From the WSB Pets page: The saga of Amy and ‘Arlene’

Our usual home for lost/found pet reports is the WSB Pets page, which marks its fourth anniversary next month as the only one-stop online bulletin board if you have lost or found a pet in this area. Today, we’re spotlighting a special “found pet” report – because it’s quite out of the ordinary.

Amy e-mailed us the photo of Arlene the one-eyed cat. Arlene is what Amy calls her, anyway. And she had two eyes when Amy found her in bad shape near 34th/Holden a month ago: “I think she’d had a run-in with a raccoon or coyote.” Amy’s first note was pretty sparse, so we inquired: You’ve gotten some care for her, then? Yes, Amy replied:

She had her eye removed, along with some teeth, and flea and ear mite medicine. I didn’t post anything earlier because I wasn’t sure she would survive (she had a bad abscess in her jaw that had gone behind her eye, and she was having seizures for a while). There was also a week or two where she had fluid surrounding her heart and in her abdomen, but that’s all gone now. She’s still taking kidney medication and a diuretic. … It did cost a lot but there was no way I could have just left her in the street, so I didn’t mind paying!

(And of course they checked for a chip; there was none.) Amy has grown to love Arlene and can keep her – but says she felt she just had to post a “found cat” notice because, “I know if I lost my cat, I would want to know she was alive.” If you are, or know, this kitty’s (original) owner, you can e-mail Amy at amywms23@yahoo.com.

54 Replies to "From the WSB Pets page: The saga of Amy and 'Arlene'"

  • Maggie Sudduth December 14, 2011 (12:09 pm)

    We need more people like Amy in this world!

  • lg December 14, 2011 (12:21 pm)

    I agree. thank you, Amy.

  • The Velvet Bulldog December 14, 2011 (12:27 pm)

    Way to rock the kitty-love Amy!

  • BlingBling December 14, 2011 (12:27 pm)

    Bravo Amy! You are a kind person!

  • JO December 14, 2011 (12:33 pm)

    WOW! Kindness changes everything! Thank you for being such a compassionate friend, Amy!

  • Kravitz December 14, 2011 (12:36 pm)

    Amy, you are such a kind person. I’m glad to know that there are people like you in this world, and what a lucky cat to have you. I hope you get to keep her and she returns lots of kitty love to you!

  • SR December 14, 2011 (12:37 pm)

    Thank you Amy for begin such a wonderful person!

  • Cat Woman December 14, 2011 (12:39 pm)

    Way to go Amy – agree with @Maggie….need more people like you. Also, people in W. Seattle need to keep their cats indoors….too many coyotes! One was even seen about 2 months ago in the Alaska Junction with a cat in its mouth :’-(

  • westseattledood December 14, 2011 (12:43 pm)

    Lucky puddy tat! Here’s to her continued healing and Amy’s large heart.

  • Jtk December 14, 2011 (12:44 pm)

    Amy, You are a wonderful Soul! This will come back to you 10 fold…

  • enviromaven December 14, 2011 (1:06 pm)

    Thank you for this lovely shot of holiday cheer during the dark, short days of winter. This kitty looks much like the one we found many years ago and named Mercy. Amy, you’re the best!

  • HelperMonkey December 14, 2011 (1:08 pm)

    Arlene is very lucky to have found Amy!!

  • bestbets December 14, 2011 (1:11 pm)

    Great story, thanks for sharing!

  • Jennifer December 14, 2011 (1:16 pm)

    You are an angel Amy. Don’t believe me? Ask Arlene!! God bless you both.

  • madashell December 14, 2011 (1:17 pm)

    There’s a special place in heaven for people like you, Amy. My doggy lost an eye as a puppy and had thirteen fun years after that.

  • Ann Marie December 14, 2011 (1:18 pm)

    Amy, can I send you some money to help with the costs? That’s the sweetest story, and I’m so glad it happened here in the “West.” :)

    BUT, that’s quite the burdon of a resuce to take on! Let me know! I love my doggie, I’m not a cat lover, but would have done the same thing you did.
    You’ve gotten your wings for sure, girl. FOR SURE!

