William

This is William.  All of our cats are special, aren't they, but he has a wonderful story behind him. 

About five years ago, he showed up in my friend Michell’s yard as a teenage kitten. He was a friendly kitten and, as soon as he was old enough, we got him neutered. One day, a few months after that, we saw that he was lethargic and his tail was dragging the ground.  We took him to the vet immediately, who told us that he had been attacked or was in an accident.  Somehow, he sustained an injury to his backside that made it where he couldn’t go to the bathroom by himself anymore. The vet showed us how to make him go - the veterinary term is "express" him.  So, for five years, twice a day, we “tag-teamed” and helped him do his business. 

Last fall, Michell passed away.  The vet gave me tips on expressing him myself, which I learned to do.  After Michell passed way, I and her friends found good homes for Michell's other cats, except for William.  William would be difficult to place, and I let the others know that I could find room for him at my house if things didn't work out.  

My friend, Jim, did finally find a home for William, but after a few in-home visits, Jim thought that it would be best for William to live with me. Although I already had four cats, I was happy to see have him come live with me, and I think he was, too.  

Anyone who knows cats knows that, for most cats, the belly is a "hands-off"place. This would seem to be even more so, for the person that has to not only touch the belly but also squeeze it.  From the beginning, and even while I've had to do it myself, William has been nothing but a wonderful cat about the whole thing. For all that  I have to put him through, he is such a cheerful, wonderful, loving cat. His favorite thing is for me to lie down and he gets on my chest and usually curls up to go to sleep.  Pets bring so much into our lives, and every second I spend with this wonderful cat, this endlessly cheerful and loving cat, makes my life that much better.