Southport Magazine

In loving memory of Ditto. Photo by Bethany Turner.

When I was in high school, my family had the coolest cat. Now, I’d always grown up with pets, and most of those were cats. This certain orange tabby, though—he was the cream of the crop. I remember when we brought him home, the first weekend my brother and I were out of school for the summer. The adoption facility—Adopt-an-Angel, I believe—had named him Mello Yello. It was fitting, but I dubbed him Ditto in honor of another orange tabby we’d had before.

When I moved out of the house for college, Ditto still greeted me upon every return. Like a dog, he sat outside eagerly waiting for me to get out of the car and would meow for my attention. If I didn’t get out in time, he’d hop upon the hood of my old Mustang, just to make sure I knew he was waiting.

Like a dog, he knew when I was sad. If ever I had a bad break-up or a hard day at school, Ditto was there to curl up with me and nuzzle his head against my cheek. He watched out for me as best a cat could.

There are lots of great stories about this courageous, adventurous, outdoor cat. He brought us “gifts” of squirrel tails and lizard guts, and he chased neighborhood dogs out of our yard. He was one manly kitty.

At 8-years-old, Ditto was diagnosed with cancer. We watched helplessly as he withered away, from healthily hefty to pitifully skinny. His fur went from soft to coarse. All I could do was hold him in my arms for hours, comforting him with my warmth and letting him do nothing but purr. Though he was sick, he was happy while he was home; content to just lie beside his family. I spent many nights at home while he was sick, and I took him to the vet in tears. Aside from expensive chemotherapy, in our case, there was not much else we could do for Ditto. We just tried to keep him comfortable.

We switched him from dry food to canned to encourage him to eat and absorb water. While in Costco one evening, I purchased a bulk box of Friskies (what the vet deemed “kitty crack,” which was the only thing he would eat toward the end). Figuring he was probably low on food, I took it to my parents’ house.

When I got there, Ditto had given up. He’d gone into the woods where he loved to play—the place where he would find the most peace—and laid down for a long sleep. Though it’s still upsetting to think of how sick he was, and that he’s no longer around, I am thankful that I was blessed with such an amazing pet, and I am thankful he is no longer in pain.

A week or two later, I took Ditto’s food to an Adopt-an-Angel site as a donation. I told my boyfriend, Michael—a major dog person—that I just wanted to look at the kittens before we left.

No cat person “just looks” at kittens, by the way. As soon as Michael began playing with their tiny paws between the cage bars, I knew I was in.

“This one seems cool,” he said—cool being the only word to describe a much sought-after laid-back cat.

It was a little orange tabby.

I told him the volunteers would let us hold the kitten. A woman pulled the small cat from the cage and gently passed him to me, where he snuggled into my shoulder.

“He’s purring,” I said to Michael, and motioned for him to place his hand on the little one’s side. I saw it in my boyfriend’s face—he was sold.

That baby kitten, once called Luke Stetson by his foster mom, is now our 8-month-old wild bundle of fur, Beau. (OK, his name is Beauregard Luke Stetson Turner, but Beau is just easier). Over lunch at a deli down the sidewalk from the pet store, I reasoned with Michael. I was neither physically nor financially unable to care for a pet. I needed to give this one a home, because it was the right thing to do. Ditto gave me eight years of unconditional love, and I had the opportunity to pay it forward. Beau needed me to love him. Probably, I needed Beau to love me just as much.

In Brunswick County, there are thousands (and I mean thousands) of homeless animals. Each and every single one of them deserves to find a safe place to sleep with a family which loves them.

If you cannot provide a home to an animal, please consider becoming a foster mom or dad. Even a short slumber party at a kind person’s house can save an animal from being unnecessarily put to sleep.

If fostering is not an option, I hope that you may donate or volunteer with one of the following organizations. Many of these not only run adoptions but also spay and neuter strays to prevent further population increase amongst homeless animals. Everything adds up, and everything helps.

Adopt-an-Angel
PO Box 15095
Wilmington, NC 28408
(910) 392-0557
www.adoptanangel.net
We are a foster home network that takes in animals from New Hanover and Brunswick county shelters when they have run out of time there or have special needs. We are no-kill; they will stay with Adopt-an-Angel until they get adopted, however long that may take. We do not have an actual shelter; we are based out of foster homes and local boarding facilities who donate space to us.
Adopting cats and kittens seven days per week at Petsense in Shallotte and Petco and Pet Supermarket in Wilmington. Adopting dogs and cats from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays at Petco in Wilmington.

