Special Love Needed: Vivienne and William’s Story

A resident of a pet-friendly retirement village in Auckland, Vivienne has cared for cats for three decades, whether they were her own pets or “permanent fosters” from her community.

After the loss of her cat Belmonte, she went looking for a new member of her family on SPCA’s website – and stumbled across the perfect fit.

William had spent over four months in SPCA’s care waiting patiently for his new family to find him. He was on a weight loss journey, and needed an owner who could keep him on track. And as he cuddled up with his foster family one January day, his luck finally turned.

A former priest in the Anglican Church, Vivienne had started her own business in retirement, performing welcoming ceremonies for those having to rehome pets. But she quickly realised how much of a need there was in her community for foster care – and jumped in as a fosterer herself.

Vivienne fostered for those who were moving into non pet-friendly retirement villages or going into permanent care. She made arrangements for owners to visit their cats at her home, or brought the cats to visit them.

In addition to owning one or two of her own, she estimates that she’s fostered at least 15 cats, many of whom had come with a range of medical issues. From diabetes, to hyperthyroidism, to injuries of various severities and everything in between, Vivienne had seen and cared for it all. So when William came along, Vivienne knew she was up to the task.

Described as a “shy and timid chunky boy” in his adoption profile, it was love at first sight for Vivienne when she laid eyes on William: “A bit podgy and on a special diet, he had been waiting a wee while to get a new home. And I thought,‘Well, I’ve been there, done that’ – so I applied to adopt him.” She was also struck by the resemblance between him and Belmonte, her previous cat, who was black and white just like William.

William settled in quite quickly upon his arrival at the retirement village. He immediately got started on exploring his new surroundings, including the fenced back garden that he now calls his own. He brings delight to Vivienne’s neighbours, visiting them throughout the day on his adventures.

His relationship with Rex, Vivienne’s other cat, took a little more time to warm. Vivienne consulted SPCA’s Animal Enrichment Coordinator and her own veterinarian for advice. With a new medication regiment for Rex, and time for them to get used to each other, Vivienne tells us that “we have now got more harmony in the apartment.” It may take a bit of time for the two of them to become close friends, but Vivienne is confident they’ll get there.

“William is a dear little boy,” Vivienne tells us. “All of his little mannerisms remind me of at least one of the other cats who have touched my life. We have no problems with his special needs, which seemed to be why he’d waited a long time for his furever home.”

William divides his time between his apartment and the back garden. When at home with Vivienne, he tends to act as her shadow, accompanying her on her daily tasks.

“He knows when it’s time for me to read the newspaper, and when it’s not time for me to read the newspaper,” Vivienne says. “When it’s not very nice outside, he loves sitting on his favourite chair. And if I’m working in the office, he tries to help me do that – it’s otherwise known as hindering, but we don’t worry about things like that.” She tells us that William has become skilled at stealing pens and pencils off of her desk to play with.

Vivienne and William are a great example of how long-stay animals are delightful pets just waiting to find the right families for them. After welcoming him into her heart with open arms, William and Vivienne are both thriving – all because she took a chance on him.

From Vivienne: “All is well. William is a little darling, and he’s a joy to have in my life.”

Hear the rest of Vivienne and William’s story here:

If you’re looking to add a furry friend to your family, SPCA has many long-stay residents waiting for homes. Until 21st July, they’re available for adoption with zero adoption fees. Visit our adoption page to meet them – your William could be waiting for you there!