Posted on February 5, 2021
The love that a homeless veteran and his cat have for each other has inspired people all over Western New York and now nonprofit cat rescue Ten Lives Club wants to do what they can to help give “A Pet for a Vet.”
“A Pet for a Vet” is a program launched by Ten Lives Club to give back to veterans and help them adopt a pet without having to worry about the adoption fee. Seeing how much Navy veteran Jud and his cat Junior have meant to each other during difficult times is nothing short of amazing and we want to give that same love and companionship to other vets as well,” said Public Relations Manager Kimberly LaRussa.
In addition, Ten Lives Club has started a “I Love My Pets & Vets” T-shirt and hoodie fundraiser to raise funds for Ten Lives Club and homeless veterans. WNY Heroes has also stepped in to help and see what the homeless veterans of the Alatamont House need as well. You can purchase your “I Love My Pets & Vets” apparel here: https://www.bonfire.com/i-love-my-pets-and-vets/
Facebook post of the “A Pet for a Vet” program here: https://www.facebook.com/204891492877210/posts/4046341888732132/?d=n
Video of Jud and Junior’s story: https://youtu.be/JpncDVJPiwI
Original story here:
Homeless veteran desperately tries to help homeless cat, one special rescue steps in
This is the most heartwarming story you’ll read all day. A homeless Navy veteran named Jud meets an injured cat outside a veteran’s shelter in Buffalo that he names Junior. Junior was sick and so Jud not knowing what do except try everything he could to help, took Junior to a veterinarian who charged Judd $340 just to see the wound. Then there would be an additional $1,020 charge to treat it. Judd could not afford this kind of care and only wanted to do what was best for Junior. He called around to other rescues to no avail until one call to Ten Lives Club in Blasdell, N.Y. made him believe in the goodness of people again.
Jud brought Junior to the nonprofit cat rescue where Junior’s wound behind his right ear (most likely caused by a cat fight) was clipped and cleaned. Junior was neutered, vaccinated and tested where it was found that he was FIV positive and was started on medication. Junior was deemed healed but Jud and Junior’s story doesn’t end here.
Jud has been approved through HUD (housing) to get an apartment and is anxiously awaiting to move in. He currently lives in a rehabilitation/homeless shelter with 25 other veterans called the Altamont House. Jud will be taking Junior to live with him in his new home as soon as he’s ready and for now Junior is safe at Ten Lives Club where he will receive all of the love and attention that he needs. Jud is also welcome to visit Junior anytime.
Jud was so grateful to TLC that he brought his friends, two Army veterans, from the homeless shelter to volunteer at the cat rescue.
“Though Jud and all were grateful we were there to help, we are grateful to these heroes as well who put their lives on the line to help each of us reading this post with our freedom,” read a Facebook post from TLC.
Ten Lives Club is celebrating its 20th anniversary today! Facebook live: https://fb.watch/3pnGQLQ2iy/
