May's story carries an all-too-common theme--aging cat abandoned at the local animal shelter. "What," we often ask ourselves, "have these poor souls done to be left by owners and marked for death?" In May's case, it was simply to grow old and develop a tumor behind her right ear.

We met her at the Best Friends adoption event in spring 2007 and learned she would be euthanized the following morning if not adopted that afternoon. So when she was still homeless at day's end, we took May into our sanctuary. Subsequent surgery revealed that her tumor was benign. What a relief!

May's spirits began to rise as she came to realize we wouldn't be abandoning her. She now spends her days living with other senior kitties who have seen the years and potential homes pass them by.

Because most adopters seem to be seeking the youngest possible cat. Yet kittens, like children, can be a handful. The lovely drapes? Your new sofa? All fair game for the indefatigable youthful feline. Senior cats, on the other hand, have been around the block and learned a thing or two about life. They know that the best toy is an empty paper bag or a scratching post with a built-in bed. They know that each moment and every lap is a precious gift, which they are thankful to receive. Perhaps they also know how quickly all of that can disappear.

Won't you please sponsor May today? Her beautiful green eyes may be older, but they can pierce your soul with the weight of her heart. Tell her that every life is precious, not just the youngest.

Sponsor Me Now!