ECC NEWS
Open Hearts, Empty Cages: Irving's Story
Saturday, March 14, 2009
It was well over a year ago when the Empty Cages Collective met our friend Irving - a tough street cat with a sweet side and soft spot for food. The Empty Cages Collective was working on a Trap-Neuter-Return project for feral and stray cats in Bushwick, Brooklyn when one of our volunteers felt something brush against his leg. The cat who would soon be known as Irving had smelled the tuna and sardines being offered to the feral felines and made a quite approach. Instead of waiting for the volunteer to step away, Irving decided he'd make friends on the spot and grab a bite at the same time!
It was soon realized that Irving, un-neutered, dirty and homeless - was suffering from a severe ear mite infestation and had scratched his head raw, causing an infection. We immediately scooped Irving up and put him in a carrier so he could get veterinary care and eventually be placed in a loving home.
After healing from his wounds, Irving was adopted by a wonderful guardian, Defne Ezgi. They recently celebrated their first year anniversary together (Irving was adopted on March 9, 2008)! As Defne recently wrote to us, "Life has been really good with Irving. He's a very resilient cat and had no trouble adjusting at all. He's really playful and loves to run around, chasing me or being chased. He welcomes me home when I come back and purrs and licks my nose. He really is a joy to have. My friends definitely have noticed how happy he makes me. And I know that he's really happy with his life too. Thanks for making this happen!"
Irving: A few days after rescue
Irving and his guardian, Defne
Irving relaxes in his permanent home!
Open Hearts, Empty Cages: Irving's Story
Saturday, March 14, 2009
It was well over a year ago when the Empty Cages Collective met our friend Irving - a tough street cat with a sweet side and soft spot for food. The Empty Cages Collective was working on a Trap-Neuter-Return project for feral and stray cats in Bushwick, Brooklyn when one of our volunteers felt something brush against his leg. The cat who would soon be known as Irving had smelled the tuna and sardines being offered to the feral felines and made a quite approach. Instead of waiting for the volunteer to step away, Irving decided he'd make friends on the spot and grab a bite at the same time!
It was soon realized that Irving, un-neutered, dirty and homeless - was suffering from a severe ear mite infestation and had scratched his head raw, causing an infection. We immediately scooped Irving up and put him in a carrier so he could get veterinary care and eventually be placed in a loving home.
After healing from his wounds, Irving was adopted by a wonderful guardian, Defne Ezgi. They recently celebrated their first year anniversary together (Irving was adopted on March 9, 2008)! As Defne recently wrote to us, "Life has been really good with Irving. He's a very resilient cat and had no trouble adjusting at all. He's really playful and loves to run around, chasing me or being chased. He welcomes me home when I come back and purrs and licks my nose. He really is a joy to have. My friends definitely have noticed how happy he makes me. And I know that he's really happy with his life too. Thanks for making this happen!"
Irving: A few days after rescue
Irving and his guardian, Defne
Irving relaxes in his permanent home!