CANYON LAKE, Texas — Our "Forgotten Friends" series showcases a dog or cat each week that has spent a lengthy time at an area shelter, just waiting for someone to notice them and bring them home to love.
This week we went to the Canyon Lake Animal Shelter Society (CLASS) and met a chatty feline named Bruce, who was dumped in a carrier outside of the shelter on a HOT August day last year.
Bruce is a handsome, domestic shorthair brown tabby cat with gorgeous markings that are highlighted with deep black stripes and mesmerizing green eyes. He's a little over seven years old and weighs about 14 pounds.
"Bruce was adopted from a local shelter as a little kitten and has since been passed from home to home, until he was dumped on the shelter doorstep as a very confused 7-year-old cat," said CLASS. "Sadly, one of his previous owners had him de-clawed and he will forever suffer from the pain of that unnecessary procedure."
Unfortunately, x-rays show that the declawing procedure was not done properly and he still needs corrective surgery on both front paws. CLASS said they will help his adoptive family fundraise the money necessary to get this surgery. He truly needs to be in an actual home to recover from that surgery and not a shelter environment.
Not only is he handsome, he loves to talk! "He is the chattiest cat in the world and needs all ears on him," said Stacie Shmidl, CLASS. "And Bruce doesn’t just meow, he actually TALKS to you. Of course we have no idea what he is saying, but there’s no mistaking when he says ‘Hello’ or ‘Mama.'" Talk about a cool cat!
Bruce gets along with other cats but is not a big fan of dogs. CLASS believes he would do best in a home with a maximum of two other cats due to him getting overstimulated easily. He'd prefer a calm home with gentle, understanding people. And one that doesn't have any really young kiddos.
"He doesn’t even jump or climb when he runs away from a threat because it causes his front feet too much pain," said CLASS. "Due to this behavior, he is best suited for a calm and understanding home free of young kids and chaos. He is also terrified of dogs and needs a dog-free home."
He is current on all of his vaccinations, neutered, litter box-trained, healthy and microchipped.
"We think Bruce would enjoy another feline friend, maybe even a kitten," said CLASS. "It may take him some time to warm up to another cat, but he will eventually start playing and cuddling them when he feels comfortable to do so."
Bruce loves sitting on people's laps, and getting pets, as long as it's not his belly! He also loves H-E-B salmon treats, and will refuse most other brands.
"We have learned that Bruce enjoys being an overly spoiled cat and hopes his adoptive family will continue giving into his demands," said CLASS. "He often requests that his favorite treats be given, and isn’t quiet about asking for them."
Basically this cat is now accustomed to being spoiled rotten, like most cats.
"He also requests a serving of Fancy Feast for Gravy Lovers every morning," said CLASS. "Sometimes he will reluctantly eat another flavor or brand as long as it’s not paté. Surprisingly, he isn’t as picky about his dry food and is grateful for whatever you offer."
We love cats that know what they want and aren't afraid to let you know.
Bruce has a small bed that is tucked under a cat tree, which he considers his "safe place." Amidst the noise of a shelter, this is a must-have for the finicky feline.
"He does appreciate having a big and comfy bed or a soft blanket to lounge on, but his absolute favorite place is in your lap," said CLASS. "Once he hops onto your lap, cancel the remainder of your plans because you will be forced to give him pets for the next few hours."
Keep in mind that Bruce doesn't like to be petted roughly or too fast. If you do, he will let you know that he's not happy. Because Bruce doesn't have any claws, he lost his first line of defense so might nip at you instead.
MORE PHOTOS
Bruce was left outside of shelter in carrier on HOT August day | Forgotten Friends
If you'd like to add Bruce to your family, please contact the Canyon Lake Animal Shelter Society. To fill out an application, visit their website here.
Visit CLASS at 2170 Old Sattler Rd. in Canyon Lake Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. They are closed on Sundays and Mondays. Call them at (830) 899-2527.
The adoption fee for dogs and cats is $150 and that includes:
- Spay/neuter prior to adoption
- Age appropriate vaccines
- Microchip
- Flea/tick prevention
- Heartworm test and prevention
If you're not ready to adopt but want to make a difference, visit their website by CLICKING HERE.
You can also order from their Amazon wish list CLICK HERE.
Or even make a cash donation using their Pay Pal link CLICK HERE.
They always need help with food supplies, and could really use your support. The shelter is also always in eed of animal loving volunteers to walk dogs, socialize with the cats, help with enrichment or even take a dog out for the day on a field trip. Stop by and see how you can help out!
CLASS will be celebrating the one-year anniversary of being under new management soon and will have a big announcement.
Follow them on Facebook @CLASS.Canyonlake.2013 and on Instagram to learn more.
Maybe Bruce is not the pet you are looking for, but you are ready to adopt. Visit their website to check out some of the other cats and dogs available.
Remember when you adopt a shelter pet, you save two lives... the one you bring home with you and the one that now will be saved because the shelter has more room.
If you know of a Forgotten Friend that has been overlooked and is still looking for a "furr-ever" home, contact Andrea at acarden@kens5.com.