HALO

Halo’s Story Halo may be tiny—just 6½ pounds—but she is spicy, tough and full of personality. Her exact age is uncertain, but she is estimated to be between 5 and 7 years old. Halo was found roaming a trailer park when she was only about five weeks old and was rehomed. Over the years, she lived with several cats and dogs and was repeatedly bullied by other cats. She was constantly forced to defend herself, and the stress eventually caused her to begin spraying. When her owner later moved away, Halo was left behind and began living mostly outdoors. Every morning, Halo would emerge from the bushes, run across the street and wait for a bowl of wet food. She also visited whenever anyone was outside, hopping onto the wall and coming over for love. Until she could safely be brought indoors and receive a SNAP test, a small shelter was built for her beside the house. It kept her warm, dry and comfortable—and, most importantly, it was hers. She quickly stopped sleeping in the bushes and settled into her little hut while her personal maid delivered breakfast, dinner, fresh water and daily reassurance that she would soon be coming inside. Then Halo suddenly stopped coming for breakfast. After a couple of quiet days, she was found inside her shelter, gravely injured after being attacked by a neighborhood cat. She was rushed to the emergency room, stabilized and transferred to her regular veterinarian, where she underwent emergency surgery that saved her life. Her SNAP test was completed at the same time so she could finally begin her life indoors. Halo recovered in an extra-large crate, initially trying to challenge every cat and dog who passed. The other animals were rearranged to give her the calm and safety she needed. Once she had fully healed, she was slowly introduced to the household—and the transformation began. The cat who once would not allow anyone to hold her can now be picked up without swatting. She wants to sleep beside her person, carries on full conversations, follows the veterinarian around the office and even charms the cable technicians. She no longer sprays. Halo tolerates cats and dogs, although she is not especially interested in becoming their best friend. Some days they receive a polite hello sniff; other days they get her signature “Bye, Felicia” swat. Halo has been through more than any little cat should in her estimated 5–7 years, but she continues to show how resilient and loving she truly is. Recent physical exams, bloodwork and X-rays revealed a non-painful bone spur on her spine and hip dysplasia in both hips. She needs an orthopedic evaluation to determine whether surgery is necessary and whether it would improve her mobility. Halo will not be available for adoption until that evaluation—and any needed surgery and recovery—are complete. When the time is right, Halo will need a patient person and a peaceful home where she can feel secure and thrive. She has fought hard for every safe meal, warm bed and loving touch. Now this spicy little survivor deserves a home that is truly hers.