18/04/2026
This story started 2 months ago but I never had a time to write about it. I feel it is still worth publish this story about fantastic girl Angela, the strong cat named Ari, love and survival.
In mid-February a girl contacted me from Wisconsin saying that she would like to come back to Puerto Rico to take home the street cat she met during vacation in Arecibo. I said I can try to help but not sure if it will work as I am not great trapper, also I have no room to foster etc. She sent me pictures, direction etc. We decided we will communicate thru the phone with every step. I went to Arecibo looking for him taking just small dog crate in case it works. When I saw him, I wanted to cry, I called her and told her that the cat is not young, and he is in bad shape, all in wounds, neighbors told me that he is often attacked by other cats. She just said, " I think we should try". Ari walked to dog crate on his own and I took him to the nearby 24h emergency hospital. He totally felt comfortable exploring exam room, he showed his nature of very vocal and friendly cat. Turned out, it used to be once someone's cat around 5y old with few teeth surgically removed in the past. Then my heart sank when doctor told me that Ari is FIV positive and needs medical help. I called Angela with sad news and also made her aware that my foundation is not able to sponsor it all at this moment as we had a lot of expenses with other rescue hospitalization and practically zero funding. Again, she just said " I think we need to give him a chance"
She took full financial responsibility for hospitalization that lasted 2 weeks. She was talking to medical personnel every day, she kept me posted on progress. I visited him in hospital once when in neighborhood. Finally, Ari got clearance to get vaccinated and travel. Angela came to SJ, and we drove to Arecibo, picked up the cat, documents and they flew to Wisconsin next morning, as she said, "just before Aris first storm".
I know it is a long story, thankfully it is not the only story about wonderful tourists. It makes me cry whenever I think of Angela, a girl of few words with big, big heart and Ari, super cat with unbelievable will of survival. I hope it is motivational. Please check out all pictures below documenting the journey of poor abandoned cat to happy home thousands of miles away.