Contributed photo
Toby, the orange tiger kitten at the top of the photo, is a happy, active, brain-damaged 6-month-old neutered, leukemia tested, wormed with all shots, male, and he likes to nap with his new best friend Mark, a 10-week old male kitten. The two kittens formed a loving relationship while recovering from stray illnesses and injuries at a Halfway Home Pet Rescue (HHPR) Foster Home. Mark moved on to a permanent home after recovery; Toby however will remain as a permanent foster resident and Education Cat with the pet rescue this next school year. Toby has a sweet, loving personality. With regular physical therapy provided by volunteers, he has recovered a good deal of strength and balance for walking, jumping, and playing. Toby adores people and lots of attention. His sight is partially gone in his right eye along with his depth perception, but he is learning to live with this partial vision and has made huge progress in this past month. It is unknown if Toby’s brain damage was caused by poisoning or being struck by a vehicle and left for dead, but according to the HHPR vet the damage is permanent. “Toby is destined to replace Peanut Butter as the HHPR Education Cat,” explained HHPR president Norma Milton. “Peanut Butter is no longer available for classrooms due to becoming a diabetic with insulin dependence and the classroom excitement would be too much for him now.” Teachers in Caribou and the surrounding communities can schedule classroom responsible pet care programs for next school year for grades K to 4 by calling 492-1722. “We are so very grateful for the donations in the area collections boxes,” Milton said. “Our vet bills are high and these boxes are a major source of income for us to meet our obligations along with the donations given at the 88 Bennett Drive Redemption Center.” There are currently five adult cats and five young kittens available for adoption at the HHPR; adoption hours are on Saturday from 12 to 3p.m. or by special appointment. Additional information regarding the HHPR can by found at www.halfwayhomepetrescue.org or petfinder.com.
