Dude's Story As told by his best friend.

Story by Lynda Williams, Hospice of Humboldt Chaplain.

I first heard of Dude through a staff email stating that one of our patients had a cat who desperately needed foster care as his human was too sick to care for him. Dude had some immediate health issues that made finding a home for him a bit more challenging. I agreed to take him right away until a home could be found. Our patient was very sad about saying goodbye to Dude, but said he knew it was the right thing to do. My heart broke for him and I cried as I carried Dude to my car.

Dude is 11 years old and had lived many of his years houseless. Life had been rough for him so far.

Once at my house, Dude hid in the bathroom closet, but came out at night to examine me and his new accommodations. He began calling out “Meow, meow…?” to which I answered back “Meow, meow!” That was all Dude needed to trust me. I spoke cat! We could be friends and friends we became. I knew the next step was getting him to a veterinarian. He got spayed, vaccinated, dewormed, defleaed, microchipped, and his eyes and giant tom cat cheeks were checked out. With some antibiotics for his eye issues, he received a clean bill of health!

After that Dude took to me like salt on a pretzel; he became my best friend.

His love for me is unquestioned as he gives me hugs and kisses and reaches to be held constantly. Sometimes he gently moves my face with his paw so he can kiss me square on the lips! He now sleeps on my head and enjoys sunbathing in his yard.

We have both been so blessed by our bond that he has found his permanent family with me.

Some people might say he is downright spoiled these days. But he deserves nothing less.