Buster was a raggety stray. He was lucky to be part of a sizeable group of cats who were rescued and tamed over the years by Dorothy, a first-class feral cat wrangler.

Dorothy did not make it a habit to go looking for stray cats. They found her, and soon Dorothy’s place became known as a safehouse for “cats in transition.”

Buster showed up at Dorothy’s about the same time she was socializing some kittens born to a semi-feral mom.

He was about two months old and already wary of humans. After a few weeks of daily feeding and seeing Dorothy in the yard, Buster allowed himself to be charmed. Soon he moved inside, but he was reclusive.

In 2004, Dorothy was diagnosed with cancer. Although it was difficult for her to even talk about her illness, when she understood that she had little time left, Dorothy made plans with JCHS for the continued care of Buster, Toby, Heidi, Mr Mittens, and Spook.

As she had hoped, Dorothy was able to die at home, amidst the cats who had given her so much joy. As we sat with Dorothy that last week of her life, Buster appeared more and more. He’d stick to the perimeter of the rooms, and stealthily creep over to the hospital bed set up in the living room so Dorothy could see out her front window. It wasn’t long until Buster sightings were the high points of each day.

Buster and his housemates (all neighborhood rescues) have made many new friends in fostercare.

Far too many beloved companion animals become instantly homeless upon the death of their caregivers. Please take time now to discuss options with your lawyer and make provisions for your animals in your will.

Buster will probably never be a party cat. But it’s been very rewarding to see him change from the dusty cat who hid under the dresser to the handsome boy with white feet who now ventures downstairs to the kitchen for mealtimes. His foster caregiver likes the way he regularly comes around for headbutts, although she feels bad about his parieh status.

Actually, Buster does better with humans than cats. He will probably do best as a foil for a competent, but nurturing alpha cat.

Buster likes—to explore; being told how handsome he is; hanging out in the sun; eating

He dislikes—being cornered; loud or quick anything