Cat mother steps up
Patches, a 6-year-old domestic short-haired cat, arrived at the Richmond Animal shelter and the staff was stunned by his enormous size. “We thought we had seen big cats before, but he was definitely the biggest that we’ve ever seen,” said Robin Young, an outreach coordinator explaining that the standard weight for a domestic short-haired cat is about 15 pounds.
“He started out in our cat room with our larger cat cages, but he was so big that he barely had room to move around,” Young said. “So, he stayed in my office with me.” That same day, Kay Ford – who does not live far from the shelter – received a text from her daughter: “This is your moment.” The text was accompanied by a post, which described Patches as having a “gloriously gluttonous body.” Ford knew her daughter was right. Patches was perfect for her. “I would love to help that cat out,” said Kay, a retired business owner in Richmond. “I am the kind of cat parent that would do what I needed to do. I am very flexible, retired, home a lot, and I’m willing to dedicate the time and resources to help Patches achieve the goal that you all set,” Ford told the vet. “Patches actually could be a wonderful inspiration for me. Perhaps we can do the weight-loss journey together,” she continued. “I’m not unhealthily overweight, but I gained 20 pounds over the lockdown that I would love to shed.” “As cute as Patches is, in the end, we wanted an adopter that was going to change his life for the better, and take care of his health,” Young said.
“He is so big. Pictures really don’t do it justice.” Kay felt a connection right away. “I immediately sat down, and he just started purring,” Ford said. “He’s the sweetest thing.” “I can see in his eyes that there is a vibrant, wonderful, amazing character in there,” Ford said. “I cannot wait for him to be able to fully shine when he’s dropped some of the pounds.” For the time being, he is continuing the special diet he was put on at the shelter, and Ford encourages him to exercise as much as possible by waiving string toys in front of him. “He is so heavy right now that anything more than just walking is difficult,” Ford said, adding that she is “taking it slow” to prevent any injuries.
Kay created a Facebook page for Patches, to track his weight loss progress. In the first few days, the page already has more than 8,000 followers. Kay wrote that she’s glad people will be with Patches on his journey “from Loveable Honkin’ Chonk to Fit and Fabulous Feline,” It turns out, Kay isn’t the only one who is motivated by Patches. Several people commented on the Facebook page, saying things like “we’re in this together” and “I’m going to join you Patches!” She hopes Patches’s story underscores “the power of adoption” – both for animals in need of a home, and their humans. “What else in the world is out there that gives you the unconditional love of a pet?” asked Kay. “Nothing.”
Purr fect couple
Every time I lose weight…
I find it again, in the refrigerator.
I finally told my wife she had to lose weight.
The first day, I couldn’t see anything.
The second day, I couldn’t see anything.
But on the third day, that third day I was able to open my eyes enough and was released from the hospital.
The reason why many Americans don’t eat healthy, is because eating healthy would cause you to lose weight.
And America never loses.
I’ve been trying to lose weight, my doctor said I should stop having intimate dinners for 4
unless there are 3 other people with me.
May 11th Birthdays
1999 – Sabrina Carpenter, 1985 – Jadyn Wong, 1997 – Lana Condor, 2000 – Madison Lintz
1888 – Irving Berlin, 1990 – Cam Newton, 1918 – Richard Feynman, 1935 – Doug McClure