Jacksonville, FL – A stray cat found by a local family has provided a young man on the spectrum with the gift of companionship this holiday season.
Kim Neff, the man’s grandmother, was out visiting friends recently when she noticed a stray cat in the neighborhood. Upon learning that it didn’t belong to anyone, she opted to bring the cat home simply expecting to add a new furry pet to the household.
What she didn’t expect was for her grandson Josh to bond with the feline despite the symptoms of his spectrum disorder. Asperger’s syndrome is characterized by restricted interests and difficulty interacting socially with others. Therefore Andy proved to not only be a beloved family pet but a form of therapy as well, enabling Josh to “open up” and experience the enjoyment of forming a connection with the feline.
However when Andy became gravely ill after developing a urinary tract blockage that was expected to cost thousands of dollars to treat, the Neffs were extremely concerned. Yet they experienced another stroke of good luck when Angel Fund, an organization that covers the cost of medical treatment for pets of owners who aren’t able to afford it, offered to help. As a result, Andy is now healthy, happy and thriving right alongside his loving owner.
Below is a video from the First Coastal News website