SOUTH CAROLINA RESCUE GANDALF’S STORY - September

As our readers know, we do partner frequently with the community, and are firm

believers that those partnerships hit issues at ground level, before they become shelter issues.

We link hands under those who are struggling. The struggle is real.

One of our local community contacts texted, and said that they had talked a feral boy

into coming in to see the “other side.” The cat had been seen in the neighborhood for at least

three years, and had been elusive until just recently. He’d begun to come close, allow petting

and to be hand fed. Although still firmly holding on to his feral card, he walked into the house

on his own, and decided that he really likes air conditioning, fresh water, his own potty

arrangements and always available food, that he didn’t have to hunt down and protect.

Gandalf was on his way to becoming a pampered couch potato.

Since our finder was able to foster, our involvement became easier. We arranged for

Gandalf to be dropped off with one of our vets to be tested for FIV, FELV, Heartworm,

neutered, vaccinated, and treated for external and internal parasites.

Unfortunately, Gandalf tested positive for FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus), but

this is not his Waterloo. As a neutered boy, there will be no breeding and likely no serious

fighting, as there would be nothing to fight over (no harem, no territory, no coveted resources),

and those are the only methods of transmission for FIV. So, for Gandalf, this is still a win

regardless.

Gandalf will remain in foster, as he fully transitions to the window watching, snoozing

in the sun with controlled temperatures cat, and learns the full ins and outs of making humans

his personal staff. His foster will work closely with any potential adopters for this handsome

boy.

No one rescue can save the world, but successful partnerships can mean the world to

those saved. Some community cats never want to be domesticated, or have their lives changed.

Those cats are better off, stress wise, to be altered, released and supported in their own

environments. Gandalf was ready to sign on the dotted line.

Your donations make it possible for us to continue to be available for these community

babies, who may have it hard on the street.