  • April December 14, 2011 (1:18 pm)

    It is a Christmas miracle! God bless you Amy!

  • Kermit December 14, 2011 (1:40 pm)

    Hey West Seattleites…

    We should all mail $10 to WSB to offset Amy’s expenses on this. Will anyone match me? Vets don’t work for free and we should all chip in here to really say thanks to Amy.

  • Amalia December 14, 2011 (1:53 pm)

    I was just going to offer some $. Amy, how would you like to receive it? I’m in your neighborhood and could drop it off [aiesposito [at] yahoo [dot] com.
    .
    Lucky kitty to have found you :).
    .
    Keep your cats indoors!!!

  • Tuwanda December 14, 2011 (1:56 pm)

    If WSB can set something up, I would gladly chip in $10, maybe more, to help Amy and this one eye-d kitty.

    Good job Amy.

    • WSB December 14, 2011 (2:04 pm)

      (edited since Amy posted a comment while I was writing the original version of this) – We can’t accept/forward donations. But Amy could either set up a PayPal account OR I understand that PayPal (through which you can send money even if you don’t have an account, they take credit cards) also will accept money for any e-mail address, accountholder or not, and then notify the e-mail account “hey, somebody sent money to you, here’s how to claim it.” I am only familiar with PayPal because we use it for our business – I know there are other online way to send and receive money too, but don’t know how they work – TR

  • amy December 14, 2011 (2:02 pm)

    You all are so sweet!! I totally got lucky by finding Arlene too – she won’t leave my side now. As for the donations – I couldn’t say no, and it’s so nice of you guys to offer!! I don’t know how to best facilitate it though – maybe sending them through the WS blog is the way to go? I’ll do some research. BTW, if any of you want more information about Arlene and her care, you can call the South Seattle Veterinary Hospital, that’s where I’ve been taking her. They all love Arlene over there!

  • Kayleigh December 14, 2011 (2:02 pm)

    Awww, Amy! Thank you.

  • Ajax December 14, 2011 (2:15 pm)

    Hi Amy – Is Arlene’s care ongoing? Perhaps people could pay on your account at South Seattle Vet Hospital?

  • Paula Sutton December 14, 2011 (2:19 pm)

    Amy–Thank you for being Arlene’s angel! I think it would be great if you set up a Facebook page for Arlene. You could set up the chip in on her FB page.

  • amy December 14, 2011 (2:24 pm)

    Hey Ajax – that’s a great idea! Arlene’s account is all paid up right now, but I know she’ll need more follow-up care. I talked to the receptionist at the South Seattle Vet, and she said that anyone could call there to donate and they would apply it to my account. You just need to give my name (Amy Williams) and Arlene’s name. Or, if anyone is interested in giving via PayPal, I believe you can just use my e-mail address? amywms23@yahoo.com. I think that’s how PayPal works anyway. –Thanks again for all the nice words and offers to help out – and knowing that most of you would do the same thing for a sick animal warms my heart. Merry Christmas!!

  • Kermit December 14, 2011 (2:58 pm)

    Ok west Seattle peeps…

    Tweet, FB and email this article around to your animal-loving friends and neighbors. Let’s show Amy that there is a reward for having such a big heart in this town. Merry Christmas to Amy, Arlene and all those who take care of those who can’t take care of themselves. Anyone have any contacts at Alki mail and dispatch? Or that mailbox place on admiral just west of California? If they could donate the use of a POB, then we could just mail checks to Amy without PayPal taking a cut. Thoughts?

  • born, raised, & still in ws December 14, 2011 (3:12 pm)

    Such a heartwarming story. Amy, you are awesome and Arlene is definitely lucky that you found her. I wish the best to both of you and look forward to getting updates via WSB. Thank you and have a wonderful holiday!

