EDITOR’S NOTE: This story is part of a new, ongoing series that features Burien CARES animal adoptees looking for loving homes. This edition is sponsored by Sit ‘N Stay Pet Sitting:

By Cydney Moore

Debo is a 13 year-old pit/mastiff mix, and he is a GOOD boy!

Usually found hanging out behind the front desk at C.A.R.E.S., this fellow is well-behaved and enjoys spending his time with staff, and giving sniffs to the other animals in passing.

I went in to spend a little time with Debo, and was informed by staff that he has a mind of his own when it comes to taking walks; sometimes he will go along with you as far as you want, and sometimes he decides to call it quits, and will just stop, lay down, or turn around and start walking back. Well, we made it to the edge of the parking lot, at which point Debo decided he was done, so he stood steadfast until I acquiesced, and we walked back inside. I sat down next to his bed, expecting Debo to come lay down next to me to get some attention; he decided instead to come over and sit down in my lap! He spent the next several minutes enjoying pets and belly rubs, walking over occasionally to greet other animals coming and going, but returning quickly for more love.

The staff at C.A.R.E.S. tell me that Debo knows several commands, including sit, stay, lay down, sit pretty, shake, etc., and that he loves to play, especially chasing balls and toys around, but this guy was such a sweetheart, I just spent my entire time with him giving him scratches.

According to his veterinary exams, Debo is in great shape for his age. He has been neutered and microchipped, is up-to-date on all his shots, and has had flea and de-worming treatments. Although he is entirely housebroken, occasionally he can have accidents overnight (likely due to his age). Debo spent his entire life with one family, but when they moved and couldn’t bring him with them, he was surrendered to the shelter. He has been there since mid-July. Now, he is just waiting to find his new forever-family that he can live out the rest of his golden years with.

Cleveland and Orville are a pair of roughly 8 year-old FIV+ kitties who, although brought in separately, have formed a special bond since being placed together at the shelter. While they can be homed separately if necessary, the folks at C.A.R.E.S. are very adamant about wanting to find them a home together if possible. The two are the best of friends, and Cleveland will even lay with and protect Orville if Orville gets upset or scared.

Upon meeting the pair, it was immediately clear that these two were very friendly and welcoming to people with affection to give. I sat down in the middle of their room, and they both made a beeline straight for me. Orville made it to me first, and hopped right into my lap, while Cleveland considered trying to squish himself onto my lap, too, but decided to wait and just stood next to me, soaking up the attention. After a moment they traded places, and once Orville was content he wandered over to his hiding spot inside a cat hut. He spent the rest of the time there, but he did gently bat around toys when I tried to play with him (he was very careful not to get me with his claws).

Cleveland didn’t care much about the toys – he mostly just wanted more love and attention. The two make an adorable duo – Orville is slightly smaller, and a deep gray color, while Cleveland is a bit heftier around the middle, with a lovely pattern that ends in distinctive stripes down his tail, like an orange and cream-colored raccoon. Beyond their FIV status, both cats seem to be in fairly good health.

For otherwise healthy cats with FIV, typically treatment just involves regular check-ups and treating any symptoms that may arise (these two do not require medication, or any specialized care). Cleveland does have some problems with his teeth, so although he is eating and drinking fine currently, he will need some dental work done in the future. Because of their FIV+ status, these two will need to be the only cats in a home, or in a home with other FIV+ kitties.

They are both neutered, up-to-date on their shots, microchipped and have been flea treated/dewormed. If you have room in your home for a couple of cuddle-buddies, and maybe a laundry basket laying around they can climb into, these fellas would make great housemates. And, because the folks at C.A.R.E.S. would like them to be adopted together, they will waive the second adoption fee for anyone who will take them both.

To learn more about Debo or Cleveland & Orville, or to find out how you can foster/adopt a pet, please contact Burien C.A.R.E.S. at (206) 812-2737, or stop by during business hours at 909 SW 151st Street. Burien C.A.R.E.S. is a non-profit, no-kill animal shelter serving the City of Burien; more info at Burien C.A.R.E.S. Volunteers and donations are always welcome.

ABOUT THIS WEEK’S SPONSOR:Sit ‘N Stay Pet Sitting, LLCServing Burien, Normandy Park, and Des MoinesPhone: 206.370.0169Website: http://www.wesittheystay.com

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