Rescuing Whiskee

Cindy, a North Portland resident, knew she needed to help when she and her husband found a confused young cat with a weeping sore on its leg.

It was a cold, blustery January day and the injured black cat had been in the neighborhood for a few days, so when it came to her and started meowing, she picked

it up and put it in her car . Cindy got her cat carrier and drove the cat over to her vet at VCA, who pointed her in the direction of Dove Lewis Emergency Animal Hospital. Dove Lewis not only provides 24/7 emergency care for pets in the Portland area, but also has a Stray Animal & Wildlife program , that lets them help injured stray animals brought in by Good Samaritans. When Cindy arrived at Dove Lewis with the injured cat, he was taken into their care. They treated his wound and arranged for him to be transferred toMultnomah County Animal Services (MCAS).

At MCAS, this stray kitty was given the name Uno. Uno was given additional treatment for his painful leg abscess and skin issues, was neutered and treated for fleas, then moved to foster care to recover When Uno arrived in foster care, his foster – with veterinary permission – tried to give him a little break from his blue Elizabethan collar. The next morning, without the collar, he had groomed much of his skin bald, so the vet treated him with steroids and flea preventative. Uno’s health improved and the search for a permanent home began.

Uno’s foster mom doesn't normally post her foster pets on social media, but in this case, she was compelled to share Uno’s story. She was concerned that with his color (black), health issues, and age (no longer a kitten), Uno might have some trouble finding a home. As good luck would have it, one of her Facebook connections – a friend from years ago – responded almost immediately with an interest in Uno. After meeting him, her friend fell in love with Uno and completed the adoption paperwork at MCAS the following day, along with buying him a bed, toys, food, and a six-foot post.

In his new home, Uno’s name was changed to Whiskee. Whiskee’s mom has been a volunteer at another local shelter, but this was the first cat she has adopted. Whiskee has adapted quickly to his three canine housemates, and loves to purr and play. He follows his people everywhere and wants to be a part of everything (as long as it doesn’t involve a hair dryer). He even knows his name and comes running when his family arrive home. Every morning and evening, Whiskee lines up with the dogs for a piece of “medicine meat,” which is how the oldest dog takes her medicine – but all the other furry family want to take part too. Unfortunately, Whiskee does have joint damage on the leg that was originally wounded, and he may need to have it amputated if the trouble continues.

Whiskee’s new family “are totally taken with him” and are so happy to have him in their home. His story is an amazing example of how communities can save lives when individuals and organizations work together.