Friday, October 3, 2014

Pawing it Forward - Less Adoptable but Very Loveable

I was at a loss. We needed to send support to Savannah's great Paw it Forward Blog Hop but since we have our own huge event planned for next week to support Kitty Cottage, which is a local cat sanctuary, we were trying to figure out what to do when... Bang... It hit us! 
Buttons: No. I hit you! Right in your big old bu...
Heh... Heh... Meow right you are Buttons. And I needed good smack in the, umm, head as we need to have you front and center in more posts. Take it away.
Thanks Timmy. Head you meow..., right, 
We need to get my story out as I am definitely a hard to place cat who happened to luck out. If I hadn't met Dad... well I am getting ahead of myself.
You do that a lot. In fact...
Whose post? Alrighty then.
I came here with some other fosters right after July 4th 2011 and met Dad. Me and him hit it right off and with my handsome shiny fur and cute chest medallion he had high hopes for me. I was a bit shy but had a lot of energy that Dad used to get me playing which helped socialize me to being around a big human. In no time I was climbing in his lap and running up to say hello whenever he came into our room. My photo was posted on line and I went to adoption events on the weekends. I was on a roll.
I did not get adopted as quickly as Dad expected. That whole black cat thing I guess, but, people did look me over as I was very friendly and could pour on the charm. I went to stay at a local Pet Store where the group had us out to meet and greet and I got my shot at a forever home. I was sad as I did not get to say goodbye to Dad but he understood. I was set, or was I?
In some 3 weeks Dad got a call from a frantic adopter: "Oh you have to get him right away! He has FIV!" 
I did not understand why they had me locked in a small room so when Dad came to get me I said "Whee, hi Dad Lets Play." The lady and man chased me all over while Dad watched and then I ran to Dad and jumped on him and... he took me back.
I was glad to see Dad but... 

Was I a bad cat? Wasn't I lovable enough to keep forever?

Maybe if I had worn a tie?

We got home and Dad explained that I had a virus. It was not like a cat cold. It was something that most of the time made no difference. It was catching but only with me giving a deep bite to another cat. I asked Dad why they gave me back as I am a lover, not a biter. He explained that they loved the kitty they had a whole lot and could not take that chance. He said FIV is a lot like human HIV before people were educated. Today HIV is not as scary but he says things used to be very different. He says we need to educate people so nice cats like me are not just euthanized as a matter of course. 
Well I went back to being a foster. After another few months Dad decided he would give me a home. I am a lucky fellow as Dad read about my condition and understood because he is a Nursey Man. I do not pose a risk to the others as I am not aggressive. Oh I hiss a bit and can whacky paw with the best of them but nothing mean. 
We cats with FIV can need a bit more care. My gums have problems and I have lost teeth. Lots of them fell out or were pulled at my last Dental. Dad has to give me antibiotics for my gingivitis and I take my medicine like a champ.
We kitties with FIV are less adoptable but can make great pets for an understanding family.
This is very impawtent infurmation so please consider adopting a kitty who may have FIV as no fault of their own. If you have questions please let me know and I will tell Dad to contact you.
s
Give an FIV kitty a chance. Remember to adopt we who are:
Less Adoptable but Very 
Lovable

Thanks for allowing me to add my story Savannah
Mr Buttons FIV Cats need love too!

19 comments:

Brian's Home Blog said...

Well you certainly weren't less adoptable and we really don't think any kitties are less adoptable. Humans are the ones with the problem. That was such a nice post!

Anonymous said...

EEoww Buttonz what a movin n touchin storey *wipez a teer frum da eye*
Dad Pete iz one PAWSUM grrreat man!!!
Yer in da bestest home n wif Timmy n da otherz ya haz all da lub n care a Kitteh cuud need! By da way, ya look so stylin in da tie ;) Raawwrrrr....
Much lub, Nylablue =^,,^= n Mum too :)

Memories of Eric and Flynn said...

