This picture is one of the most tragic things I have ever seen. A dog who has been abandoned by its owner, staring at the wall and frozen in fear.
Dog Cash refused to move. She laid in her own urine at the animal shelter and wouldn’t eat anything if anyone was looking at her. Every time someone closed a door she would jump out of fear.
She had lost all trust for humans.
Tammy Graves is the founder of animal charity The Haley Graves Foundation. She first met Cash when she was visiting one of her animal shelters.
The dog lay shaking with her head against the wall. She was terrified and had been more or less left to her fate.
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Tammy was furious. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the first time she had seen a dog who had been mistreated. But there was something about Cash that made her react strongly.
She decided to write a post on Facebook:
“This is what happens when people leave animals at shelters. This dog woke up happy yesterday in a warm bed or sofa, waited for breakfast, jumped in the car and hoped she was going to go to the park, or worst case to the vet.
Instead she ended up in a place with 275 dogs, barking and wanting to get out. Animals walk by and never come back. And she has no idea what’s in store for her. She only knows that she didn’t ask to come here. She didn’t ask to be given to an irresponsible owner.”
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“Today she’s lying frozen with fear, in a puddle of her own urine. Afraid to move, afraid to make eye contact,” she added.
Tammy also posted a photo of Cash lying against the wall.
Couldn’t leave her
She knew that she couldn’t just leave the dog at the shelter. So a few days later, she came back to collect Cash. She also decided to give the dog a new name: June.
It was soon obvious that June had completely lost all trust for humans. When she was able to leave the animal shelter, she became a new dog. She was incredibly thankful to Tammy. But she still had a way to go.
June was sick after being neglected for such a long time.She needed a lot of treatment before she could be adopted by a new family. In the meantime, she was able to live in a foster home.
A happy ending
June slowly but surely started to recover. She started to cautiously go up to her foster dad for cuddles.
Luckily, this dog got a happy ending. Not long after, she was healthy enough to be adopted by a loving family.
Unfortunately, not all dogs have the same luck. Many of the dogs who are left in shelters never find a new home. If they don’t find a new family, they get put down.
This is why it’s so important to NEVER get a dog if you can’t take care of it.
It always hurts my heart to see a dog that has been abused. I just don’t understand how anyone could get so angry that they mistreat a poor innocent dog.
Recently, two young men were walking in Lanus, near Buenos Aires, Argentina when they saw a slimy black creature crawling out of a ditch.
When they got closer, they realized what it was… a dog. Someone had covered him in tar and left him to suffer alone.
It always hurts my heart to see a dog that has been abused. I just don’t understand how anyone could get so angry that they mistreat a poor innocent dog.
Recently, two young men were walking in Lanus, near Buenos Aires, Argentina when they saw a slimy black creature crawling out of a ditch.
When they got closer, they realized what it was… a dog. Someone had covered him in tar and left him to suffer alone. Share
The two guys knew they had to do something, and luckily, there was a police station nearby. Along with an officer, they brought the dog to a vet and then to an animal rescue group called Zoonosis Lanus.
Volunteers there put the dog in a bathtub and tried to wash him, but nothing happened. The tar stuck to the dog like glue and wasn’t going anywhere soon, writes cnnespanol.cnn.com.
So did they finally remove the poisonous tar from the poor dog’s body?
They tried every possible method they could think of. And just when they were about to give up, they found an idea on the internet.
The tip was to use oil to loosen the tar and then to remove it with a spatula.
It took 5 liters of oil to clean the dog, now named Petróleo.
After three hours, the team had only removed about 30 percent of the tar. Everyone helped—even the guys who found the dog. Then after five hours, they could finally see the dog’s fur.
Petróleo still has some tar stains, but he looked much, much better—and I really hope he doesn’t have any complications in the future.
How lucky is it that the two young men saw Petróleo and took the time to make sure he got the help he needed?
Now, Petróleo is looking for a loving forever home.
Everyday, I read about animals that have been neglected or abused by humans. This has to stop. If you see someone mistreating their pet, tell someone so it doesn’t happen again.
Please share the article with your friends on Facebook to raise awareness about animal abuse.
