Josie
What a Catch
Some cats hide in the bathroom for days when they arrive in their forever homes. Not Josie, a large, eight-year-old ASPCA alumna who recently took up
residence with Susan Kentler, an Adoption Center volunteer, on the Upper East Side.
“About an hour after arriving at my apartment, she looked like she was very happy to be here. She was rubbing her face on the couch and rolling around on
the carpet,” Susan tells us. “I think she really likes it here.”
It’s no surprise Josie is happy to be in a loving home environment—before she spent 14 months in our care, Josie suffered severe neglect.
When we met Josie (then Tini) in June 2011, she was emaciated, anemic, in shock, and suffering from hair loss and skin disease. When she was healthy again,
she moved from the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital to the Adoption Center.
There Josie quickly became a staff favorite and took second place in the ASPCA Class of 2012 talent show for her ball-catching skills, but it took her a bit longer to find a home.
“I was surprised Josie stayed in the shelter as long as she did, given her personality and how easy she is to handle,” says Susan. “I think people saw that
she was eight and on a special diet and kept walking.”
Perhaps the months Josie spent waiting were a blessing in disguise; that time gave Susan a chance to get to know Josie—and ultimately fall in love with her
and take her home.
Today, Josie is worlds away from the life of suffering she led before the ASPCA was able to rescue her. She keeps busy kneading Susan’s couch, playing with
toys and purring up a storm. Susan tells us, “It was nice to see her go from a cat condo to a whole apartment that has lots of places to explore.”
She adds: “I am glad that I could rescue such a wonderful animal. I wish more people would give the animals who have been in the shelter for a while a
closer look. You don't know who you might be walking by.”
