New Jersey rescuer and pet sitter Whitney Malin saved a big orange tabby named Garfield who had an amazing transfurmation. He lived outdoors for years and was trying to survive with an extreme wound on his back. Thanks to rescuers, veterinarians, and lots of love, he became a thriving and beloved house cat.
Malin had high hopes that Garfield would learn to trust humans following treatment. Then, she hoped he’d start a new life indoors with a loving family. Wonderfully, that’s just what happened.
“My hope is that when he is hurting less, he will become friendly. I do not want to put him back on the street. I want him to know what it feels like to have a good life,” she said.
Whitney Malin via All Paws Petsitting
Warning: Before pictures may be disturbing.
Rescuers Save Garfield
First, the rescuers trapped Garfield and saw the state of his infected wound. It was one of the worst things they had seen. Due to dying tissue, numerous maggots were present. The cat’s wound “smelled like death,” and he was literally being eaten alive.
Images, media via Facebook/Whitney Malin and Instagram/lovemeowsite
You can imagine how much the poor cat was suffering. Fortunately, Malin knew a compassionate veterinarian, Dr. Morkos, who they were confident could help. She considers him a “miracle worker” who goes above and beyond for cats in the New Jersey area.
Garfield before his rescued and surgery.
Garfield could get the care he needed thanks to generous donations. The vet began cleaning the sizable wound, which took half an hour by itself. Then, the team cleared the infection and larvae from the cat’s system.
Following surgery, Garfield pulled through it all and had a good appetite, which is always a hopeful sign. He recovered and soon, he arrived at a foster home with Laura and Josh, who began the work of trying to socialize the big tabby. Would he be friendly or prefer to be returned to the hazards of outdoor life following neutering?
Garfield’s Transfurmation
Given the love and patience of his foster family, the big kitty rapidly adjusted to indoor life. He was playful, chasing his tail, playing with toys, and even allowing a head scratch. It was the outcome everyone had hoped for!
Malin was thrilled to see the cat was as friendly as she had hoped.
They placed treats on the bathtub’s rim, and he would come to get each one with his paws. Each interaction was a small victory as Garfield learned how to trust people.
“Wanna feel a burst of joy? Watch the video and look at these pics. Garfield is interacting with his foster Mom and they are playing a game with his treats. He looks happy!!! This is what makes ME happy. In rescue, I see and deal with soooo many horrible people/situations but this…well… this is what it’s all about,” she wrote.
Garfield Gets a New Home and Name
Flash forward about six months, and Garfield met his new adopted family with Cory and Guy.
After an incredibly rough time on the street, he would no longer have any worries.
Malin shared the news about Garfield’s transfurmation in his new home with LoveMeow. His fur grew back into a luxurious coat, and he became a lap cat, even allowing his family to rub him on the back.
Images via LoveMeow/Cory and Guy
Meet Freddy Van Gogh
His new family dubbed him Freddy Van Gogh, and he’s living his best life thanks to so many caring people.
“Meet Freddy Van Gogh aka Garfield rescued by Whitney. He’s lived outside for many years, and is so happy to be safe! Thanks to his rescuer Whitney (@allpawspetsitting1), Dr. Morkos, foster parents Laura and Josh, he’s found his forever home with Cory and Guy, and has a little human brother and feline sister Millie who love him. ❤️” Love Meow shared.
