A heartbreaking discovery in his file
Outside the shelter, Alexa Chapman, from Longleaf Animal Rescue in the US, was already feeling emotional. She had come to collect Merlin, an elderly cat recently handed over to the shelter with severe dental problems, to give him a second chance. Once back in her car, she flicked through his file and found a handwritten note that immediately brought tears to her eyes.
The note described Merlin as a very gentle, affectionate tabby cat with a cauliflower ear. It was written by an elderly widow who loved him dearly but could not afford his veterinary care. In the letter, she explained that he could no longer swallow, choked when eating, and had stopped eating altogether in recent days after months of declining health. Merlin was one of 26 cats in a colony she cared for. She had managed to get all of them neutered and vaccinated through her own hard work, but simply did not have the money for anything more. "I love him, and I would care for him forever," she wrote.
A successful surgery and a search for a new home
Alexa called the author of the note straight away to let her know that Merlin was safe. Both women were deeply moved on the phone, as the widow never expected anyone to help her. Merlin was placed with a foster family, and vets recommended extracting his teeth. Following his recent surgery, he is feeling much better after a few days of recovery. He remains just as affectionate as the note described: he loves being picked up, happily kneading the air with his paws. "He is one of the sweetest cats I've ever met," Alexa told The Dodo.
Longleaf Animal Rescue is now accepting adoption applications for Merlin. The rescue charity is looking for someone who is retired or works from home, as he would happily spend all day on a warm lap. They are also hoping to find a home with a catio – a secure outdoor space – for this former street cat.
Translated from the FR Wamiz website using artificial intelligence