  • San Diego Plumbing December 14, 2011 (4:02 pm)

    Aww, what a great story. We just had to put down our 7yo pomeranian after he got an infected/exposed jaw. It was so sad but no one knew there was a problem until it was so late.

    Glad it wasn’t too late for Arlene!

  • J Stonefelt December 14, 2011 (4:03 pm)

    So inspiring! And I agree with another who said we must keep our cats indoors to keep them safe. It’s the only way.

    An if Arlene did have another person before, well I think that person should realize Arlene has picked someone else.

  • amy December 14, 2011 (4:03 pm)

    I made Arlene a Facebook page, that links to all the posts I made about her from the beginning (on 11/11/11). Here it is! https://www.facebook.com/people/Arlene-Kitty-Williams/100003250363606

  • miws December 14, 2011 (4:15 pm)

    Good on ya, Amy!

    .

    Mike

  • catlady December 14, 2011 (4:36 pm)

    Arlene is one lucky cat! And you, Amy, are the best guardian angel Arlene could have found.

  • iml December 14, 2011 (5:40 pm)

    Yeah Amy! Arlene is a lucky girl.

  • wswildlife December 14, 2011 (5:50 pm)

    Hooray, Amy! Arlene knows how very blessed she is because she found you.
    .
    Keep cats indoors, WS cat people!!!

  • kate December 14, 2011 (7:28 pm)

    I feel like Amy and Arlene just might be the reason for the season.

  • MMB December 14, 2011 (8:22 pm)

    This was the best Christmas story I’ve read in a long time. Thank you, Amy!

    And yes – everybody, keep your kitties indoors! We lost two kitties to coyotes before we even knew what was happening, and it broke my heart. Since we started containing our cats, our vet bills for more run-of-the-mill run-ins went WAY down, so there is an incentive for you if nothing else!

  • EET December 14, 2011 (8:31 pm)

    As a fellow cat lover, your actions are tremendous!! Big props to you, Amy! West Seattle COULD use more people like you, i’m sure there are, you just have to be there at the right time like you were :)

  • PSPS December 14, 2011 (10:22 pm)

    And this, ladies and gentleman, is the true measure of a person’s worth.

  • DM December 14, 2011 (11:04 pm)

    Amy, thank you! You’ve given me, and a lot of folks, hope for humanity. Bless you. And give Arlene some pets for me.

  • S December 14, 2011 (11:15 pm)

    AMY, you ROCK!!!! I’m in Happy tears reading this storey. What a lucky little kitty Arlene is, crossing paths with you. Sweet little purry one, was just looking for the right person to help her. Its so wonderful to hear of people such as yourself and your caring heart. Thank you from me and my kitty. We both applaud your love and caring nature..

    • WSB December 14, 2011 (11:35 pm)

      MOBILE FIXES: Have enabled comments on the individual restaurant pages in mobile format (this experience reminds me that our mobile design operates separately from our desktop design and does NOT automatically follow settings changes). Have also added West Seattle Restaurant Guide to the list of pages you can access from the mobile site (if you are new to it, click the down arrov at the right side of the header with the site name, and that will give you a list of the accessible pages, like About, Advertise, Crime Watch, Pets, etc. – now including West Seattle Restaurant Guide. (The dropdown page list on mobile also has an e-mail link that will open e-mail in your mobile, pre-addressed to our main mailbox … simpler than on our regular site! And if you choose the tab for “Categories” on that dropdown, you get the archives to all the categories with which we tag stories.) – TR

  • RJB December 15, 2011 (6:53 am)

    Amy is my hero!! I love this story…and Arlene was the name of my Mother in law we lost this year. This would melt her heart…Thanks Amy!!!

  • furryfaces December 15, 2011 (10:08 am)

    Amy, if you like, we will talk with one of our business partners regarding acceptance of donations on Arlene’s behalf. They are centrally located and easy to get too.

    You may reach us at 206-932-1652 or 321-4729. Most likely, (because we are at work), you will just need to leave a message telling, ‘Yes!, or ‘no’.

