Trooper

This week’s blog is brought to you by Sanctuary volunteer Brit Burant. Brit has been volunteering since Oct 2021 in the New Aids area. Friday evenings with the cats and other volunteers is her favourite day of the week!

Some of you might remember our story about Trooper earlier this year. He survived a cold Saskatchewan winter with a trap attached to his leg. Thanks to his trappers, the help of RAPS medical team, volunteers and donors, we’re happy to report that Trooper is thriving at RAPS and living his best life. 

He first called the Val Jones area home but his picky palate did not enjoy the food offerings there (the VJ cats are on a diet to suit the ones with kidney problems). He now calls the New Aids area home, and his “fine dining” needs are finally being met there! He has fitted in nicely with his fellow FIV friends and his relaxed demeanor shows how comfortable and safe he feels in his new home.

Over the last couple of months, his personality has really bloomed and he has become more outgoing. We’ve been finding him and Amaretto hanging out together lately. He has discovered that chairs with cushy blankets make great napping spots.

Trooper certainly lives up to his name. Despite being a tripod and missing his front right leg, that doesn’t stop him from running around and being playful. He loves to catch bugs, chase leaves and play with wand toys. He’s also always one of the first to run up to the gate to greet you when you arrive. For only have 3 legs, he’s moves along pretty quick!

You have to be careful and always looks down when Trooper is around. He has a tendency to flop at your feet when you least expect it! The flops on the ground could also be because he’s tired from sitting – who wouldn’t be if they were missing a limb?! But when he is lying on his side, it’s an open invitation for pets and belly rubs. You can’t say no to his adorable face!

All the cats at RAPS have their own stories, but when you look at Trooper, you can’t help but have an extra big smile on your face when you see him. Just knowing what he’s been through and to see how far he’s come is truly remarkable. Words like resilient, tough, strong and fighter come to mind – but he’s so much more than all that. He is a true testament of what good can happen when a community comes together to give an animal a second chance.

Although our boy carries the FIV virus, he is not sick, and like most of the FIV cats, will live as long and healthy a life as many other cats.