It was sad that you were returned Buttons, but it meant you ended up in the best home of all.

Summer at sparklecat.com said...

Buttons, you are the perfect poster cat for FIV because you are AWESOME! I loved hearing your story and loved the happy end for you - which every FIV kitty deserves.

Meezer's Mews & Terrieristical Woofs said...

Yes, so glad it all went to getting you into the pawsome furmily you are now a part of.

Happy Day that was fur you!

Fozziemum said...

Buttons I am glad you were returned...because you got to be with the best dad for you! we had a beautiful boy Merlin Mc Tavish he was black also..he got FIV from a feral that got into our yard and beat him up badly..we did not know until years later when he got an abscess that did not heal..then he was diagnosed...we had him for three years after that.he like you was a lover not a biter..and now we have found our sweet Pickles most likely has FIV..she is asyptomatic and healthy and happy..and most likely contracted it while in her mums womb as she was in a hoarding situation when I rescued her and snatched her up..she has had three toofies out and has since been very happy..she is also a lover not a biter..and a much loved member of the family..even if I had known when I rescued her I STILL would have kept her...a wonderful post Buttons loves Fozziemum xxx

Anonymous said...

Oh Buttons weez so happy fur yous. Yous weally hit da jackpot wiff Timmy and dad Pete and furmily. And weez glad to be yous furiend.

Luv ya'

Dezi

Mariodacat said...

Buttons, this thing against black kitties is a bunch of hooey! We make the nicest pets. M had a black kitty first, and then there is me - half and half. She says we were/are the best kitties she has ever had - and no bad luck happened to our family either. It's totally unfair. We are so happy dad has decided to keep you. I know you are very happy to.

M Dawson said...

Oh this is the best post!! Thank you for letting us know - ignorance is a frightening thing and we need to combat it strongly!

Thank you,

Harvey, Miranda and Silver

Kitty Cat Chronicles said...

Buttons, you are such a handsome kitty! We are big supporters of FIV kitties too, since our Sassy is FIV+. Maybe Buttons could come over and explain to her that other kitties aren't so bad so she will stop trying to bite the other kitties and come out and play with them. We love her anyway though!!!

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

Buttons you wrote a compelling post and we are so so so glad you were reunited with the right Dad who will always honor you and take good care of you!

The Swiss Cats said...

Buttons, we didn't know it, it's so impawtant to share your story ! We're glad your first adoption didn't work, you have the best dad and siblings ever now ! Purrs

Savannah's Paw Tracks said...

OMC!!! Mr Buttons!!! You are a MOST adoptable cat as are ALL FIV cats. This is a pawsomely purrfect Paw It Forward story, thank you for sharing it and for joining my Paw It Forward Blog Hop!! Paw pats, Savvy

Kitties Blue said...

You were meant to live with Dad Pete, Timmy and the others. We believe you are in your rightful home as they understand that you might need some extra care, but that you can live a great normal life. And you can help spread the word that FIV kitties should be given the loving homes they deserve. Thanks for this excellent post. Hope you will join us tomorrow for our Sunday Selfies Blog Hop. XO, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo

GLOGIRLY said...

Oh sweet Buttons... your story is so very wonderful. We're SO happy you wee reunited with your dad. And your message is so very important. FIV is not the end of the world by any means... Thank you for educating people about how very easy it is to manage.
xo

John Bellen said...

You have a wonderful home, Buttons, though I am sad the other people didn't want to keep you. It's their loss. You are safe and loved where you are - forever and forever.

MissyofMissylandia said...

That is a wonderful story. You have a wonderful Dad.

Marty the Manx said...

Mr. B your story is so wonderful you and Dad bring tears to my eyes. I would have never thought twice if Marty or Ralphie had had FIV either.
Luvs
Marty's Mom

Unknown said...

SO glad you have a wonderful family now!
Thanks for linking up to our pet parade!
ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!