Seeing animals suffer is always heartbreaking, but nothing compares to the pain of watching animals be abandoned by their owners.
When these animals are also carrying their unborn babies, it’s even more gut-wrenching. Instead of receiving the care and attention they deserve, they’re forced to struggle in desperation, uncertain of what the future holds.
Being a mother is challenging enough, but I can’t even imagine having to do it alone, on the streets, in a harsh and dirty environment.
Sadly, this was the reality for Waffles, an abandoned pit bull mom. Three years ago, a man spotted her wandering near his home, visibly pregnant and in desperate need of help.
Concerned for her well-being, he contacted Hope For Paws, a rescue organization devoted to saving animals in need.
The pit bull, who was obviously struggling, needed urgent assistance.
Hope For Paws quickly responded, sending volunteers JoAnn Wiltz and Katie McKittrick to check on her.
When they arrived, the pit bull walked right up to them, almost as if she had been waiting for them all along. Cold, hungry, and alone, she trusted the volunteers completely. Without hesitation, she hopped into their vehicle, ready to leave behind the harsh conditions she’d endured.
The rescue team named her Waffles, and soon after arriving at the center, she was given an ultrasound to check on her puppies.
Waffles, despite her nervousness, remained calm throughout the procedure, showing nothing but trust in those helping her. To everyone’s surprise, Waffles smiled during the ultrasound. The vet confirmed that she was about to give birth any day now — likely within 10 days.
JoAnn Wiltz decided to bring her home and take care of Waffle until she was ready.
That same night, Waffles went into labor. It was a perfect Mother’s Day for Waffles, as she delivered her six puppies without any issues. JoAnn stayed by her side for hours while she gave birth.
It’s truly unbelievable how cruel some people can be to dogs. A sweet pup named Riona suffered as much as anybody after being brutally set on fire by her owner last year.
But almost exactly a year after that horrific incident, Riona is finally going to her new home.
Last June, residents in Nutbush, Tennessee witnessed a shocking site as Riona, a pitbull mix, ran down the street engulfed in flames. The smell of gas made it clear that she had been intentionally set on fire.
All you could smell was gas,” Mallory Mclemore of Bluff City Veterinary Specialists told Memphis Commercial Appeal.
“She was burnt and covered in diesel fuel… It confirmed she was set on fire via witness statements,” Ginger Natoli, founder of the Tails of Hope Dog Rescue, told Newsweek. “We have obtained ring cam footage from a neighbor that also shows her running in a ball of flames.”
Riona’s ear was burnt off, but thankfully her left eye was saved after emergency medical response. She was taken in by Tails of Hope Dog Rescue, and received medical treatments at Bluff City Veterinary Specialists. She was given twice daily full body wraps to protect her skin.
Look at her eye!!! Riona is healing so well! #justice4riona
A TikTok video of Riona’s story went viral with millions of views, garnering sympathy for Riona around the world.
Riona began a long road to recovery, receiving a series of skin grafts to treat the fourth degree burns all over her body. While she was traumatized by the ordeal, Riona was also said to be in good spirits throughout her recovery
Well look like our sweet Riona did not make the Cadbury finalists, BUT she sure is a winner in our eyes!
She’s just always wagging her tail,” Mclemore said. “That’s what makes it even worse, I guess. Not that it would ever be OK, but just being so sweet and for somebody to do something like this to her. She just loves everybody.”
“She’s actually kind of cute with one ear,” Natoli told the Commercial Appeal. “It makes her personality cute.”
Warrior, princess, Riona, got to spend time with us at mellow mushroom tonight, and she truly is the sleeping beauty. It…
Tails of Hope continued to share updates of Riona’s recovery, and supporters sent in donations and gifts for the dog.
Meanwhile, 43-year-old Quishon Brown was arrested for allegedly setting Riona on fire. Police charged him with misdemeanor assault and two felonies, aggravated cruelty to animals and setting fire to personal property. The case is currently awaiting trial.
According to a Facebook post, Riona’s story also helped a new animal cruelty bill pass in Tennessee.
