As a stray cat from Utah, Fern never imagined he’d wind up in New York City, but that’s the thing about the future. No one can say for sure where they’ll end up, but when you’ve got caring hearts on your side, you can bet you’ll land in just the right place.
So, while Fern never considered a life in the city, he’s sure happy to be forever home with his new best friend.
When Fern first came to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah, the long-haired black cat was in bad shape. On first inspection, he was too thin and his fur was dull. Closer examination revealed a broken jaw and “he also had a soft tissue injury to one of his legs.”
Tender hands cleaned and stitched his painful jaw and luckily, Fern’s leg injury would heal with some time off his paws. But his skinny could only be cured by good nutrition, and Fern sure got his fill of good food at Best Friend’s Cat World. Soon, he filled out and his long fur regained its shine.
Image Courtesy of Best Friends
Best Friends vet technician, Heather Purdy, shared, “He now looks like a cat you might see in a shampoo ad.”
Sandy Paws to Asphalt Claws
After Fern healed, he and some of the other Utah cats loaded up in the Best Friends van and headed for the rescue’s New York branch. After the long road trip, Fern joined a foster home, but his first taste of city life saw him feeling kind of shy. Getting used to living inside was tough, and since NYC is the city that doesn’t sleep, Fern kept to this motto, staying up all hours in his foster home.
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He might have kept his foster family awake, but they were okay with being up if it meant helping a good cat get comfy. Soon, “he started sleeping in a chair next to their bed.” He was settling into home life nicely, which meant it was time to find a forever home.
New Friend Fur Life
As the pandemic had people facing time alone in their homes, Barbara McDaniel was mourning the loss of her cat Sugar. Not being able to see friends or travel also left her feeling lonely and isolated. When she saw Fern online, looking for a home, Barbara knew she and the beautiful black cat were meant for each other.
Image Courtesy of Best Friends
And now that Fern has been adopted, the pair keep each other company in the long days of being home to avoid the virus. But their time together is anything but dull!
Barbara shared, “We play together a lot. He’s keeping me active.”
And keeping active is important for the senior buddies. As Barbara is 80 and Fern is 9-years-old, they keep busy to stay healthy and happy.
Plus, having Fern at her side helps Barbara remember what’s important in life. Because as she puts it, “Pets put everything in perspective. All the love you give them, they give in return.”
H/T: www.bestfriends.org
Feature Image: Courtesy of Best Friends