A 15-year-old scraggly cat was found as a stray on the streets of New Jersey, trying to survive. After he was taken into Voorhees Animal Orphanage, it didn't take long before the staff noticed just how much love this affectionate tabby craved.
"This super affectionate fellow shouldn't be spending his golden years in the shelter," the shelter said.
They named him Barnaby, and he immediately melted everyone's heart at the shelter. They knew that he would make a wonderful companion if someone could open their heart to this sweet senior cat.
That's when Dr. Ed Sheehan and his wife Clare Sheehan of Sheehan Veterinary Centre came across his post on Facebook. "When we saw his picture, etc on Facebook we felt that he really needed lots of vet care just on his age and appearance," Clare said.
They contacted the shelter and offered to adopt Barnaby right away, and needless to say, the shelter couldn't have been happier.
On his ride to his forever home!
When Barnaby came to Dr. Sheehan's office to do a full work up and bloodwork, the entire staff at the clinic fell in love with him. He walked around the office like he had lived there his entire life and quickly took on the role as their feline supurrvisor.
"When mopping the floors he followed behind to make sure no spot was missed, and at the end of the night he sits on my lap to make sure I do the books correctly," Rachel, a vet tech of Sheehan Veterinary Centre, said.
"We have him on antibiotics and he seems to be improving! He has put on weight (almost a whole pound), and his coat is even starting to look better," Rachel added.
Despite his age, Barnaby is quite the character and full of life and spirit.
"He loves his special senior food, and enjoys being brushed regularly. He also takes his antibiotics like a champ and doesn't complain at all."
Knowing this cat may have had many health issues that require daily care, and that his vet bills would be very heavy for the average person, Dr. Sheehan and his wife opened their hearts to this deserving little boy.
"Barnaby is more than a 'house cat' to us. He is well loved and very cared for by Dr. Sheehan, myself and our entire staff that he loves," Clare said.
When Barnaby has poor appetite, his nurses spoon feed him cat food gravy and extra vitamins in a cat food formula.
"Also Doc noticed his dilated pupils. He feels it's his old age as he doesn't see much. He has adjusted well and is getting lots of love and care. He's a happy boy.
"Keeping him healthy and happy is our goal and to make the rest of his life a happy one. Who knows the trials and tribulations he went through but now his Veterinarian Dad and I and the rest of his Vet Tech and Assistants family will love and care for him," Clare said.
Updates:
Barnaby gave Aunt Rachel Gregory some cuddles after getting some delicious cat treats from her.
He officially surpassed the 6 lb mark!
He got up on the bench all by himself! What a champ!
Look at that face <3
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