THIS right here was worth all the months of medical, healing and thanks to Mallory’s hard work and dedication, Riona’s…
Months passed, and slowly but surely Riona’s condition improved. And recently, almost exactly a year after she was set on fire, there has been an inspiring update to Riona’s story: she’s finally going to her new home!
Tails of Hope wrote that they would be embarking on an ten-hour road trip to bring Riona to her new forever home.
“Our goal was to get her a forever home, and that’s exactly what we found,” Natoli told the Commercial Appeal. “Riona has other dogs to play with, she has children to play with, she’s got a big yard to play in, she’s got a family that has experience in the medical field and an understanding of what her injuries were.”
Anyone wanna know a sweet secret?
We are hitting the road Monday for a long trip because a very special dog has a home…
Riona’s story is not coming to an end, in fact it is really just beginning,” the rescue wrote on Facebook. “We have all been a part of this miracle, our ‘warrior’ girl.”
In a reminder of how the work of animal rescues is never done, Tails of Hope said that right after Riona left for her new home, they took in another rescue dog who had been a burn victim. “There is always another in need,” they wrote. Now we get to be part of yet another story.”
What a horrible thing for this poor sweet dog to go through, but we’re so happy that a year later Riona is off to her new home!
The sweetest kitty, Bama, depended on the kindness of strangers outside a Bronx laundromat. She was struggling every day but was the sweetest cat you’ve ever seen, regardless. Outside the laundry, she greeted folks coming inside, a cute little ray of feline sunshine. In the doorway, a kind woman, also struggling, kept Bama alive with scraps purchased with the small change people gave her for opening the door.
Somehow, Bama’s tail was amputated, perhaps in that door, and it was left with an infected, bloody stump. At only ten months old, she was really only a kitten herself but had already given birth to two litters. Sadly, none of her kittens made it due to lack of nutrition. Her tummy was bloated, unusual for a cat so young. But as we see every day, she was nothing but loving no matter what!
Rescuers pets Bama on the noggin. Images and video via Facebook/Little Wanderers NYC
Rescuers Could Hardly Believe Bama Survived
When rescuers from Little Wanderers NYC found Bama, they couldn’t believe she had managed to survive outside. She was as friendly as could be even after enduring so much pain. But those struggles were finally over when they arrived at the laundromat over the summer.
“This cat is just the sweetest girl-we can barely believe she has been outside like this and survived. She will need surgery soon,” they shared.
You can see that Bama was scared but her her worries were all behind her.
Bama Makes Biscuits in Her Very First Bed
As sweet as Bama was, she’d never had her own soft, warm cat bed before. But that changed and she made biscuits inside a new bed. Her fosterers helped her gain weight and recover her strength for her ongoing veterinary care, a tail amputation and spaying. Safe inside, she blossomed into the playful kitten she had never been able to be before!
“This is the first bed this girl has ever seen. And she’s beginning to blossom being inside. She’s full-on kitten even going after toilet paper and balls. She could NOT be happier to be inside and we love this cat with all our hearts,” Little Wanderers shared.
In late September, Bama came through the critical tail surgery with flying colors. She fully recovered and was ready to begin a new chapter with a loving family. She was more than ready to lavish her family with love.
“Beautiful Bama had a full tail amputation today at the Animal Medical Center. A huge thank you to the AMC to the rescue fund for their incredible help with this critical surgery. Bama is the most wonderful young cat-and that’s saying something because we’ve met a lot of cats!” they shared.
The Fairy-Tale Ending She Deserved
The next month, the rescue shared the wonderful news, a ‘fairy tale ending’ for the kitty who lost her tail. She got a big upgrade on her bed and lives the pampered life of a Queen as she so deserves.
“After a tail amputation and spay, thanks to the AMC to the rescue fund, she is fully healed and has been adopted. She now lives in Oyster Bay, far away from her Bronx beginnings, and sleeps on 1000 thread count sheets, and loves her two daddies and their lovely home. She especially loves her soft cushy, King-sized bed. They recently lost their cat, who also had a tail amputation and was a rescue who had also birthed several litters. Bama’s adoption was kismet,” Little Wanderers NYC shared.
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“There were many people who helped Bama along the way and we thank you all. She truly has had a fairy tale ending, thanks to all of you!” they wrote.
