|
|
||
Update on Caroline couple who lost house and are seeking home for cats. They're down to half a dozen now Date published: 7/4/2009
BY PORTSIA SMITH Tim and Sherry Sterner have started a new life. The former Caroline County couple have finalized their bankruptcy, moved to Spotsylvania and are trying to move on with their lives. In doing so, they had to leave behind about 17 years of memories in their now foreclosed home, and 49 cats. Yes, 49--three more than they originally thought. It's been four months since the Sterners moved into their rental home with their nine dogs. A Free Lance-Star story about their search for homes for their cats generated an outpouring of support from people willing to take in some of the abused and abandoned felines the Sterners have cared for over the years. There was even an offer to pay off the mortgage, but that didn't work out. Six of the 49 cats are still in need of a new home. They are Maine Coon brothers Gabriel and Tazz, Tilly, Milly, 10-year-old Spit and outside cat Boomer. Tazz looks like he's sticking his tongue out because he was shot and lost his lower jaw, Sherry said. The cats are still in Caroline because the Sterners are not allowed to have cats at their current home. But they travel to Caroline to feed them and give them water. They are especially worried now because the house is about to go on the market and they don't know what might happen to the remaining cats. IN GOOD HANDS As for the other 43 cats, many were placed in homes or taken by animal rescue groups. Miss Skittles, the 17-year-old they thought would have to be put to sleep, is doing well in Henrico County. Siblings Shoes and Socks ended up in Springfield. Funnyface and Radar are in Culpeper. Freckle is in a foster home in Richmond and his brother Mouse was diagnosed with feline leukemia and was euthanized. Denise Davis of Westmoreland County adopted Lady and tailless Stubby. "They seem to be friendly and fit right in with my other cat," Davis said. "[The Sterners] had taken good care of them." Some of the Sterners' cats are at the Fredericksburg SPCA waiting for a permanent home. "I know my cats are in good hands," Sherry said.
There should be a County law, limiting the number of dogs and cats in one house.
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
