Conference misery::feline_v1

4871.0. "SHARING THOUGHTS & SPEEDWAY" by CANYON::WARKMEISTER () Thu Aug 22 1991 13:43

    I know it has been mentioned before, but on the way to work the
    past two weeks I've seen two dead cats on the same road.  It makes
    me sad to see this ... sniff, sniff.
    
    We visited our friend Don at his auto mechanic shop the other night.
    He takes care of a kitty that has lived a hard life.  The guys at the shop
    call him Speedway.  I've heard stories about him, and finally while
    we were there he came around.  One of his ears lays funny, and his
    tail is only about four inches long.  We all wonder what happened to
    his tail!  He is skinny, but he doesn't look sick.  He has some
    scratches, and you can tell he has been around in his life.  I'm not
    sure how long he has been coming around Don's shop, but thank goodness
    Don has been feeding him.  Speedway looks at Don's shop as a place to
    come rest, and be sociable for a short time.  We fed him some of the
    chicken meat we were eating ... boy he gobbled it up!  It made me feel
    good when Don picked him up, talked to him, petted him a few minutes,
    and then he put his "adopted", content kitty down.  Don has four dogs
    at home, so Speedway is lucky to have Don help take care of him!  After
    Speedway was full, he got on top of Don's truck to relax after his
    feast!  Speedway loves his "adopted" dad!  I talked to him, and I
    fed him some of my chicken.  I did want to pick him up, but I was
    a little skeptical ... what would Heather say when I got home?  I
    also thought about what he could have ... you never know.  Even though
    Heather is vaccinated, I still would be worried about her if I had
    picked him up.  When I got home, I loved Heather, told her she was
    spoiled, and told her she was lucky not to live the life of a cat
    like Speedway.  After reading the stories in this file, and loving cats
    like we all do, I wanted to help all the Speedway kitties out there in
    the world.  I thought about bringing Speedway home, but I know that it
    can't become a reality.  Believe it or not, I could see in Speedway's
    eyes that he is a happy cat!  Only one more thing to say, God Bless all
    the Speedway kitties in this world!!
    
    Julie + Heather kitty

    Speedway sounds like the feral cat, Van Gogh, that I have
    been working with for the last seven months.  One of his
    ears is gone...and he always comes to my porch with new scratches.
    He's a big tough cat that has had a very hard life!!
    
    To think I could not even get on the porch with him before...and
    now he rolls over and lets me pat his belly, he lets me put
    medication on his scratches....and he appears to be very happy
    just with the little love I can give to him!   I truly don't
    feel he would ever be a happy cat indoors...but I want to let
    him in the cellar on those cold nights this winter.
    
    It has been a pleasure and wonderful experience becomming friends
    with this big guy!!!!  I just remember the first night I got to
    pat him...I screemed for joy, cried, and just sat there with him
    for over an hour.   He love it...and so did I and consider that
    one of my greatest accomplishments!!
    
    Sandy

    Would it be possible to have Speedway neutered if he hasn't been?  You
    can also have him vaccinated and checked while there.  Then, it might
    be possible to take him home and introduce him to Heather if you still
    want him.
    
    Call Friends of Animals and request an application to complete in
    exchange for a low cost neuter certificate.  It can be redeemed at
    designated veterinarians offices in your area.  If you choose not to
    take him, at least being neutered he won't be contributing to the
    overpopulation problem.
    
    Cats like Speedway who find people like Don are very lucky cats! 
    Helping and rescuing stray/feral cats is a very rewarding experience!
    

    Ah - reminds me of my experiences with "the Jess-meister" as Jack
    called Jesse James II.   One of these days I have GOT to get out
    to Kirk's for a visit so I can see my boy.
    

    Thanks for the suggestions!
    
    I will talk to Don this weekend.  I might try to get Speedway
    "fixed".
    
    Julie + Heather kitty