Aby-a-Day – 2 Februari: Another memorial (Cartoon Tuesday)

Back in 2014, I drew the cartoon above based on a photo and caption a Facebook friend of mine, Mike Ruemmler posted in the old Abyssinian Cat Club. Sadly, we all learned that Mike was found dead in his home last week. My friend Kristen posted to the New England Abyssinian Rescue page:

“Sad news for our NEAR family and the larger community of Aby owners. Last night we learned that our dear friend, Mike Ruemmler, passed away over the weekend.
Mike fostered and transported several Abys for us. He foster-failed one of our seniors because he couldn’t bear the thought of putting her through another transition. I once sent him on a grand overnight adventure to transport an Aby only to have the owner change her mind at the last minute. He worried about that Aby as much as I did. A year later that same Aby came into rescue after the owner had placed her in a bad home. If I asked for help, he said yes without hesitation.

If you were friends with Mike, you often received a cat meme in your mailbox to brighten your day. Mike retired last Fall and seemed to be making the most of everyday, even in these trying times. He was dedicated to his cats and friends. A wonderful person who will be deeply missed.
NEAR’s Max, Lucy, Pele, and Ellie were all saved through Mike’s help. Give them a chin scratch or two if they are in your home today.
Mike left behind 4 Abys. A friend of Mike’s quickly took the cats in and contacted us for help. The cats are safe and being appropriately spoiled. Now we need to begin finding the right homes for these special Abys.

Gregor and Soska are 11 year-old male litter mates. They will be placed together.

Pop-Tart is a red female. We are waiting on vet records to confirm her age.

She can be placed with Gregor and Soska or on her own. She would do best in a home with a limited number of cats and no other females.
Pele is the red female Mike adopted from us. She is 16 and doesn’t readily accept other cats.
All of Mike’s cats were spoiled, loved, and received veterinary attention whenever needed. They are in St. Louis, MO. We will only consider adopters who can physically pick these cats up.

If you are interested in any of these cats, please submit an application: www.neabyrescue.com/application
Mike, I picture you in a beautiful garden reunited with many of your feline family members. You will be fondly remembered and forever missed.”

I really enjoyed his posts about his cats. Once again, my heart has joined the Thousand, for my friend has stopped running today.

Reggie hunts with StarClan

Sad news from my friend Kim…her fawn boy, Reggie, died yesterday. He had several tumours in his organs and a polyp in his nostril. He was only 13½.

Kim adopted Reggie and his sister Cheri when they were 10 years old after their human went into an assisted living facility. She got them from Northeast Aby (and Somali) Rescue (NEAR) just before Christmas, 2015. Sadly, Cheri died from the same multiple tumours in multiple organs only a couple of months after Kim adopted them.

Here is Reggie last October on his last birthday (which was celebrated late because Jacoby’s Uncle Clancy had just died. He was so adorably crosseyed, and a drooling, purring cuddler. I’ll miss seeing his photos. My heart has joined the Thousand, for my friend has stopped running today. Sleep well in Tuonela, lovely Reggie.

Abys in Need: Northeast Aby Rescue (NEAR)

Filling a need that’s long needed filling, Northeast Aby Rescue (NEAR) started up early this year to rescue, foster and find homes for abandoned or otherwise needful Abyssinians and Somalis in the northeastern United States. I’m meant to be working on a logo for them, but so far have only completed a sketch…

All of these lovely Abyssinians (and one Somali) are currently available:

– Sasha age 13 in Chicago, IL; ruddy female with special needs (blind). Adoption Pending

Cri Cri

– Cri Cri age 12 in Chicago, IL; ruddy male. Adoption Pending

– Darby age 6 in Philadelphia, PA; red female. Adopted Today!

Downton Abby

– Downton Abby age 12 in Washington, DC; red female.

– Elsa age 10 near Hartford, CT; black silver female. Speacial needs: No other female cats.

Eilonwy

– Eilonwy age 3 in Philadelphia, PA; red Somali female with special needs (urinary). Adopted Today!

Abys in Need – Rocky in PA and Two Gentlemen in the UK

A couple of Abys need homes…first this fine American fellow:

“This is Rocky, he is available for adoption through Northeast Abyssinian Rescue. I am fostering him in the greater Philadelphia area. He is a beautiful boy full of Abytude who loves to give me lots of head bumps and purrs. He is a bit on the high strung side and will do best in an adult only home or one without small children. His thoughts on dogs are unknown. He enjoys visits from my Abys so I believe he will do fine with other cats. He is 7 years old, just had a dental and is in good health. If you’re interested in Rocky please email us at NEAbyRescue@yahoo.com and we will send you an application.”

And then, in England, we have these two elderly gents:

“Two 15 year old neutered males desperately needing a new home.

There are two 15 year old Abys in very urgent need of a new home as their owner is getting remarried and his new partner is allergic to cats. The Abys are currently in a cattery awaiting their new home. One is blue and one is sorrel. One has IBS well controlled with diet, and the other arthritis. The cats are in Gloucestershire, but the owner is prepared to deliver them if necessary.

If you feel you could offer these two a home for their retirement, please contact the Abyssinian Club Welfare Officer, Harriet, by e-mail: welfare@charriet.co.uk or ring her on 0208 669 1655

Abys in Need – Kovu in Orlando, FL

This lovely boy showed up in a Craigslist ad yesterday:

“I have an Abyssinian in need of a new home. He’s a very sweet house cat, weighing about 10 lbs. His name is “Kovu” (also responds to “Coco” ~ his nickname).

Unfortunately, he is not friendly with other cats. He is somewhat dog friendly, but definitely means to let the dog know who’s boss. I acquired my dad’s Plott Hound when he died, and the two have been fighting lately. However, he is fine with my 3 month old puppy.

He is great with children who are gentle with him, however he can be flighty and hide a bit if he’s chased. (For example, he hides under the bed when my little sister comes over because she chases him around, trying to pet him.) He mostly likes to just sit on the couch and cuddle, and loves the occasional play session with strings.

Kovu is neutered and up-to-date on all of his vaccinations, and you’ll be provided with all his paper work when you come to pick him up. He’s also on Trifexis and is due for another round in 10 weeks. You can also have all of his supplies (toys, bowls, and travel crate), including his automatic litter box.

His rehoming fee is $100. I love my cat. I wish I didn’t have to give him away, but as it stands now, I can’t keep him. Especially since he’s not getting along with my dad’s dog. I want to ensure that if anyone takes him, they’ll take good care of him.”

Our friend Kristen, on behalf of the newly-formed Northeast Aby Rescue (NEAR), is assisting the adoption through Rescue Me:

“Northeast Abyssinian Rescue is assisting Kovu’s owner find him a new loving home. Kovu is a calm loving 8 year old neutered male Abyssinian. He has never lived with another cat. He lives with 2 dogs but isn’t getting along with one of them. Kovu is currently located in central Florida. All applications will be considered. If you would like to know more about this sweet boy, please send an email to neabyrescue@yahoo.com”

Kovu is in the Orlando, Florida, area if you know of a home that needs an Aby in it.