Update: Rescuing the cat named "Puppy"
Just thought you all might like an update. "Puppy" is still at large, showing up sporadically for food. Other tenants who knew Puppy when the old manager lived here have finally gotten a closer look at this cat and it's unanimous: This is not the original Puppy and has therefore been renamed "Blackie" for now. I'm also now guessing that she's a female, since she appears to be an adult but is still pretty small.
The really good news is that another cat - a gorgeous, long-haired, black/chestnut female - started coming around, caught on to my feeding schedule immediately, and after 2 or 3 feedings decided she liked me. The night I opened the door only to have her run to me and start rubbing against my ankles was a delightful shock. I sat down and started petting her, and she was so into it that I was able to pick her up. She stretched out on my lap, completely relaxed and purring like crazy while I stroked her, a total love bug.
To make a long story a bit shorter, this cat obviously once had a home, but was lost or abandoned. I named her "Fluffy" and decided I have to get her to the vet ASAP for a checkup and to see if she's chipped. She also needs a good professional grooming, since her long fur is badly matted and has all kinds of debris stuck in it, not to mention the fleas. The poor thing is skin and bone under all that fur and eats a whole can of wet food in two sittings every night. Dry food and water are also always available for her and Blackie, and any others that might come around.
A fairly new tenant is a young man who when he moved in said he wanted to "eventually" get a cat, so I asked if he'd like to meet her. He did that same night and she immediately warmed to him, happily letting him pet her and hold her. It was mutual love at first sight and he said he's naming her "Mouse." He's a low-income student, so I told him I'd cover initial expenses. She deserves a real home again and that's the least I can do to help get her into that good home.
As for Blackie, she shows up 3 or 4 times a week for food. She will still let me talk to her through the window or security door and even open the door a little, but she still runs if I try to step outside at all, and a 15 or 20-foot buffer zone seems to be the minimum she'll tolerate. I certainly haven't given up on her, but she's going to take a lot more time.
So that's the update. I'm so delighted that Mouse will finally be taken in by someone who grew up with cats and who she already likes very much. Now I'm working towards a similar outcome for the elusive Blackie.
Thanks again to all of you who offered encouragement and advice when I first posted about Blackie a few weeks ago.
PS - The original thread, for those unfamiliar with the backstory, is here:
https://www.democraticunderground.com/116137257