No one likes the dreaded “Cone of Shame”, especially the poor fur-baby wearing it. But what do you do for your kitten who weighs in at a measly 2 pounds? They are big enough in the United States to be spayed/neutered…but the cone is half the size of their little bodies! Without this, they can cause issues to arise after surgery. So what are the options? For all those kittens arriving during kitten season, this alternative sock onesie may be just the way to go!
*Special shout-out to Ru and Zig Zag for modeling the fashions and allowing us to help them heal in style =)
Photo: JessiCAT; JuggandZigZag – Zig Zag after spay surgery 8/30/2018
With the foster kittens residing in the Cole and Marmalade household hitting that milestone over the years, we’ve seen firsthand the plight of the young vs. the cone.
What’s even worse is that female kittens undergo a bit longer recovery period for spaying than the neutering of males.
Photo: JessiCAT; JuggandZigZag – Zig Zag battling with the cone after surgery
The recovery time for either sex is still a recommended 7-10 days after the surgery and you should be aware of the following:
No Licking the incision – This could cause the wound to open and become infected. This is where the cone, inflatable collar or even bitter tasting gels or sprays are suggested. But the inflatable collars are many times too big or heavy for kittens.
No Grooming or Bathing – Both of these go back to not wanting the incision to get wet and open.
Keep your pet inactive – No jumping, running, playing or strenuous activity. The best thing would be to keep them confined in a small pen, cage or carrier to ensure they rest.
Keep them indoors – This way their bodies and the wound can stay dry and clean. You can monitor their recovery for any additional attention that is needed.
Photo: JessiCAT; JuggandZigZag – Jugg relaxing like a pro
During this period of absolute misery, when your beloved pet looks at you with the sadness and pleading in their eyes, what are you to do for them?! Tough love is a must but we’ve found the best solution (after a few failed ones), that seems to be a happy middle ground.
It’s the Sock Onesie!
Photo: JessiCAT; JuggandZigZag – modeling her new sock onesie after surgery
In the CaM house, we are blessed to have the crafty skills of mom Jessica, or “JessiCAT”. When kitten Ruth, or Ru, of our fosters refused to relax during her spay recovery, the vet didn’t have a collar that would fit her. We were worried that she was going to open her wound fighting something too large for her body.
Our first attempt was with a lightweight foam cone which worked for a couple days. It was still laughably heartbreaking watching her maneuver around in it.
Photo: JessiCAT; JuggandZigZag – Ru and the pink foam cone
Having 2 sisters that were healing well though, it was just torturous to see her caged or battling the cone while her sisters were able to walk free. Jess researched and found some vague DIY tutorials online or stores where we could purchase post-surgery clothing, but we didn’t have the time (or patience) to wait for delivery.
Photo: JessiCAT; JuggandZigZag – Jugg comforts Ruth in her onesie
So Jess ran to a dollar store and picked up some regular woman’s knee-highs socks. They are perfect in a 2-pack since the sock onesies do stretch a bit and you may need to make a replacement if the first doesn’t last the full recovery period.
Photo: JessiCAT; JuggandZigZag – Ru donning her fancy lollipop attire
They are also in the purrfectly adorable kitten patterns! Nothing too serious =p
Photo: JessiCAT; JuggandZigZag – SORRY RU! Had to show how well it works even when you’re using the box! The onesie cupcake edition <3
After Zig Zag had her spay surgery, she did great! She is also sporting an adorable onesie now that allows her to have movement of her limbs, bathroom freedom (with no messy cleanup) and to ditch the cone that made the petite kitten look like a satellite dish!
Photo: JessiCAT; JuggandZigZag – Zig Zag says “You want me to wear what?!”
Here are the instructions and some photos to help you make your own DIY Sock Onesie.
Lay your sock flat. There is usually a natural fold down the center/front of the sock.
Photo: JessiCAT; JuggandZigZag
Open the sock so the fold is now on the top and bottom. The heel should be on top when it lays flat.
Photo: JessiCAT; JuggandZigZag
The tip of the toe is where the “seat” of the onesie will be so we need to cut leg holes first. BE SURE TO LEAVE AT LEAST 1/2 INCH from the toe seam and the leg holes you cut.
