Adopter Name

Jenny Hudson

Rescue Dog’s Name

Amos the cat

Where Did You Find Your Dog?

Amos was a stray tomcat here in Newport, KY. He lived in the neighborhood but was unneutered and terrified of people. I worked for more than a year to gain his trust and finally was able to feed him and get him to be more comfortable with me. I got him to the vet to be neutered and it turns out he was FIV+ (feline AIDS). He may never become symptomatic, and it’s extremely hard to spread without a deep, penetrating bite. And Amos is truly just a lover, not a fighter. He got neutered, and easily integrated into my home with my other kitties. FIV kitties often get put down immediately at shelters and vets due to incredible amounts of mis-information out there regarding the disease. FIV kitties are underdogs also and Amos wears his blue collar with pride.

Tell Us About the Moment When You Knew that You Two Were Meant for Each Other.

I had been trying to gain Amos’ trust for months; I’d leave food on my patio for him but he wouldn’t come in and eat unless I was inside. He was always so fearful and never exhibited any normal playful cat behavior. Until one day I had left his food out and spied him from my kitchen window. He was rolling over on my patio like a kitten. That’s when I knew I’d won him over.

How Has Your Hero Changed Your Life?

Amos has been a terrific poster boy for how FIV+ kitties can live happy, healthy lives, just like other cats. There is no need to immediately euthanize FIV+ cats. They can have long, healthy lives in front of them. They just need love and care like any other animal. When I first brought him in, he didn’t even know how to play; he didn’t know what toys were for. Now he shows me every day how thankful he is that I gave him a home. And he’s taught me that my actions shouldn’t come from a place of fear. He’s the best cat you could ever ask for.