Question:
My cat, Molly, is a rescued cat, very shy around strangers. She eventually learned to trust me to the point where she will let me pet her and she will sleep on the end of my bed. She's a young cat that I adopted for companionship and, since I am 86 years old and not in good health, I need your advice. When the time comes that I can no longer care for Molly, I need to find a good home for her.
A.S., Washington, DC May 21, 2006
Answer:
Thank you for your lovely letter (here abridged) about the beautiful cat that lives with you. I appreciate your dilemma. Do you have a friend or relative who could take your cat when you can no longer care for her? Surely your cat's veterinarian or local animal shelter could help you find a suitable foster home where she can be well cared for. I wish more people were like you: realistically accepting the fact that your animal companion will probably outlive you and making every effort to find the right person/family, to be named in your will, to take the beloved creature -- with or without (as circumstances dictate) some money toward feeding and appropriate care. I know of no agency or organization set up specifically to help people in your situation, but I have a dream of an animal sanctuary for the dearly departed whose beloved animal companions can live on and enjoy life. Are there any out there? I will ask through my column and let you (and all readers) know.
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