Spongey

Pet's Age
5

City
Green Bay

State
Wisconsin

Pet's Story
Spongey is a rescue kitty that was taken in by Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary which is a non-profit, no-kill, cage-free cat sanctuary and rehabilitation center that rescues kitties with 'special needs' in particular. I will thank God Almighty every single day for Safe Haven and their dedicated employees and volunteers who rescued Spongey when they did. Spongey was found by another shelter in Wisconsin when he was a little over a year old. However, Spongey is FIV+ (a condition some cats can have, which is very commonly misunderstood which can be and is extremely unfortunate). The shelter that found Spongey originally was going to almost immediately euthanize him as he is 'FIV positive'. FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) is a slow-progressing virus that can compromise a cat's immune system, reducing its ability to fight off illnesses. However, the virus has a long latent period that progresses so slowly that it may never affect the cat. Long-term studies have shown that FIV+ cats can live just as long and as healthy lives as Non-FIV cats. Luckily, by the grace of God, the shelter happened to reach out to Safe Haven prior to euthanizing Spongey and Save Haven took Spongey in at their shelter. Advocating for special needs kitties has become very near and dear to me now, needless to say. While at Safe Haven, Spongey even "premiered" on '60 Second Docs' back in 2019! When I adopted/rescued Spongey in July 2019 what I did not realize at the time was; 1- What I was getting myself into :). And 2- Most importantly, I never "rescued" Spongey. Spongey rescued me. The day I took Spongey from Safe Haven to my (now our) house- aka his furrever home, Spongey had about 20 or so volunteers, employees, and just "Spongey-fans" show up to say bye to Spongey before he left home with me. I was not expecting it, but it was clear that Spongey sure gained quite the fan club, lol! A warm, and happy goodbye that they were there for as they were all so happy Spongey found his furrever home. To say Spongey is a handful is an understatement (Lol!) -- this is in a great way though has Spongey provides endless entertainment! Just some words that can describe Spongey are; energetic, happy, loving, playful, silly, goofy, unique, wonderful, fun, vibrant, and amusing. Spongey has two brothers, both of which have their own unique personalities as well however, Spongey (even though Spongey is 5 years old now), he still acts like a kitten and I think forever will :). Now although Spongey has nothing but good intentions, he always had a thing with doors- he loves going through them, regardless of where they were leading. In October 2019 an old friend of mine left the sliding patio door open for about 15 seconds (15 seconds may not seem like long, but for a cat as hard to catch up with as Spongey-it's a long time!). From my patio (on the second story) Spongey jumped onto the roof! (Oh, did I mention Spongey is a bit of a daredevil?! Lol). Without even thinking twice, I grabbed the tallest ladder from my garage, climbed up it, and got on the second story roof to get Spongey. (Others may think thats ludicrous, which believe me- I was told that along with some other not very nice things however, I knew what I did was right. I knew it was right for me). Needless to say, once I got Spongey I ended up slipping on my way down the roof and fell off. Luckily, I sustained all injuries- Spongey didn't have even a mere scratch and I was able to somehow get him inside safely which was what was important to me. However, I on the other hand- did not get off so easily. I ended up shattering my left heel and breaking my left elbow which led to two major surgeries a week later. This experience (all of it) was an extremely eye-opening and life-changing experience (not just physically but emotionally as well). I am a healthcare professional myself, and words cannot express some of the "reactions" (negative) I received from other healthcare professionals throughout my entire recovery process. However, there was one very positive conversation I had that I will never forget. While recovering at the hospital after my surgeries, I was working with a physical therapist who was talking to me about my "story" and some negative reactions I had received from others. This physical therapist said something to me that will forever resonate with me. She said, "Maria, we can fix your broken bones...but what we couldn't have fixed, is a broken heart". That's when it hit me. What I chose to do to get Spongey down from the roof was absolutely the right decision for me. My heart would've been broken if something else had occurred or if possibly Spongey jumped off the roof and ran, never to be found again? Circumstances I can't bear to even think about. Spongey has added so much fun, entertainment, love, playfulness, and laughter to my life that I couldn't imagine life without him for a second. Everyone that has met Spongey agrees on one thing for sure- and that is that Spongey is absolutely one of a kind. He has a personality as big as this universe. God broke the mold when he made this little kitty, that's for sure :). Mommy loves you more than words can begin to express Spongey <3. I would also like to send so much appreciation and thanks to Save Haven and their employees/volunteers- you are all absolute angels and I will be forever grateful for you and the dedication you put forth towards your mission in rescuing and finding furrever homes for 'special needs' kitties.

Pet's Best Personality Trait
Loving (just one of the many traits!)

Pet's Favorite Thing To Do
Play fetch!