Fold the sock in half along the seam. This allows you to cut once, but makes 2 holes. THE HOLES WILL STRETCH!
Photo: JessiCAT; JuggandZigZag
Cut a half circle through both layers that is no bigger than 1 inch! it’s easier to make it bigger if it’s too tight.
Photo: JessiCAT; JuggandZigZag
Now when you lie the sock flat again, you should see two matching holes on either side.
Trim the entire tip of the sock off JUST next to the seam – cutting the seam off.
Photo: JessiCAT; JuggandZigZag
Next you need to measure (rough estimate is fine) the distance between the kittens back and front legs. This should be at least on the far side of the heel, opposite from the toe.
Photo: JessiCAT; JuggandZigZag
Flattening sock with heel up again, fold the sides inward for the next cut.
Photo: JessiCAT; JuggandZigZag
Photo: JessiCAT; JuggandZigZag
Make the half circle cut again through both layers of sock, no bigger than the inch.
Photo: JessiCAT; JuggandZigZag
Here’s what the flattened sock should look like at this point.
Photo: JessiCAT; JuggandZigZag
The last cut needed is for the neck of the onesie. This can be a bit long so it can be folded over like a turtle-neck and keeps the onesie in place.
I usually like to go about 3 inches from the front leg holes. Cut straight across the entire sock. I suppose this means you can use a shorter sock too as long as there is enough material!
Photo: JessiCAT; JuggandZigZag
And that’s it! Easy does it =)
The hardest thing about this is putting it on your kitty, especially if they are squirmy.
Slide your hand through the entire piece, squeezing it so it’s a thin ring. Place over kittens head and gently pull each front leg through, the heel on the bottom by their belly.
Slide the rest over their body and around one leg at a time. You may have to pull and shift during wear and be sure to trim any loose strings that fray while it’s worn.
Photo: JessiCAT; JuggandZigZag
Photo: JessiCAT; JuggandZigZag
Be sure to take lots of pictures and share on our Facebook pages! =) Happy Crafting and always spay/neuter your pets! ~ Jess
We can’t really have any idea why certain cats are drawn to each other. Fate HAS to play a part in souls finding that special bond in each other in this big world. And when they do find their comfort companions, witnessing a love like that is absolutely soul healing. So for the owners and workers at the Red Falcon Ranch in Idaho, they have been blessed to witness unbelievable bonds of love.
The Paws of Fate
According to their social media, at the ranch they specialize in raising Angora goats and transforming their mohair into sustainable knitwear. Nice! So they are clearly animal lovers. And at their ranch, they have the much needed barn catsto manage any rodent populations encroaching on their more than 90 goats. This is a great way for feral cats to find a home and care even though they may not enjoy human touch. These seem to be some very special barn cats though, uniquely drawn to other species at the ranch.
Meet Boots, and by extension Olaf, one of the very large livestock guard dogs at the ranch.
Boots began life in a most unusual way. Ranch owner Racheal was at a local fair when she spotted something being passed around; no one seeming to claim the object. And that object was a young tuxedo kitten!
We have had lgds (livestock guardian dogs) for over 15 years and the barn cats and lgds have always maintained their distance. They’ve respected each other’s areas and there was never any overlap. That is until Boots…😸
Boots on Shearing Day
Boots is an extremely affectionate cat. Like he is literally bursting with love! Whether you’re a human, cat, dog, or goat you will feel his affection. However it is not often reciprocated. That is until he set his eyes on Olaf. 🐺
Boots and Olaf
Boots with Sven and Olaf
Olaf had no idea what was coming with Boots. But this undaunted kitten strutted right over to Olaf (who’s well over 100 lbs) and snuggled right in. And now they’re inseparable. Every chore time, Olaf prefers to stay in and have his snuggle time with Boots. It is literally the SWEETEST thing! 💓
Boots and Olaf 2
Heidi and Hansi
There are a few things that scare animal rescuers with regards to cats. And one is seeing a sign that says “Free Kittens”. Because many times, horrible people will use those free animals for unspeakable acts. But in this case, when Racheal ran to the store one day in the summer of 2024, she saved two fragile souls from a possible similar fate. It was two tiny infant kittens, a tuxedo brother and tabby sister, later named Heidi and Hansi.
