Back in 2014, our founders were on a routine trip to Wal-Mart when they encountered a friendly stray living with feral cats in the garden center. He was very thin, with patchy fur, and drooled off one side of his mouth. Again and again, he mustered the strength to get up and approach passersby. He eagerly approached people, looking for a gentle hand, though he was generally ignored. Most commented on how sad he looked, but he did not stop. Our founders couldn’t ignore his sweet pleas for love. Especially after hearing someone warn her children not to touch him because he was dirty and sickly. They gave him all the love, and he rubbed furiously against them, making biscuits on their shoes. There was something in his eyes that begged to be taken home. He wasn't like the ferals because he wanted to be loved and give love in return. They asked the garden center employees about him, and they said he was dumped there and was previously taken home by a shopper, but a few days later he reappeared. Our founders asked the garden center team to keep an eye on him while they did some quick shopping and promised that today he would go home. They picked up the essentials and some items for him.

When they came out, he was there patiently waiting, even mustering up a ragged purr as they approached. They put him in a pet carrier and headed straight for the vet. It was there that they received the news that he was grossly underweight, had stomatis and an upper respiratory infection, and was FIV+. They instantly knew why he suddenly reappeared at the Wal-Mart after the shopper took him home. The vet assured them he could live an almost average life, and he was only approximately 3 years old. Our founders were determined he would never be abandoned or suffer again. So home he went, with a load of medicine and two very determined humans who were ready to nurse him back to health. He gave no resistance to anything and took his bath and medicine. He enjoyed every meal and was a complete gentleman. He quickly became a favorite among all who met him.

Asher lived to 2024, the ripe age of 14. His passing impacted us all. His legacy lives on, and we want to end the stigma against FIV cats in his honor. He was one of the most amazing cats we have ever met. Many street cats don't get the veterinary care they need. One of our goals has been to provide sick and injured cats with veterinary care. 

You can help cats in need by donating to Asher's Legacy Medical Fund, a fundraiser that is used 100% toward medical expenses for the cats in rescue. It allows us to help cats in need, including those who might otherwise be overlooked.