Henry and Karen:

From Karen:

The last thing on my mind that Saturday when I walked into Pet Smart, was to adopt another cat. I already had 4. But when I saw you there with all your cute kitties, something inside of me told me to go for it. I thought I would get another male so my Gus at home would have someone to play with ( his sisters don't play with him much). I was first thinking of getting a kitten, but when I saw someone walking over with a hissing, growling cat, I had to ask what was wrong. They told me this is Henry and he's not happy to be here because he was returned after being adopted. I asked what was wrong with him, and they said his previous owner had taken him to the vets and he was diagnosed with kidney problems, but with the right food he should be ok. She returned him because she didn't want a special needs cat. Henry was estimated to be around 10, that's a lot older than I was thinking of. So at first I said I would sponsor him, after going to RFOM to visit him the next week, I fell in love with this gentle, sweet guy, a total opposite of my first experience with him. I figured what the heck, instead of sponsoring him, I'll just take him home where he can have a permanent loving home. After I brought him home, I took him to the vet for a check up, I also told him what the last vet had said about his kidneys. Well after all the tests were complete, I found out he was misdiagnosed. His kidneys were fine, he has hyperthyroidism. He needs medicine twice a day and he is fine! He's gaining weight and is very happy. He and his sisters and brother get along great. I just thought people should know, if you're thinking of getting a kitten, give the older guys a chance, they may take a little longer to bond with you, but that's usually because they had a rough start. They just need love and patience. I'm glad I walked into Pet Smart that day!!

~We are so thankful for wonderful people like Karen who could see this wonderful boy for who he was. Special needs cats usually have extra love to give. Thank you so much Karen!~

**Update on Henry**

We are so sad to say that Henry passed away tonight (NOV 12, 2007). Karen is devastated as are all of us at RFOM. Even knowing that Henry was a special needs boy, and his year and a half of love and sunshine in his home was not enough. It was exactly where he wanted to be. We will miss him. Sweet sweet Henry.

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