I lift both of them out and bring them back to my old Jeep Cherokee. I quickly take off my sweatshirt and snuggle them in the front seat. They stopped meowing and simply stare at me all the way home. 🤍 I set up a little space for them at home and got them settled in but they were SO TINY. Taken way too young from their mom. So young in fact that we had to go get kitten milk for them as they couldn’t eat solid food yet. 🥛
Grown up Hansi High Five
Hansi was a sweetheart from the start but Heidi must’ve taken after her parents as she was wild as can be. Very scared, shy, and would hiss if you looked at her. We nursed them inside for a few weeks but we would let them out on play dates with Boots who was a little bit older than them. Boots LOVED them. And slowly they gained a feline family outside. [They] are now quite the impressive barn kitties as they have each caught their own mice and love helping with chores.
Hansi LOVES cuddling the big guard dogs and Heidi actually likes humans now! It’s amazing to think about how far these two have come, to being taken away from their mom too young, left in a free box outside a grocery store, to becoming beloved cats that have their very own ranch. 🥰
Heidi the fearless (now) chilling while the goats race around her.
Speaking of Hansi’s love for the much larger guard dogs, witness the bond of dog Bear and Hansi!
Bear has never been a cat-person. Or cat-dog…or whatever 😅. His job is to be a big tough guard dog and he takes that job very seriously. He has personally protected our goat herd from bears, mountain lions, wolves, coyotes, and who knows what else. 🐻 Over the past few months, it has been incredible to watch Bear form a soft spot for the cats. Hansi has especially formed an attachment to Bear and Bear, I think, is loving the love. I believe the morale of the story is no matter how big and tough you are, it’s ok to be a cat-person 😂
And with the more compact residents at the ranch? Hansi is right there to welcome the newborn goats to ranch life.
Twin Tuxedo Time to Bond
While it seems that both Boots and Hansi are drawn to the warmth of the long haired goats and dogs, they also find time to attend to each other. Because it’s hard work showering love on all those other non meowy animals!
Boots and Bear
When I entered into the barn the other day and saw these two cuddled up together, my heart melted. Knowing their beginnings, from being scared and unwanted, to finding each other and filling the ranch with love, how can you not be moved?
Be sure to follow Red Falcon Ranch on social media to keep up with the love being showered on all the family members, no matter where you come from!
It’s about time the world realize that “fat cats” are not cute, they are suffering. And they need specialized help to lose weight slowly and safely. That’s exactly what Biggie Smalls and The Big House Sanctuary and Rehab are working towards. They know it’s not easy to do, but are providing cat parents all over the world with the steps to take. Because I guarantee, fat cat owners would prefer to have more years with their felines than chubby pictures of their passed on beloved companions.
Biggie Smalls in The Big House
Fortunately, this “big house” isn’t a punishment for it’s occupants. It’s a sanctuary where they can safely lose the extra pounds of weight, holding them back from their best life. Their mission statement? “A Sanctuary and Rehab for Mega Chonks, where Education and Second Chances meet.” And they have the cutest motivator who helped them want to inspire others to take up the mission; Biggie Smalls.
His real name is Axel, but for now he’s known to his growing fanbase as Biggie Smalls. The oversized ginger patched boy was surrendered by his original family after he gained the extra pounds. They knew they had to finally put him first and contacted the ProAnimaanimal rescuers. Freedom Drivers animal transporters joined the mission and helped Axel get to Ferdinand and Friends in Ottawa, Canada. Here, he could safely start to lose the unhealthy weight and get his life back in a foster home. It wasn’t long before he became a foster “fail”, his forever family starting The Big House sanctuary in his honor.
On their website, you can find all the information you may need about “chonk” cats. From how to help determine if your cat is carrying extra weight to where and how to start the weight loss journey. ALWAYS consult your veterinarian before starting any weight management program with your felines.
Axel, 7 years old at the time of his first weigh in on February 8th, 2024, registered at a whopping 43 pounds!
