I received an email, from National Abyssinian Rescue(NAR) indicating that their was an Abyssinian at risk at the animal shelter near Cleveland. They thought the kitty was a blind female. I called the shelter and they said that they had a male abby, but that he was old, blind and going to be put down the next day.
I told the lady on the phone that I would take him. She said "But he's old" and I said I didn't care, whatever life he had left should be a happy one. She said "but he is blind" and I asked if he needed to wear a little helmet to protect himself from running into things and if he could find the litter box and food dish. She said he could find those things and was not in danger of hurting himself by running into furniture or walls. So I made arrangements to pick him up that night after work.
I named him after my favorite story as a child, Orange Oliver. The story about a little orange kitty that needed glasses. I took my Orange Oliver to the vet the next day and he confirmed what I had guessed already just by watching my new family member. Oliver is not blind, but only has cloudy vision and he is not old. He is probably between 2 and 4 years old. He's a joy to our family and such a little love bug. It amazes me that someone could have given him up or that noone else would rescue him from the shelter, but I'm glad they did.
He will always have a place in my home and in my heart.
Lansing, MI
