When Buddy the cat’s owner collapsed and was admitted to hospital, the feline was left alone.
Fife Council social worker Hazel Ellis-Saxon went round to check the house and found Buddy living there with nobody who could take care of him in his owner’s absence.
Thanks to the Pet Fostering Service Scotland (PFSS), however, the cat was fostered and has now secured a permanent home.
Hazel said: “I thought of contacting PFSS to take Buddy out of the situation. He wasn’t able to walk, didn’t make a sound and there was no one to take care of him.”
PFSS responded very quickly and within a short time found someone who would foster Buddy while his owner was in hospital.
It was clear Buddy also had severe health issues and because his owner couldn’t afford to pay for treatment, pet fostering kindly arranged for Buddy to get the treatment he needed.
Hazel continued: “When Buddy’s owner regained consciousness in hospital he was immediately upset about his cat and was worried about what had happened to him. It was great to be able to reassure him that Buddy was in good hands and getting well cared for.”
PFSS provides a back-up service in emergency situations, helping many people who are anxious about their pets when they can’t look after them for a while.
When Buddy’s owner got out of hospital they were reunited for about six months.
Sadly his owner passed away and Buddy was left alone again.
The PFSS fosterer came to his rescue once more and decided to adopt him.
His new owner, Dawn Walker, said: “He is very happy and content. Although he is an old cat and his health is not good he is talking and miaowing to us all the time and walking about after getting his claws treated.”
“Pet fostering is a very satisfying thing to do. You are not only helping a person in an emergency situation you are also helping a pet who has nowhere else to go.”
If you are interested in becoming a pet fosterer or know some who needs pet fostering services contact the PFSS on 0844 811 9909, visit www.pfss.org.uk or email volunteering@pfss.org.uk.”