… with Joan Blake, St. Lunaire-Griquet
Joan Blake and Soot (Photo Joan Blake)
Joan, why did you have to give some of your pets away?
In the last two years, I have had to find homes for most of my pets due to my severe asthma. We had to give up our dog and our Maine Coon cat who was rescued from the SPCA. It has been very difficult for me. Both my husband and I love animals.
What made you keep one of your pets despite your asthma?
I did keep one cat, Soot, so named because he was covered in soot from the dump from where we rescued him some years ago. I decided not give him up because he was a short haired cat and I thought I would try and see how my asthma did with just one cat instead of so many animals shedding in the house.
Was Soot a very special cat?
Yes he was. He had been badly abused and was terrified of everyone except our immediate family. It had taken us months to get him out from under the dresser, even when we were around. He had many sores on his tiny body, and it took months and months of patience and nursing for him to be completely healthy and happy.
Did this abused cat eventually heal?
He did. Soot grew into a beautiful, loving cat, but he did stay very weary of most people except for us and our closest friends.
When we rescued Soot from the dump we also rescued his brother Ashes! Ashes is grey and white. We found a really good furever home for him.
Here is the kicker: They were both completely litter trained … now who would litter train two kittens and then throw them off at the dump!?!
What happened to Soot in the end?
Sadly Soot passed away last year when he became terribly ill. Even the vet could not save him. Our home, for the first time since I was about two years old, does not have any pets.
What was the surprising fact that you found out about your asthma and pets?
Since giving up our pets, I observed that my asthma did not improve. On further investigation we discovered that I do not have any allergies to any kind of animals!
Isn´t this amazing! Will you have pets again now?
Not for the time being. Since my husband is now a retired teacher and we do travel a fair amount to visit our four children and their families that are spread across the country, we have decided to wait before getting another pet. I am consoled by the fact that my children have pets that I get to enjoy when I go to visit.
