The compassionate group of children didn’t expect to see a lonely cat meandering their schoolyard. We didn’t expect our newest resident to be very elderly, diabetic, hyperthyroid and FIV+.

But Doc was clearly meant to be a Tabby’s Place cat. Since we embrace cats without regard to age, temperament or most medical conditions, Doc and his surprises found a safe haven at the sanctuary.

Yet the greatest surprise was yet Yet the greatest surprise was yet ahead. Whatever had led to Doc’s lonely life outdoors, it was clear he’d not been loved in a long time. He was underweight, he’d most likely acquired FIV from a deep bite wound from another cat, and his eyes were both so severely afflicted (with microopthalmia and severe glaucoma, respectively) that we had to remove them both right away.

If any creature had a right to be angry with humanity, it was this abandoned, old cat.

But “anger” didn’t exist in Doc’s emotional vocabulary. Despite the lonely, hungry years, Doc bubbled over with love. Jubilant to be in human company, he would purr and melt into our arms, as euphoric as if all he’d ever known was sunshine and tuna fish.

Alas, one last surprise awaited Doc in Suite FIV, home to our residents with FelineImmunodeficiency Virus. From his first day in the suite, Doc incurred the wrath of hisroommates (especially Edward), suffering serial beatdowns at the sighted cats’ paws.

Gentle Doc didn’t even attempt to defend himself, simply trembling until the assaults were over. We whisked him out of the suite and came up with a new plan: Doc would be the office mate of our Founder and Executive Director, Jonathan.

Today, Doc lives in Jonathan’s office, safely separated from the Lobby cats by a tall baby gate. Although Doc is still settling in as of this writing, he’s in love with love as much as ever. If you speak his name and stroke his head, every fiber of Doc’s being virtually illuminates with joy. He’s unruffled by his blood glucose checks and twice-daily insulin injections, and his gleaming white-and-black coat is testament to a newly healthy cat.

Doc is so extraordinary that we believe he may have a chance at adoption despite his Special Needs. However, we realize it will take a uniquely wonderful adopter to take him in. Until that day, you can be part of the family Doc’s always craved by sponsoring him.