Atlantic Animal Hospital has proudly chosen, Tiger Blanchette as July's Companion Animal of the Month. Tiger is the companion of Karen and Richard Blanchette. He is a three year old, gray and black tiger stripe, domestic shorthair cat. He was rescued by the Blanchette's at an animal shelter known as The ARNI (Animal Rescue, Need, and Intervention) Foundation. The Blanchette's adopted Tiger about 3 month's ago and he has just fit right in like one of the family.
Tiger is one special cat. From the moment you meet him, you know there is something different about this feline. He's one of those cat's who loves to be snuggled. He's the type that welcomes loving attention from anyone without fear or any hesitation. Tiger has quiet the entertaining personality. Whether he's opening the cupboard to his food in-order to let Mom and Dad know that it's dinner time, or just sitting on the porch watching the birds, Tiger lives a great life in retirement. He is truly loved by Karen and Richard and is definitely spoiled. Although, much of the day is spent sitting on Dad's lap watching TV, Tiger also loves to play. He has certainly found a home with the Blanchette's, and according to them, "He is a permanent pet!".
When Tiger first set his paws in Atlantic Animal Hospital, we were unaware of the bond he would create with us. Tiger has come a long way and has been through so much with his unclear history, rescue, medical and surgical treatments, and the consequent adoption. Because of the passion and deep care of the ARNI Foundation and the Blanchette's, Tiger is here with us today. He was a Hurricane Katrina survivor who made it all the way to Florida to grace us with his undying will to live. After being rescued, the ARNI staff introduced us to him and placed him in our care on several different occasions. Since late 2005 Tiger has been treated for Panleukopenia, a nasal and sinus Pseudomonas bacterial infection, staphylococcus bacterial and Dermatophyte fungal skin infections, and environmental allergies. He has also endured a quadruple entropion surgery and simultaneous castration. Not once has Tiger growled or hissed during all of his treatments. He always showed appreciation for his care takers by purring and rubbing his head on their hands.
Atlantic Animal Hospital would like to thank the Blanchette's for giving Tiger the love and acceptance that he needed. We know that love is the true healer of pain. A sincere thanks goes to Tiger for being such an amazing patient, and more importantly an amazing companion. The Blanchette's, ARNI Foundation, and our hospital staff have all worked as a team to help Tiger get to the level of health that he deserves. This is another great example of the fruits that a persistent human-animal bond can provide. We at Atlantic Animal Hospital would like to congratulate the Blanchette's, ARNI Foundation, and most of all Tiger for being part of our Companion Animal of the Month story for July 2006.