Happy home adoption story for Zorro from TEARS
Happy home adoption story for Zorro (previously called Phoenix) from TEARS
Image supplied by the publicist
In November last year, Phoenix arrived at an AfriPaw-TEARS Animal Rescue outreach pet clinic in Vrygrond, after surviving a devastating fire which destroyed several homes in the neighbouring, low-income community of Overcome Heights. The cat’s owner was deeply concerned about his condition and brought him in early that morning so he could receive urgent veterinary care for severe burn wounds. On examination, he was found to be dehydrated, lethargic and very weak, and was transported to the TEARS Veterinary Clinic for emergency treatment.
Phoenix remained under close observation and received intensive veterinary care until he was well enough to be moved to the cattery, where he continued his recovery in a quieter, more comfortable environment. His owner decided to surrender him to TEARS to give him the best possible future, as he was concerned for his long-term safety. He entrusted the TEARS team to find him a secure, loving home where he could thrive. While he waited, Phoenix continued to recover, his strength returning and his wounds healing.
Then, earlier this year, John and Valentia, from Kirstenhof, felt ready to adopt cats again.
“I was not even a cat person until I met Valentia, now I am a huge cat lover. I love that they each have their own personalities. After losing our cats last year, Valentia started looking at cats on the TEARS website. We were only looking for older cats or long-stayers, and we wanted two cats,”
he says.
“Valentia had her heart set on a long-legged red cat, called Brandy, from the TEARS website, but we decided to check out all available cats at TEARS before making a decision.”
So, they drove out to TEARS.
The two walked around and saw brother and sister cats that they had been interested in - Ahia and Mufasa.
“They were so cute, and we took them,”
said John.
“We were walking through to where the red cat was (which they also ended up adopting), and that is when we spotted Phoenix. He had a little mark on his face from where he had been burned in the house fire,”
says John.
“Actually, we nearly walked right past him while walking through his enclosure looking for the red cat when. For some reason, I ducked my head down and saw him. I put my arms out, and Phoenix came over and lay in my arms, which he’d never done for anyone else."
"We didn’t come for him, but we needed to take him!”
John and Valencia adopted Phoenix and changed his name to Zorro thanks to his cute little face mask.
Image supplied by the publicist
“Zorro is the funniest cat we have ever met. He loves the garden and is such an adventurer. When he arrived, he was very timid and stayed under the bed for two days. When he did come out, he came out with an ‘I am the boss’ attitude and completely took over."
“He is magnificent. Even his paws that were burnt in the fire are not sore anymore. He sleeps on our bed every night in his chosen position and doesn’t move at all. He is exactly where he should be, and we are so happy to have him. Our Zorro is a much-loved cat,”
says John.
From the ashes of devastation, Phoenix rose again just like his name, winning the hearts of this family of dedicated cat lovers with his gentle nature and remarkable story.
Stories like this are only possible because of supporters who make our work possible. If you would like to help more animals like this cat, become a monthly donor and help provide ongoing, lifesaving support for animals in crisis: https://tears.co.za/donate-monthly/
Zorro (Phoenix) Before
Image supplied by the publicist
About TEARS Animal Rescue
TEARS (The Emma Animal Rescue Society) is a registered non-profit organisation based in Cape Town, South Africa, dedicated to the rescue, treating, rehabilitation, and rehoming of abandoned and abused animals.
Through medical assistance, humane education, rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming, TEARS works to end pet homelessness, neglect and abuse across the communities it serves, powered by individual and corporate support, and partnerships with fellow animal welfare organisations.
TEARS website: www.tears.org.za
TEARS Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TEARSAnimalRescue/
TEARS Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/tearsanimalrescue/?hl=en.
