Man Adopts First Cat at 80

With his 80th birthday approaching, and having recovered from hip replacement surgery, Bernie thought he might be ready to enhance his life by adopting a pet. He thought of a cat, since many of his friends had cats, and he enjoyed interacting with them. He had never owned a cat and knew nothing about them, but he thought he would give it a try!

So, Bernie came to the Seal Beach Animal Care Center to look at the many cats we have available for adoption and met Anthony (Tony). Tony had come to the shelter after his owner died suddenly, leaving no one to look after him. Being a careful man, Bernie looked again at some of the others and liked them too, but when he went back to Tony’s room, it was clearly love! He had made his choice! He went out and got the things he needed for Tony, and with the help of daughter Linda and a shelter volunteer, brought Tony home.

Tony was comfortable right from the beginning. He moved in and took over Bernie’s place, quickly establishing his status as head of the household! As Linda says, “I'm sure there isn't another cat in the world that gets so much care and attention. A friend of mine told my Dad that cats are very low maintenance, but my Dad is making it his full time mission!” She says that she is in daily contact with her Dad by e-mail and phone, and he never tires of telling her how wonderful and amazing Tony is! She is happy Tony is such good company for Bernie. He has even gone out and purchased his first camera since his “Brownie” in junior high school so he can take pictures of Tony!