Riverhead Shelter Volunteer Program Inc

My name is Monkey. I have lived my entire life outside with my colony feline friends for about 10 years. Living outside 24/7 has its perks- fresh air, sunshine, nature , freedom all is a plus as long as there is consistent food, water and shelter when the sun is not shining and the temperature drops below freezing or is too hot and humid to be comfortable. My human friends have taken care of me and my friends for many, many years. At first we did not trust them especially when they trapped us one by one to spay or neuter us. But they promised to return us to our colony and they kept their promise. Some of my friends have not fared well even in the best of circumstances and are no longer with us. Aunt Sue tells us we will see them again someday over a bridge made of rainbows.

As you can see from my photo it is now my turn to face the hardships we all face outside. My left eye was not working very well last summer. My vision was blurry and I was not feeling well. Aunt Sue talked me into going to a cat doctor ( who knew there was such a thing?) and some medicine and much needed rest was provided to me by Aunt Kathie and Aunt Lillian which made me feel so much better.

You see my human friends say I am feral. I think that means that I do not cohabitate with humans very well but will tolerate their presence to have my basic needs met. My feline mama who I miss very much taught me to be careful of this tall and intimidating species but my human friends are really nice to me. Unfortunately I am not always very nice to them but they understand it is not my fault and they forgive me.

So Aunt Sue knew I would be happier going back to my colony friends after I recovered and I did very well up until now.

Sadly my left eye no longer works at all and it ruptured causing me incredible pain. The cat doctor this time told me it has to be removed but not to worry because my right eye will compensate for the loss of vision on the left side ( whatever that means-lol).

So now I look like a “ one eyed jack” or maybe a pirate . My human friends still say I am beautiful and actually the “ one eyed look” is endearing. I am still feral but “ graduated” to what they call “ semi-feral.” Don’t get me wrong, I will defend myself like my mama taught me but I am learning to trust my human friends more each day.

They say they love me very much and believe in giving me the same chance that my non- feral feline friends get and so here we are.

Because they took that “ leap of faith “ for me, I cannot let them down. They belong to an animal rescue group called RSVP Inc which raises funding to pay for my surgery.

This time after I recover with Aunt Lillian, my human friends want to find me something they call a “ permanent foster home”. And although I will miss my colony friends I also know it is for the best. I do not believe I will be able to face another hot summer or cold winter. Plus I need to take care of my very valuable right eye because I still want to be able to see my wonderful human friends who helped me over all these years to give me the best life they could when my mama no longer could do so. I would love to find a kind and patient human who may be willing to let me live my twilight years as an inside cat and although I probably will not sit on your lap or purr too much, when I am not hiding, I will show you the other side of the feline world- independence , resilient, and strength. I may even make you laugh sometimes. After all they did not name me “ monkey “ for nothing you know-lol. Think about it.

However, in the meantime it is my turn to help my human friends

Will you consider donating to my surgery? No amount is too small- every penny counts and is appreciated beyond measure. We will send you updates on my progress and our vet receipts to assure you that your donation is being used for me and me alone.

I thank you in advance and promise no more “ Monkey Business”...