Oh Henry … this poor, sweet, handsome cat. We estimate his age to be about 8 years old, and he’s a gorgeous white cat with gray patches and a tabby tail. Henry seems to have had little comfort in his recent years – his teeth are broken (he only has 1½, 2 incisors and a few molars). He also has a terrible wound or abscess on his cheeks and a crumpled ear. But we are providing him with comfort care and falling in love with him! He has a very tolerant and friendly personality, even if he’s a bit nervous about his new situation. We would love to see Henry have a chance for a comfortable and loved life.
Reading that biography, would you believe that this is a cat that has gone on to change lives? Miracles often happen where we least expect them – and looking at Henry for the first time, the only miracle I was hoping for was that he would make it out of the South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter. Senior pets, like Henry, often have a more difficult time finding a home. However, they often are the most in need of a home and a chance to be loved and pampered. Henry’s story shows that the rewards of adopting a senior pet go far beyond giving an old pet a good home.
Our shelter partner the Providence Animal Center saw his pictures, and his potential, and offered to take him in and provide him with the medical care he needs. Henry tested positive for FIV, but we all knew this shouldn’t affect his life once he recovered and was cared for properly. His wounds were tended to and he was given dental treatment. After that, Henry was left with only two teeth! There was nothing that could be done for his crushed ear, but that remains part of what makes him so cute.
His shining personality continued to amaze the Providence staff. We have no idea what his previous eight years of life held, but we know that the past few months had been rough and that his condition had deteriorated. Henry certainly didn’t hold a grudge against the world, though; he just carried on reveling in the joys that each new day brought him.
So when Rich, a staff member with Xenia Hospice and Palliative Care in Pennsylvania, reached out to Providence looking for a therapy cat, Henry was a clear choice thanks to his friendly and outgoing personality and tolerant nature. But would his history affect his ability to make a difference as a therapy cat?
Henry was evaluated by a veterinarian, a behaviorist, hospice team members, hospice families and their insurance carrier, and ultimately was adopted by Rich. He provided additional medical care at the recommendation of a holistic vet, and Henry became more and more healthy each day. Henry was ready to get to work.
Fache writes: “Henry was first assigned to a patient with end-stage dementia. Upon release from his pet porter, Henry dazzled all of us! He was friendly, inquisitive, social and vocal. He jumped up and made first contact with the hospice patient in a very affectionate way. He also won the hearts of the family members who were present. Other visits were scheduled and before we knew it, Henry was the most popular member of our hospice team! Patients and family members reported feeling optimistic, positive and elated after spending quality time with Henry. One family member remarked that Henry provided comfort to his mother and that he actually felt some hope from it. Henry seemed to decrease a lot of their stress and take their mind off of their troubles — a furry, friendly diversion from despair. Henry has been a little miracle to the families that he visits.”
When Glen adopted his cat Blake, he got much more than a companion. Blake is not a trained therapy animal, but alerts Glen when he’s about to have a seizure.
Henry has become quite a celebrity. He’s also Mr. November in Providence Animal Center’s calendar. It warms my heart to know that the injured, homely old cat who arrived at our shelter now has made a full recovery and not only has a loving home of his own, but pays it forward every day by providing comfort and companionship to senior people and their families.
November is National Hospice Month and National Adopt A Senior Pet Month. The timing couldn’t be better to stop in at the South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter in Vineland and visit the senior pets in need of a loving home. The benefit for yourself may wind up being greater than you ever expected.
