Stray Thoughts 2020 Volume 1 Winter 2020 Newsletter_Digital | Page 5

Donate today online at www.wshs-dg.org Toby Male | 3.5 years old | Orange Tabby Toby was a hot mess when he found his way to WSHS. He was an unneutered male stray, trying to make it through outdoor life without being attacked by other males. Luckily someone found him after he was injured and we sent him right to the vet. Some of his tail was missing and what he did have was raw and painful. Toby got the royal treatment at the vet. He got his wounds cleaned up, neutered, vaccinated and had blood and stool tests. Everything turned out okay EXCEPT that Toby had been bitten badly by a cat that was infected with FIV. Bite wounds are the most common way FIV spreads so free-roaming, aggressive male cats are the most frequently infected and unfortunately, Toby got in the path of one of those. At first he ate and ate like there was no tomorrow, but he’s settling in now, although he has quite a taste for human food so his adopter will have to watch that. Toby loves to play. He will play with a laser pointer or chase a feather wand. He likes catnip too. He lives in a small office at the shelter with another cat, but this big orange guy with the marble swirls needs a place to run and climb. He gets a little wary if you are petting him and you go too far down his back near his tail, but if you suffered trauma there, you would be too. He just needs to build trust with his person. He can live with non-FIV positive cats because the virus is transmitted only by deep, penetrating bite wounds and once animals are spayed and neutered and live the posh life indoors, they are far less likely to fight. FIV is no transferable to any other species, including humans. To inquire more about this disease and how it affects a cat, the shelter has reading material to answer all of your questions. Please ask to see Toby when you come by. He has been through a lot and now he needs his happily ever after. Johnny Cash Male | 1.5 years old | Brown Tabby Johnny Cash was found outside as a stray by a previous adopter. She said he was yelling outside her house, so I guess Johnny decided he was tired of living outside. Now enjoying the inside life, Johnny is ready to find his fur-ever home! He knows exactly what he likes, which is petting on the head, chin and ears only. You can only pet his back with “permission.” This guy has a lot to say and will remind you of feeding time, petting time and when he wants to play! Johnny Cash is a spirited young man who would love to come home with you! Ways to Give WSHS can accept cash, check, and credit card donations. Copy and paste this link in your browser: www.wshs-dg.org/online-donation-form This will take you directly to our online donation page. You can choose to make a one-time gift or you can set up a monthly donation. To give a donation in check form, make checks payable to the West Suburban Humane Society and mail it to: West Suburban Humane Society, 1901 Ogden Avenue Downers Grove, IL 60515 We’ll send a confirmation of your gift that can be used when filing your taxes.  5