Jen Boger was browsing shelter animal profiles when she came across a photo of Mason, a scruffy elderly cat with a “tough guy” face. Boger, who works as the cat intake coordinator for the Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation in Northern Virginia, felt he had to join them right away.
“He was characterized as having a tough appearance, but being incredibly kind and gentle,” The Dodo’s Boger, who writes the blog Pokey Pot Pie, said. “These tough old tomcats are my all-time favorite.” While they are frequently battle-scarred and bruised from battling for life on the streets, I find that the majority of them are quite nice cats.”
Boger realized that if they didn’t intervene, Mason may never get the second opportunity he earned. “By looking at Mason’s photo and description, I realized he was the sort of cat that would be passed over time and time again by potential adopters and other rescues because he seemed so scrappy, tough, and unwell,” Boger said.
Mason was ready to leave his tough-guy lifestyle behind him when he arrived to Boger’s house. He hid from Boger for the first few days when he heard her approaching, but he rapidly got the confidence to beg for what he craves the most – lots and lots of petting.
“Now, he either waits at the entrance for us or rushes over as soon as he hears us approaching,” Boger explained. “He enjoys being pet and will nudge your hand or arm if you pause for even a few seconds.”
“In his weathered old body, he doesn’t have a mean bone,” Boger continued. “Just a lot of love to give.”
Mason had been alone for so long, with no one to care for him, and it had taken its toll.
“We anticipated him to arrive with matted fur, unclean ears, fleas, and a general appearance of being a little unkempt,” Boger said. “However, he was the saddest, sickest cat I’d ever seen.”
Mason’s ears were both injured, and severe scars ran down both sides of his face. His fur was scabby, and he had a variety of health and dental difficulties, including ringworm.
Mason, on the other hand, is recovering and becoming stronger by the day after weeks of vet appointments. “While Mason has had some health issues,” Boger noted, “everything looks to be surmountable.” “He’s responded really well to everything that’s been thrown at him thus far.”
Despite his life experiences, Mason remains a “kind, sensitive, tiny old teddy bear,” according to Boger. And whomever adopts him will have an instant closest buddy with a lot of love to share.
Link to Paws Daily