Meet Dougie, the sweet senior kitty who has mastered the art of the meow! According to the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, “When he’s not being held, Dougie’s meow can be heard from galaxies far away.” That’s one chatty feline!
Jeana Roth, the shelter’s director of community engagement, shared the buzz after Dougie’s adorable picture and story hit Facebook. “We had visitors all weekend long coming in to meet Dougie. We even had other cats go home because of the interest in Dougie and his reach, which was really great to see. He’s extremely social and gives kisses on command. He just wants the companionship of people.”
Due to his medical needs, Dougie found himself at the shelter, surrendered by his former family. After receiving treatment for a digestive disease, the Animal Refuge League was able to put him up for adoption. Jeana revealed that Dougie’s love for being held was so evident that shelter staff member Robert Weimer started carrying him in his child’s infant carrier.
A heartwarming photo of Dougie in the carrier was posted on Facebook, attracting many potential families. Among them was Ashley Perkins of Springvale, Maine, who exclaimed, “Oh, my gosh, he’s a little old man, and he needs a home.” Ashley, the lucky one to take Dougie home, shared, “As soon as I picked him up, he snuggled right in, purred, and gave me kisses. I knew then that he was coming home with me.”
Returning the next day to officially bring him home, Ashley mentioned, “Now I’m just managing his meds and food, and giving him lots of snuggles! He has another kitty here named Jax who he’s already befriending! He’s adjusting so well!”
Dougie is now showering his new home with love, meows, and purrs. Ashley considers herself blessed to have this amazing little guy in her life. “He kept licking my nose last night when I was trying to get to sleep – it was so sweet. He’s an amazing little guy!”
