Rescue Tales - Diabetic Cat is Saved; Pit Bull Escapes a Breed Ban

May 18th 2010

All over the country, shelters provide not only a safe haven for homeless animals but also offer critical veterinary care, rehabilitation and most importantly, love. In Paw Nation's newest column, Rescue Tales, we will share with you the stories of these amazing organizations and some of the fortunate pets who have gone on to find permanent, happy homes.

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Rude Ranch is a Harwood, Md. no-kill animal sanctuary for cats and dogs started in 1997. Its extensive grounds and shelter house special areas designed for specific animals' needs, such as its facility for abused and feral cats. The ranch recently released their own book, called the The Best Little Cat House in Maryland.

Psycho: Misunderstood Cat with Diabetes
"If you met him now, you would wonder why we gave Psycho his name," says Katherine of Rude Ranch. When he was first dropped off in a box at the ranch, the cat seemed to be shy and scared, but when they brought him inside, it was a different story. Katherine remembers, "Instead of a very frightened, timid guy, he started lunging at us through the cage, growling, hissing and spitting." Over the next few days, the aggressive behavior grew worse, and it took two staff members to feed him -- which is how he got his name. But a test revealed that Psycho had good reason to act up. The poor cat had diabetes that had raised his glucose level to three times the normal amount, causing him to behave so ferociously.

In order to give him insulin shots they had to distract him with a toy but within a few days, he seemed miraculously changed and even started letting people pet him. "We are happy to report that Psycho's diabetes is now under control." One of his caretakers at the ranch, Andrea, adopted him and reports: "He now lives with several other cats and a 60-pound dog that he stalks and pounces on regularly."