When his owner grew ill and could no longer care for him, Thomas was surrendered to a shelter. The employees at Baltimore County Animal Services began hunting for a rescue to take him in as soon as he arrived. Because Thomas was 26 years old, they believed he was a little more than they could manage.
Senior cats between the ages of 10 and 13 had a hard time finding homes, but at 26, the shelter felt Thomas’ prospects of finding a home were limited to none. Few people are ready to take on a cat that is elderly, especially given the medical issues cats frequently suffer. The shelter realized it would be difficult to find a rescue that would accept him, but they began advertising him nevertheless, and before long, the right woman observed him and felt she could help.
Laura Cassiday, webmail administrator and active foster mom with Animal Allies Rescue Foundation (AARF), was drawn to a message about Thomas since he was her age. She knew the super senior would have a hard time finding someone to take him, and she knew what she needed to do right now.
“I was going through my news feed and came to a halt when I saw ’26,’” Cassiday explained to The Dodo. “I’d never heard of a cat that old before. It was a spur-of-the-moment decision; I said they could stop looking because I’d take him, and we phoned the shelter to inform them that AARF would be pulling him. “The next morning, I took him up.”
Rather than placing Thomas for adoption via AARF, Cassiday brought him home with her. She didn’t want him to have to wait for a home when he may not have much time left, so she decided to be his “fospice” mother, which means she will look after him for the remainder of his life.
Cassiday explained, “We basically took him on knowing he’d never get adopted for the express goal of preserving his life.”
Thomas was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and severe dental disease after being examined by a veterinarian, and both conditions were treated with medicine. Thomas, on the other hand, is in excellent health for a cat of his age, much to the surprise and happiness of his new family.
Thomas has been in his new home for over a week and is still adjusting to his surroundings. It’s probable he’d spent his whole life at his former residence, and leaving the only home you’ve ever known at the age of 26 is a big thing. Cassiday, on the other hand, is overjoyed to have him and has immediately fallen in love with his lovely, old guy demeanor. She has four cats of her own and two foster cats, all of them are plainly much younger than Thomas, and he lends a calm vibe to the already frantic household.
Cassiday explained, “Young cats are a lot of effort.” “They get themselves into a lot of trouble.” Juniper unrolls all of the toilet paper at least once a week, thus I waste a lot of money on it. Thomas spends the day peacefully in his bed, without bothering anyone. He’s the perfect pet. I’m not suggesting that everyone acquire a 26-year-old cat, but if you’re searching for a pet, give that 12- or 13-year-old a second thought. They require you far more than a cat.”
Cassiday has received a lot of attention as a result of her adoption of Thomas, and she and her family have been affected by the outpouring of love they’ve received. They’ve gotten a flood of comments, notes, and gifts from people who want to help Thomas in his elderly years, and they’re utterly thrilled by the generosity – albeit Thomas seems unmoved by it all.
Cassiday described him as “certainly a crotchety old guy.” “He despises popularity and celebrity and wishes to be left alone.” I can’t say I blame him. Food is his one genuine love. I’m feeding him as much as he wants because I think he deserves it at 26. He enjoys being handled and will occasionally play with toys, but this old dude’s main interests are resting and eating.”
Cassiday has no clue how much time she’ll have with Thomas, but she’s grateful for the time they’ll have together, whether it’s a month or a couple of years, and she’s just glad she and AARF were able to save his life.
Cassiday observed, “I feel like an average person caught in an incredible situation.” “I did what anyone else would have done in my thoughts.” I observed an animal in need of assistance and knew I could help, so I did.”
