‘Billy the Kit’: Neglected feline finds a forever friend

By SANDY LONG

HONESDALE, PA — From losing a leg to gaining a gaggle of gifts as the guest of honor at a cat shower, Billy the Kit has seen his share of ups and downs. The former “Trapper,” so-named by staff at Honesdale’s Dessin Animal Shelter due to the injury that resulted in amputation of the cat’s front left leg after it was apparently caught in a trapping device and left untreated, has since fallen on better fortune.

After learning of the feline’s plight in The River Reporter earlier this year, Emily Van Genderen decided the friendly furball needed a chance at a better future. She adopted the cat, renamed him and the two embarked on their new life together in Jersey City, NJ.

Life has been sweet for the pair. Van Genderen’s mother, Marilyn Bond, and other family members threw a surprise shower in Billy’s honor and the super-friendly feline has his own special sweatshirt and cushion. When Van Genderen returns to Honesdale to visit family and friends, Billy takes the train in his carrier.

“He’s spoiled rotten, but he has a great temperament,” said Van Genderen, who added that despite the cat’s three-legged physique, he can jump onto counters and “runs like crazy” throughout the apartment. “He’s gentle; he’s loving; he’s just perfect,” said the satisfied adopter.

Dessin Animal Shelter recently held an adopt-a-thon, where 12 cats and three kittens found new homes. But the number of cats and kittens at the shelter remains unusually high, prompting a special promotion for the month of July, during which the kitten adoption fee has been reduced to $75, with a second kitten at $25. Adult cats will be available for $25 each.

Foster homes for felines are also needed and shelter staff encourages cat owners to take advantage of the shelter’s spay/neuter program. Surgery vouchers are available for $15 each. When used at most area veterinarian offices, the vouchers represent a $35 savings toward neutering and a $50 savings toward spaying. For more information, visit www.dessinshelter.com or call 570/253-4037.