GREATER WESTFIELD-For anyone wishing to make a thoughtful monetary gesture this holiday season, “Scoop” is the answer to your prayers.
“Scoop,” an orange adult feline with medium length hair, continues to experience frequent viruses and the staff at the Polverari/Southwick Animal Control Facility indicated this week they lack the monetary resources for his testing.
“Our medical fund is tapped out right now,” said Dawn Angell, assistant animal control officer. “We need to find out why Scoop continues to have this chronic condition.”
Approximately $700 is needed for veterinarian services to diagnose what is causing Scoop to have frequent viruses. Until the staff at the Polverari/Southwick Animal Control Facility can determine how to help him – he is unable to find a forever home. (Submitted photo)
Angell noted that if the shelter could afford the necessary blood tests and X-rays, they could then treat him appropriately.
“Those tests would be more in-depth, however, the veterinarian said the cost is likely to be close to $700,” said Angell. “We are in need of donations for his medical fund.”
Angell said once they can determine how to treat Scoop, he can then find a forever home.
“He is an awesome cat,” said Angell.
In addition to Scoop, the Southwick facility also has several adult cats waiting for their forever homes, including Nadia, a black and white domestic short hair, who was left abandoned when her family moved away.
“Nadia is about 2-years-old and devours Temptation cat treats,” said Angell, adding, “she is very sweet.”
“Peanut,” at least 7-years-old, needs a “quiet” forever home.
“Peanut is a stunning, long-haired calico that has made a lot of progress since she has been here,” said Angell. “She is semi-feral and will come for treats but will not let you pet her.”
“Twix,” a double pawed female calico with big black spots, is “very friendly,” according to Angell.
“Twix had been adopted in 2014 from us and then recently returned,” said Angell. “Twix is a sweet cat.”
Lastly, “Darcy” is a domestic short hair tabby who will excel in a home with children.
“Darcy is phenomenal,” said Angell, adding, “she loves to sit on everyone’s lap.”
Angell noted that Darcy has FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) and will need to be the only cat in the household unless other cats also have FIV. FIV attacks the immune system, leaving felines vulnerable to other infections.
For area residents who wish to donate items during the holiday season, laundry detergent, bleach, paper towels and clay cat litter are always needed.
“We always welcome donations for our animals,” said Liz Bennett, animal control officer.
For more information on any of the cats available for adoption in Southwick or to make donations – monetary and material – call (413) 569-5348, ext. 649. The shelter is located at 11 Depot St.
In Westfield, more than a dozen felines have filled the cat room, according to Spenser Afonso, animal control officer, Westfield Regional Animal Shelter.
Two of the cats are currently featured on the website – “Hank,” approximately 5-years-old, and “Anton,” about two years of age.
“We have had Hank for several months,” said Afonso. “He is a sweet cat but is extremely high energy and can be mouthy.”
Afonso said “Anton” or “Annie” is a feral cat that arrived at the shelter in March.
“She was pregnant and had her babies which were all adopted,” said Afonso. “She is friendly and will let people pet her.”
Afonso noted that donations of cat litter, laundry detergent and bleach are also always welcome from area residents.
“We are always thankful when we receive these donations,” said Afonso.
For more information on the animals at the Westfield shelter, call (413) 564-3129. The shelter is located at 178 Apremont Way.
