Cat or kitten's story or bio
Willie spent his early years leading a colony of about 15 homeless cats in Hayward, sitting by the road with his virtual "Will trade love bites for food" sign. I brought him home for dental work in 2011, and quickly realized I couldn't part with him -- despite living on a small boat, with two other cats.
Two years later, Willie developed a urinary blockage at the worst possible time. I was almost broke, and after spending my last $1000 on him, Willie seemed out of options. When his regular vet learned that there would be no more money coming in, he declared Willie suddeny cured, and essentially sent him home to die. When Willie produced only a few drops of urine in four days, I panicked and called Dr. Rudiger.
"There's no reason your cat should suffer, just because you don't have any money," she said. "If you're willing to sign him over to Nine Lives, I'll see what I can do."
Dr. R. performed the urinary surgery that saved Willie's life -- also removing his bad left eye, which she feared was putting pressure on his brain.
Willie remained at Nine Lives for three months, half of which he spent on the loose -- usually patrolling the rafters. When I finally received a long-awaited insurance settlement, I re-adopted Willie, and made a donation to cover part of his costs as a Nine Lives cat.
Now 11 or 12, Willie has resumed his preferred life as an alley cat, sharing a spot in the Docktown Marina parking lot with Rowdy, a Nine Lives cat who was adopted by one of my neighors.
Willie and I will always be grateful to Dr. Rudiger and the staff at Nine Lives, without whom he would now be just a memory.

Date of adoption from Nine Lives (if applicable)
March, 2014

Cat or kitten's age
11 or 12