Nearly two years ago, a cat named Bobby, with a noticeable head tilt and a rough appearance, resided in the lobby of the Georgian Triangle Humane Society, hoping for a permanent home. Simultaneously, Allison Earle, navigating life as an empty-nester following the end of a long-term relationship, sought a furry companion.
Reflecting on her encounter with Bobby, Earle shared, “Being lonely, I just showed up at the center one morning as soon as they opened… I walked into the lobby, and running towards me was this cat with a head tilt and looking really rough, and he just ran up to the door and greeted me.” Despite initially perusing other cats on the shelter’s website, Earle’s heart was captured by Bobby’s enthusiastic greeting.
Bobby, diagnosed with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), was segregated from other cats due to the risk of transmission through blood. His home was a large cage in the lobby, though he often wandered freely through the office, occasionally perching on keyboards. Bobby’s past was marked by hardship; found in Flesherton near death, he battled an upper respiratory infection, resulting in scars, deformed ears, hair loss, and a permanent head tilt. Despite his challenges, Earle felt an instant connection.
Upon attempting to arrange adoption, Earle encountered an unexpected setback – Bobby had been adopted by another family. Disheartened, she returned home but couldn’t shake the feeling of connection with Bobby. To her surprise, she found him listed again on the shelter’s website and promptly rushed back to claim him.
However, Bobby’s first adoption was short-lived due to compatibility issues with another pet in the household, leading to his return to the shelter. Earle saw this as fate, stating, “What are the odds of that… It was meant to be.”
The Georgian Triangle Humane Society, a haven for approximately 1,500 homeless animals annually, manages the adoption of around 1,300 cats and dogs. Despite having space for 100 cats and 13 dogs, there remains a high demand for shelter services, with a significant waitlist for dogs.
In addition to adoption services, the charitable organization offers innovative programs, including financially accessible veterinary services, conducting approximately 3,000 surgeries yearly, and operates with the support of a dedicated volunteer force of 380 individuals.
Under Earle’s care, Bobby, now affectionately known as Frankenstein, has thrived in his Wasaga Beach home, doubling his weight from seven to 15 pounds. His physical transformation, along with his continued warm greetings to visitors, reflects the resilience and joy he brings to his new family.
Remarkably, Bobby’s journey culminated in a special honor as he graced the cover of the humane society’s 2024 calendar, chosen through an online vote that served as a fundraiser for the organization. His story serves as a testament to the power of resilience and the enduring bond between humans and animals.
