg)
Title: Re: Ill, Elderly, FIV+, Unwanted ..... but happy ending
Post by: Sam (Fussy_Furball) on January 10, 2010, 00:46:33 AM
Ahhhhh and he has a new doggie friend  :Luv2: :Luv2: :Luv2: :Luv2:
Title: Re: Ill, Elderly, FIV+, Unwanted ..... but happy ending
Post by: Janeyk on January 10, 2010, 08:33:37 AM
 :Luv2: :Luv2: :Luv2: wonderful
Title: Re: Ill, Elderly, FIV+, Unwanted ..... but happy ending
Post by: Kay and Penny on January 10, 2010, 12:36:27 PM
it's especially heartening to see an oldie lapping up home comforts after a spell in the wilderness

you found Ben a real good home there, LB - well done :hug:
Title: Re: Ill, Elderly, FIV+, Unwanted ..... but happy ending
Post by: clarenmax on January 10, 2010, 15:37:29 PM
Awwwwww, that's really made me smile  :Luv2: :Luv2: :Luv2: :Luv2:
Title: Re: Ill, Elderly, FIV+, Unwanted ..... but happy ending
Post by: Bazsmum on January 10, 2010, 17:40:43 PM
Fabulous, right in the lap of luxury with his doggie pal!  :Luv2: :Luv2: :Luv2:
Title: Re: Ill, Elderly, FIV+, Unwanted ..... but happy ending
Post by: ginge66 on January 10, 2010, 22:35:29 PM
I just love a happy ending, how wonderful to see him with his doggie friend looking so chilled out in front of the fire  :Luv2: :Luv
Title: Re: Ill, Elderly, FIV+, Unwanted ..... but happy ending
Post by: moira on January 11, 2010, 09:21:39 AM
absolutely delightful photo.