Brunswick County Sheriff’s Animal Protective Services
• Physical Address: 429 Green Swamp Rd.
Supply, NC 28462
• Mailing Address: PO Box 92
Supply, NC 28462
(910) 754-8204
www.aps.brunswicksheriff.com
As of July 1st, 2012, Sheriff John Ingram took over the leadership of what is now named Brunswick County Sheriff’s Animal Protective Services. We are a holding facility for animal surrenders, strays, and we quarantine cats and dogs relating to animal bites. Our main goal is to return stray pets to their rightful owners and to adopt as many pets to new homes as possible. Our adoption rates have increased from 17 percent in July 2012 to 33 percent in November 2012. We have off-site adoption fairs throughout Brunswick County twice monthly, but we do not have a schedule for 2013 as of yet (call us!).
Adopting at the shelter on Green Swamp Rd. Mondays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Fridays 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Cat Tails Cat Adoption Service
6622 Beach Dr.
Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
(910) 253-1375
www.cattails.org
We are a no-kill facility for kittens and cats. Our kittens have age-appropriate vaccinations, FIV-FeLV-testing, and spay/neuter surgery before being offered for adoption.
Adopting at the facility on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Adopting at PetSmart in Wilmington on Fridays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Paws Place
3701 E. Boiling Spring Rd.
Winnabow, NC 28479
(910) 845-7297
www.pawsplace.org
We are a privately run, non-profit, no-kill dog rescue facility located on five acres of land in Boiling Spring Lakes. We were founded in 1999 by Nancy Janovetz. We offer refuge to the abused, neglected and abandoned dogs in our community. We are also a retirement facility for those that, for one reason or another, do not find that special home. Most of all, we are dedicated to finding dogs a loving home, no matter how long it takes—one life at a time. To date this year we have taken in 75 dogs and have found new homes for 62. We currently have 40 dogs in residence; 11 are “retired.”
Adopting on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The first and third Saturdays of each month, the “meet-and-greets” are held at Four Legs Good in Southport. The second and fourth Saturdays, they are held at Unleashed of Wilmington in the Landfall Shopping Center.

R.A.C.E: Rescue Animals Community Effort
PO Box 3370
Shallotte, NC 28459
(910) 547-2839
www.raceshelter.org
We rescue dogs, cats, birds, and small animals in any breed. We don’t have an adoption center but are working on it. We host a spring adoption fair and a fall Festival of Fur, though dates are not set for 2013. Trainers, veterinarians, animal behaviorists and groomers have joined along with R.A.C.E. to rehabilitate pets in need so they will be healthy, adoptable animals.
Adopting on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; locations are listed every week on our website.

Southport/Oak Island Animal Rescue (SOAR)
3376 St. Charles Pl.
Southport, NC 28461
(910) 457-6340
www.soar-nc.org
We are a non-profit, no-kill rescue, and we take in dogs and cats of all breeds. We will be having our second annual golf tournament on Saturday, April 27th at the Oak Island Golf Club. Our fourth annual Harvest Fest will take place on Saturday, October 26th on our property.
Adopting at the facility on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and during the week by appointment.

This is Baby, a lab mix. She is about 4-years-old. She is a very good girl; she gets along with other dogs and loves to play. She has been at SOAR for a while and needs a good loving home. Courtesy photo

Mariah is a 2-year-old black lab. She came into rescue from a puppy mill. She is shy but very sweet and loving. She is still a little nervous about this big new world, so it would be better for her to go to a home with no children. Mariah is heartworm positive but currently being treated, and R.A.C.E will continue to pay for treatment even after adoption. 367-2554 to make an appt.

Chelsea, a 2-year-old puggle, came from a puppy mill and used to be a breeder. She is shy, but once she opens up, she is funny and animated. Heartworm negative and doing wonderful in the house. Loves all people and dogs. (910) 367-2554 to make an appt. with R.A.C.E.

Rosebud is a 1-year-old Beagle who weighs 25 lbs. She was dumped on a dirt road and left all alone. She is shy with people but really likes other dogs. She is new to Paws Place and everyone says she is a real sweetie.

Buddy is a Basset Hound mix, approx. 2-years-old and 40 lbs. He came to Paws Place last Oct. He’s a shy guy around people but really loves to play with other dogs, especially run time, and he enjoys stuffed toys. Once he gets to know you, Buddy loves to cuddle. A home with another dog would be best, and a fenced yard would be nice. No heartworms and neutered, and a quick learner.

Lady Gaga is a 3-year-old bright calico at Cat Tails with the most gorgeous green eyes you’ve ever seen. Like her namesake, she is very friendly and outgoing, and very talkative. She isn’t shy but can be a little aloof at times. You can usually find her by calling her name and listening for her answer.

Sasha is a beautiful long-haired torti. She is 7-years-old. She was adopted from Cat Tails as a kitten, but was returned recently when her adopter passed away. She is gentle, sweet and surprisingly quick to adjust to new situations for an old gal! She would make a good family cat or be perfect for an older person or couple. Her very favorite thing is to lay on your lap and lick vanilla pudding off of your finger.

Beauty from Adopt-an-Angel has found her home since press date! Congrats and best of luck!

Belle is a 1.5-year-old female lab mix. She has been at the BC Sheriff’s shelter since Sept. 17th, 2012. She is a great dog who will be a wonderful addition to an active family with older children. She knows basics commands, loves to please, and responds very well to rewarded commands (treating).

Introducing Hank to Adopt-an-Angel! He is a wonderful middle-aged boy who settles right down if you sit next to him and pet him. Friendly boy who would make a great family pet—very well behaved and settled. He is a 5-year-old male collie mix and even knows some basic commands.

Tiger is a 2-year-old neutered male Great Dane/Greyhound mix. He knows basic commands and thrives on being in the play yard chasing a ball. He will be wonderful with an active family who wants a buddy to play with. Tiger is at the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Animal Protective Services shelter.