Kitty on the 54C

On August 17th, 2008 I was driving into Pittsburgh from Greensburg around 11:30 p.m. I stopped at GetGo on Route 22 in Delmont to get a boost of caffeine for the drive. My mom never liked the idea of me driving in so late at night on account of my uncanny ability to fall asleep doing just about anything. When stepping out of my car, I heard the crys of a kitten. I turned to see a little black cat under gas pump number seven. This broke my heart. I turned to him and began to call him over, thinking I had no chance of holding the frail animal. To my surprise he walked over to me and jumped into my arms. I knew then that this would be my new companion. I had no choice but to take him off the tough streets and into my life. I called my friend in Pittsbugh and alerted them I was bringing someone along. I stopped at the store and purchased food, litter, and a tiny cat toy. Since that first night when he slept in my arms, we have been inseparable.

Of course, Hoodcat (HC) wasn't perfect. He had an assortment of bugs and very dirty, infected ears. He was also very skinny and bony. After calling every vet in the greater Pittsburgh area, I reached Penn Animals on Penn Avenue in the Strip District. They were very nice and kind to HC, unlike some of the vets I called or visited. They took care of him on the spot, no questions asked. He received shots and medicine that went to work in no time.

Now one month later, HC is 12 weeks old. He gained 3.5 lbs and is bug free. I took him back to Penn Animals today for his second set of kitty shots. This time he got to ride on the bus. Unlike most animals I know, he loves his carrier. I barely have to try to get him to run in and lay down. He was a perfect angel. Little did he cry or whine on our trip. After receiving care at the vet, HC and I went for a walk around the Strip District. He received a lot of attention and petting from random strangers. These people also talked to me, telling me funny anecdotes about their personal pets and thanking me for taking HC to the vet. I found it odd that so many people were grateful for me wanting to care for my animal. I find the only way to treat your pet is like a best friend. He will stay by your side and grow to love you.

If you are in search of a new vet that is very considerate and relatively cheap, check out Penn Avenue Animal Hospital in the Strip District for all your pet needs.