“A father doesn’t tell you that he loves you. He shows you.” – Dimitri the Stoneheart
Father’s Day at Palmetto Animal League reminds us to pause and appreciate the “cat dads” at our adoption center. These quiet, stoic, compassionate cats act as surrogate fathers to the younger cats at PAL. When we see these father-son bonds start to form, it’s a beautiful thing to witness. One such cat, named Seymour, has all the qualities of a devoted, fun-loving father.
“Seymour is a very sweet and outgoing cat,” says PAL Animal Care Technician Emma Pereida. “He’s goofy, in the best way, and he loves to play. But he also likes to sit and snuggle.”
Seymour was found as a stray and has been at PAL for nearly a year. He makes it his duty to help those in need of reassurance.
“Any cat room Seymour goes into, he seems to attract the nervous, younger cats and kittens who just need some comfort,” says Pereida.
The cat care techs at PAL have been watching a bond form between Seymour and a timid, young cat named Cosmo for quite some time.
“Cosmo is very sweet but nervous of new people,” says Pereida. “He loves Seymour, follows him everywhere, and snuggles up to him when it’s time to rest.”
Perhaps Seymour and Cosmo’s intrinsic bond stems from a shared experience. You see, they both came to PAL as kittens and watched as all their siblings got adopted. For some reason, they were overlooked.
“I don’t think they necessarily need to be adopted together,” says Pereida. “But it sure would be nice.”
Fathers come in many forms. At PAL they don’t wear dad shorts; they wear fur! And while “cat dads” don’t speak traditional words, they show love simply by being present with others just when they need it most.
In loving memory of her father, and in honor of Seymour, a faithful PAL supporter is matching all donations to Palmetto Animal League through Father’s Day, June 16. Donate in honor of a special father in your life and every dollar will be doubled to rescue more animals like Seymour and Cosmo. Plus, PAL will send a Father’s Day eCard on your behalf. Visit PalmettoAnimalLeague.org and click on “Double the Love” to send a card.
If you’d like to meet Seymour and his Cosmo, pay them a visit at the PAL Adoption Center, located at 56 Riverwalk Blvd in Okatie, Monday through Friday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Amy Campanini, Palmetto Animal League President
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