When they originally received his paperwork before meeting him, they thought the weight was written incorrectly as 19 kg instead of pounds. But nope, this ginger boy was so big his “fluff” hung over the sides of the scale!
Slowly and surely, he is dropping the extra weight and taking important steps to reach his purrfect weight. Even small everyday tasks are hard at his size. Regular litter boxes have sides that are too high for him to lift his legs over. And as he became more mobile, he can made it downstairs in his foster home but he can’t climb back up and must be carried.
The family found that an oil pan is a purrfect litter box! Low sides and wide size for Axel make it so much easier.
Throughout it all, he is remaining happy and loves his new life. His story has now become widely known and locals can even visit him at fundraising events on occasion. Lucky! The family still fosters kittens and Biggie Smalls is happy to show the littles how to cat, which also helps him get exercise too. Using the attention that he has brought to help “paw it forward” is an amazing mission.
Biggie Smalls Favorite Heating Pad
For 2025, he even starred in his own calendar! With his calm demeanor and chill attitude, he’s one of the cats who seems to be comforted by wearing clothes occasionally. And oh my is he adorable. It was quite a task just to limit the photos used in this article. So if you want to get lost in his lovey eyes, be sure to follow him on social media.
Biggie Valentines Day Calendar 2025
Biggies Deli
Snowman Biggie
Biggie Smalls gets smaller day by day.
At the time of this writing, Axel’s weight is at a healthy 28.90lbs; amazing! It’s so important to take weight loss in cats seriously. They aren’t that large to begin with so to have the extra stress on their tiny bodies is heartbreaking to see. It’s up to us as dedicated cat servants to make the time to care for these creatures that depend on us. Because what we get in return is so much more than a healthy companion.
TV Time with moms!
But just remember, you don’t mess with Biggie’s nom noms…wink wink.
Biggie Smalls with his stack of Purina Sponsored diet foods
We’re excited to see a black kitten who Cat Man Chris dubbed “Cole Jr.” and an orange cat named Volstagg found a furrever home together!
Chris said Cole Jr. was the “first lucky black cat of 2022,” when he helped rescue the kitten during a busy day of rescues. Meanwhile, Volstagg made a remarkable recovery after being found with a serious back injury months ago.
In early January, Cole Jr. was very lucky when Chris spotted him limping near an apartment building. (At first, he thought this kitty was female but later discovered Cole Jr. is a little dude.) Right away, Chris could see that this kitten was very friendly.
After checking around, nobody was missing a cat. Possibly, someone dumped the kitten, or he rode in a car engine and “popped out at the apartments,” Chris said.
As we know, black cats bring good luck, and Cole Jr. must be extremely lucky. First, a kind woman trapped him near the apartments. Then, thanks to help from Tampa-based Happy Tailz Cat Rescue, Cole Jr. got a taxi ride, veterinary care and then home to live in the Cat Man’s “Catty Shack.” Thus, he was in the best hands, getting vaccinated, neutered, and treated for any injuries.
🖤 Cole Jr. Gets a Name Dear to Our Hearts 🖤
On January 9, Chris shared a picture of a very happy Cole Jr. Soon, the cutie would be ready for adoption with Happy Tailz Cat Rescue, Inc as Chris devoted time to save older rescue kitties in the Catty Shack.
“Meowning from the Catty Shack… the black kitten from yesterday is a HE not a she, his leg is fine, he’s super cute, and I’m naming him Cole 🖤.”
Unlike his namesake, Cole Junior tends to keep quiet most of the time.
“He’s a silent kitty so far, he absolutely LOVES butt scratches and getting attention, but despite all the talking I’ve done still no meow… I was looking forward to hearing what he sounded like (I’m weird, but you already know that!) 🤣”
❤️🔥 Cole Jr. and Volstagg, Named for Thor’s ‘Best Red-Headed Friend’❤️🔥
In early September 2021, Happy Tailz introduced us to Volstagg, named after Thor’s giant friend in Marvel Comics. He’s “absolutely 1000% handsome,” the rescuers say.
When Volstagg arrived from the county shelter, he was in a bad way, paralyzed in the hind legs and unable to urinate on his own. Even so, he was purring and loved affection, “a big love muffin,” the rescuers said.
