Manny and Ray’s Story

From EASEL Animal Rescue League () in Ewing, New Jersey

This is a story of humans and cats who are not deterred by difficulties and came together to care for each other.

On a hot August day in Hamilton Township, NJ, Animal Control got a call about some free-roaming cats in an apartment complex. They reached out to EASEL Animal Rescue League, which manages the no-kill shelter in neighboring Ewing and works with Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR) volunteers throughout Mercer County and environs.

With EASEL covering her costs, experienced rescuer Jamie S. took on the task, dealing with a community of more than 20 cats in the heat of summer. She trapped a mother cat and four kittens who were living in an insulated crawl space in the basement of one of the buildings. They were emaciated with severe upper respiratory illnesses. The worst off was a little tuxedo kitten named Ray, who also had eye infections. 

Across town, another cat colony had produced another dozen kittens in a backyard. Besides treating and fixing the adults, the TNR project found the little ones also were underweight and had upper respiratory infections and ringworm. When both waves of kittens arrived at EASEL, Dr. Johnson, who provides a deep discount for the organization, promptly responded with veterinary care.

Many of the kittens quickly improved, but little Ray from the first litter was a particular challenge. Dr. Johnson quickly determined that his right eye could not be saved. His left eye was in bad shape, but the vet determined to try courses of topical and oral antibiotics. Unfortunately, they did not work, and 6 weeks later, she removed that eye.

But in his months at the veterinary practice, Ray had become a staff favorite. His friendly personality came through his surgeries intact, and even blind, he expertly navigated his environment. Unlike many cats, he quickly adopted his name, coming when called.

Meanwhile, the second litter of kittens were made available for adoption. Some found homes quickly. But one little black kitten, named Manicotti, lingered. Although friendly and playful, he was just basic black with no other markings to distinguish him. Visitors passed him by, some commenting that they didn't want a black cat.

Two months after these TNR projects, Melissa F. was forced to say goodbye to her long-time feline companion. A handsome black cat, Wiggi had been at her side through major life events for almost 14 years.

A lifelong cat lover, Melissa knew she would find room in her heart for another. But she also wanted to accommodate her daughter Azaliah , 8, who is deaf and suffers neurological problems, including cerebral palsy. Although her issues are so mild in their expression as to be scarcely noticeable, Azaliah often is reluctant to interact with animals.

From co-workers who are EASEL volunteers, Melissa heard tales of the many animals available in that busy season at the shelter. She was particularly sympathetic to Ray's travails and undeterred by his blindness. 

"I've worked with children who are blind," she said.

When Ray was finally out of quarantine, she brought her daughter, Azaliah, to the shelter to have a look at him. That important meeting was a success.

"She's really taken to Ray," Melissa said. "He came over, right up to her and introduced himself, and they hit it off from the start."

"I was considering adopting two this time, because I thought having a companion would be good for Ray," she said.

As a believer that "black cats are the best!", Melissa herself could not overlook Manicotti, still in need of a home. She agreed to adopt him as well, nicknamed Manny as less of a mouthful. He joined the family a week before Ray, in order to learn the lay of the land so he could guide his new furbrother.

Although safe in a loving home, little Manny was at a loss. For the first time in his short life, he was not surrounded by other cats. That changed when Ray arrived. Both kittens were thrilled to have one another, Melissa said.

And just as he has throughout his story, Ray doesn't need much help finding his way.

"I thought that Manny could lead him around, but about the only thing he leads him to are things like the blinds," Melissa said. "When he bats them, Ray hears the sound and comes running to see what there is to play with."

Her experience adopting "has been better than I could have hoped for," she said. Ray and Manny agree. "Those two are the best of friends," she said.
Nichole M, an instructor at the Marie H. Katzenbach School for the Deaf, describes Azaliah as "an amazing little girl who overcomes many challenges in her life every day." She echoes Melissa’s comment that Azaliah has had "no interest in cats," but added that has changed with Ray.

"Ray is her cat; it is as if Ray senses Azaliah's disabilities and relates more to her than to her mother," she said. "Often Ray will be found lying in Azaliah's lap. Ray and Azaliah have now become the best of friends." 

It shouldn’t really be a surprise, look at the expression of utter joy on her face the day she got to bring him home!