    Thanks for your huge heart. You are our new hero.
    Cheers, F3

  • Cowpie December 15, 2011 (1:15 pm)

    I just used Amy’s email and sent money to her via PayPal. Make sure to send it to Amy as a ‘Gift’

  • keden December 15, 2011 (1:24 pm)

    What a beautiful kitty! She looks so soft and cuddly. Thanks for a wonderful story!

  • Kermit December 15, 2011 (2:04 pm)

    WSB please keep us posted when the donation details get worked out so we can help Amy help Arlene. Thanks!

  • Marianne December 15, 2011 (4:37 pm)

    I spoke to Amy when she first found Arlene. Friends of the Animals Foundation was full at that point and unable to take Arlene. I will never forget Amy as it was so very easy to help in her prediciment. I asked her if she wanted a cat and she said, “Yes!” I replied that it looked like she had just found one. I referred her to South Seattle Veterinary Hospital because in addition to doing great work, they are open seven days a week 7am-12am, are drop in, and low-cost. Amy and Arlene are both wonderful and lucky.

  • WTF December 15, 2011 (9:33 pm)

    Is this the Amy I think it is?! We live in the same neighborhood and we’ve talked a couple of times (when you were fixing your water pipes). Just wanted to say thank you for being such a kind person; most especially to our four legged friends. Glad you’re in OUR ‘hood.

  • Treefairies December 16, 2011 (5:36 am)

    What an amazing little kitty Arlene is for being strong and wise and surviving her conditions and what a blessing that she found Amy!! You two will have a fantastic and warm holiday season together and how lucky is that? Congratulations on your new found love.

  • KD December 17, 2011 (12:20 pm)

    Amy, maybe Arlene came into your life so she could be a conduit to come into the lives of others to teach them, especially children who have not had passed down to them how to properly care for and responsibly maintain a beloved companion for life..,homeless or not. I recognize fellow animal rescuers on this blog and know the financial and emotional endeavors they go through, but the pain and heartbreak of the animal to be healed by a permanent loving home is a huge reward! I like that new car magnet I’m seeing around town on a pawprint: “Who rescued Who?” if Arlene is up to it someday, she might be a little love to teach kids at schools,community centers,domViolence shelters, etc. about keeping and caring safely for your furry family member and the undying love in return. Her new beautiful face will always get attention and questions and she just might want to tell the world how to love and respect & get love back.., something some of these kids need. High-5 props also to SoSeattleVet for helping & saving so many with their 24/7 and their lower costs. I’ve also sent many folks there that wouldn’t have seeked help for their pet companions otherwise. Hey maybe we’ll see Arlene & Amy on T.V. one of these days!

  • Betty Ashton December 17, 2011 (12:31 pm)

    Amy is my daughter and I’m so very proud of her. She has always been a loving caring child, teenager and now adult woman. Way to go Amy. Arlene is a very lucky kitty.

  • Cheri December 19, 2011 (4:03 pm)

    Dec.2011
    Again, I am reading possible coyote or raccoon. I have placed several blogs about loosing our small pets to these wild animals living and breeding here in West Seattle. Because of the Initiative 713 voted in by the people we are not able to trap or destroy these preditors. I for one do not want to hurt any animal but trapping and relocating would be great. I look on this blog and every time there are more and more stories just like mine last year, MY CAT IS MISSING. My heart goes out to each of you never seeing your beloved pet and family menber. Please contact the Fish and Wild Life at 425 775 1311 and make them aware that this is a real problem in the West Seattle area and we need to be able to do something about it. The more complaints they receive the more someone just might take this as a serious problem. Thanks again for reading.[425 775 1311]Fish and Wild Life.

  • Just a teen December 24, 2011 (9:39 pm)

    Amy! I’m so happy I met you!

    It was such a wonderful happy surprise to see you in action at the veterinary hospital! I’m glad a slightly eavesdropped and recognized your story!

    Everybody should be jealous, Amy is lovely!

    (remember that goat?! Crazy. RIP.)

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