Thanks to donations, the rescuers were able to get Volstagg lifesaving care. After an MRI, a neurologist found that this brave kitty suffered from a “massive infection” around his lower spinal cord. After receiving medication, “he started walking, playing, and urinating on his own.” Like a fierce warrior, he made a stunning recovery!
Now, Volstagg loves to play like other cats, looking mighty as he scratches a cat tower. In the background, you can see a familiar little face!
We’re thrilled to see that Cole Jr. has found a loving home with Volstagg, whose prospects looked so bleak not long ago. Now, we look forward to seeing more of this dynamic duo. Artist and cat lover Leeza Hernandez “will be keeping folks updated if you want to follow her!” says Chris.
A lovable senior cat, Pumpkin, was 14 and struggling when his elderly owner had no choice but to surrender him. He ended up at a Manhattan shelter.
Unfortunately, this scenario is an everyday part of life as people age and lose their health or homes. Giving up a beloved pet must have been so heartbreaking, but thanks to rescuers, Pumpkin would not face euthanasia.
They found the scruffy senior kitty was as sweet as pumpkin pie and had so much love to give.
“He deserves to be in a loving home for whatever time he has left,” Timber’s Legacy said.
When rescuers found Pumpkin at the Manhattan Care Center, they saw he had many health issues and horribly matted hair. But it wasn’t intentional neglect. The elderly person was also suffering from medical issues and sadly had no choice but to go into care themselves.
“Pumpkin’s elderly owner was taken into care and had to surrender him. It appears that his owner was unable to properly care for him as he/she had medical issues of their own. The neglect was not intentional,” shared Timber’s Legacy.
Volunteers in the area shared a video of Pumpkin at the shelter.
“He’s a little bit matted, a little bit thin, but he’s certainly not short in love to give to people,” said a rescuer named Evelyne. “He’s so happy to have company, such a nice character…You are so sweet, like a pumpkin pie,” she continued.
The volunteers were delighted when the rescue group Timber’s Legacy pulled Pumpkin from the shelter. Online multiple people offered to care for him too!
As you can see, Pumpkin was a big lovebug, but he had many health issues that needed immediate treatment. The rescuers took him to their veterinarian, who found him “an absolute love.”
“He loves attention and pets, gives elevator butt and is a purr machine. He was purring so loudly that Doc could not hear his heartbeat properly!” they shared.
Considering all his health issues, it’s a wonder how the cat remained so affectionate, but we see it all the time with senior rescued cats.
“Pumpkin is dehydrated, underweight, has muscle wasting and is full of mats. He is also suffering from an upper respiratory infection, an ear infection and ear mites and has moderate dental disease. He also has elevated kidney values,” they said.
After being treated for all those conditions, the vet would keep him in quarantine until they could safely release him. The charismatic cat already had “an amazing foster home” lined up. Never again would he want for anything, as the rescue was committed to giving him the best golden years.
Pumpkin Finds a Loving Fospice Home
By the next month, Pumpkin’s health was much improved. Without that matted fur, he looked like a new distinguished gentleman and befriended everyone in his foster home. At his advanced age, the rescue believed the foster home might be long-term, a palliative care “fospice” home. But he’s shown remarkable improvement and his fur has become a much brighter shade of orange already!
“What a sweet cat, one who likely is looking at fospice care to make his days comfortable and filled with love. Who knows, with proper care, nutrition and hydration, his condition could show some improvement. It was probably very difficult for an ill elderly to take care of a pet. Pumpkin would love to still enjoy the warmth of a home. He still has so much love to give,” they said.
Thanks to the rescue and kind people who donate, Pumpkin’s foster family wouldn’t have to worry about paying for his veterinary care.
“Pumpkin has arrived at his foster home, and he has fit right in. He’s met a foster sibling pup and cat and loves everyone! His kidney values have leveled out now that he is no longer dehydrated and is eating regularly! Thank you to everyone who has helped him get this far. We can’t do this without you. This really takes a village,” the rescue shared.
You can follow Timber’s Legacy on Instagram and Facebook to help support cats like Pumpkin. Those in the New York area can see cats for adoption on their website.
