Special Adoptions

A Hospice Adoption

What kind of heart does it take to provide care for a terminally ill animal? Susan Campbell of Payson, Arizona would tell you it's really not difficult and the benefits feed your own soul.

"I volunteered at Best Friends over the Thanksgiving break. I believe I will make the visit a Thanksgiving tradition from now on. It was wonderful, wondrous, a great time," Susan said. "I had thrown my cat carrier in the car with the thought in the back of my mind that if I met a cat who really needed me, I would adopt him."

She met Art, an elderly cat with terminal cancer. He was a shy tabby, with an old leg injury, respiratory issues and very few teeth. His loving, tolerant, sweet nature stole Susan's heart and she knew her four-cat household would welcome this gentleman.

"I was careful to ask Dr. Virg about Art's condition and whether he would be better off left at Best Friends or adopted into a home. Dr. Virg said that she felt that animals were always better off in a home," Susan said.

At home in Payson, Susan lavished care on Art for the last month of his life. He had his own special sunny spot and favorite chair. In the afternoons she would wrap him in a blanket and sit with him in a warm spot on the porch.

Art crossed over the Rainbow Bridge on December 28, 2002.

"People have been telling me that I'm the good guy because I did this, but I got all the benefits out of this.

"I was just so fortunate to have Art, and I would do it again," she added. "These little animals need as much as we do."

Recently Susan returned to Best Friends and found a cat who was grieving his own loss. Phoenix, a handsome black and white fellow had come to Best Friends after his person died. Susan took him home to join her brood.

"I was told he didn't purr and wouldn't look you in the eye and I vowed that I would make the big guy purr and be very happy again."

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