Who Is Domino?
In Memory Of... DOMINO
Born abt. 1990 died July 9, 2007
Domino's House is a very special shelter named in honor of a very special
cat - Domino. Domino's story encompasses what every homeless, frightened
and almost always forgotten stray animal must endure without human intervention
and compassion. Domino's House is affiliated with the Hobe Sound Animal
Protection League.
So few of us know the results of our "throw away" society. The Hobe Sound Animal Protection
League was formed over 5 years ago to, not only to protect and care for
these animals, but to educate the public of the plight of homeless animals.
Contrary to many myths -
1) Cats can not "fend for themselves".
2) Cats kill and eat all the birds.
3) Cats carry dangerous diseases.
Assorted groups of free roaming cats are called a "colony" this colony is here because they have a food source - which is maintained by compassionate caring individuals who respect the right of animals who have been discarded and left by humans who are not responsible individuals.
In a "Colony" life there forms a rather organized schedule which each cat adheres to. Every cat has his/her position in the group. Domino was assumed a "participate" in the colony showing up on time for his caretaker to provide needed food and water for the day -- a much anticipated event since he more than likely had no food for the past 24 hours (contrary to the fact that cats can "fend for themselves"). He probably had nothing to eat since his last visit of the caretaker the previous day.
Domino's family consisted of two intact males and one neutered male and four spayed females. For their own survival all cats stayed out of site for most of the time and their "internal clock" summoned the appropriate time they would gather in a social group awaiting their caretaker who brought food, water and a soft comforting voice of reassurance to all.
Each cat is monitored and if unaltered is trapped humanely and brought to the vet hospital for neutering and spaying, rabies shots and ear notched for identification purposes if medical attention is needed that also is administered at that time. After recovery in a safe carrier the cat is brought back to their "colony" and released.
Domino stands out in a crowd. His coat resembles a very handsome gentleman all dressed up for a formal dinner in his "Tuxedo".
Domino's coat is all black sporting a white vest and gloves - A very handsome feline to be sure.
His fellow "family" kitties were all beautiful and usually "captivating" as one by one each arrived near the foliage on the Hobe Sound Beach - a torteshell old grandma cat, a feisty black young female, a ear-torn battered old tom, a gray girl and then there was this tuxedo boy - Domino.
Domino drew a crowd as bystanders watched the group receive their daily dinner of canned cat and dry cat food and fresh water, which has to sustain the group until the next day.
All eat quietly without interference from others in the colony, bask in the sun and listen while caretakers bestow words of encouragement and adulation.
When it is time to leave, the cat dishes, and any uneaten food are packed up. In less then an hour since feeding became all have gone back into their "special" places and dissapear until another day.
Mortality from preditors - human and others, traffic injury can and does occur even in the most dedicated and responsible caretaking situation. Each day a cat is not in the safety of a loving home tragedy and injury can occur. The disappearance of Domino from the colony was another disaster we were heart broken and greiving over what could have happened to him. Days lapsed into weeks until little hope was left for our big tuxedo guy named Domino.
3 weeks from his absence we heard a cry for help! Domino was alive! There barely standing was Domino. His coat no longer shiney, his skin barely draped his boney body. His long beautiful tail no longer there, only exposed bones and blood. His plea for help was answered by his caretaker and emergency care was administered by a compassionate vet. Would we want to save him? Of Course! Months of constant care and encouragement Domino grew stronger each day - He had a real home now and would never live unprotected again.
Domino's first day at his "Forever" home.
The pain Domino suffered and the manner in which he indured it left us with a place in our heart for this brave and courages boy. Domino brought us another reason why we continue to spay/neuter, heal, and feed cats until there will be no more tossed away animals who needlessly suffer because of our lack of education and compassion.
Domino now lives in his very own home - Domino's House. Here is where many cats enjoy safety, good health and freedom from hunger and pain. Here we attempt to find each cat his/her "Forever" home or each cat can just stay forever enjoying their own world or what they should always have and deserve - our commitment - desperate for each and every animal that comes our way and touches our hearts in our lifetime.
At 1st glance one would think this very lucky feline has enjoyed his 9 years of his life in utmost comfort and ease - a dream come true for any ordinary household pet, Not so - Domino's stay is in no uncertain aspect not one of an ordinary nature......He has endured ... Written by Maris.. Domino's caretaker.
Sadly on 7/9/2007, Domino went to "Rainbow Bridge" dying in Maris' arms. He will surely be missed by all who have grown to love him!
Copyright
© Domino's House 2008
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