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Mount Ayr Record-News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
Thursday, March 29, 2012, Page 8
Abandoned cat finds a home in the hearts of Polk Villa residents
by Britt Fell
It was a sad day for Morris the cat when his owner had to move out of her residence in Polk Villa and into the
nursing home several years ago, leaving her beloved pet behind. He was turned out of his home 14 years ago and
surely felt as though he hadn't a friend in the world. The transition from pampered house cat to common alley
cat was no doubt a difficult one for Morris. His bad luck did not last long, however; Morris was soon informally
and collectively adopted by the other residents of the complex. They renamed him Elmore, and took it upon
themselves to feed and play with him every day. Some offered him cat food, others provided milk and Elmore was
grateful for every bit he was given. He became a close friend to them all, following his generous benefactors
around the square, keeping them company as they walked outside, his way of thanking them for their hospitality.
"It was just a darling," says Doris TODD, one of the residents who helped care for Elmore. "We all loved it."
Thankful though Elmore may have been for those who took him in, it didn’t stop him from being a bit of a trouble
maker. He wasn't above scratching at the residents' doors when he got tired of being outside or picking little
holes in their screens when he wasn't fed on time. Elmore also made a hobby of taunting local dogs and then
hiding under a nearby playhouse when they would chase after him. But as any cat owner knows, tolerance for
arrogance and self-centered behavior is a prerequisite for anyone planning to keep one of these animals and the
residents loved him despite his mischief. Elmore lived a long and full life, a faithful companion of the folks
at Polk Villa for 14 years. He even had a sweet little romance with Suzy, a house cat belonging to a resident.
TODD recalls the memory amusedly. "They used to get up in the window and touch noses. Suzy would meow to be let
out so that she could see him." Unfortunately Elmore can no longer be seen strolling around Polk Villa; he
passed away this past autumn. Though he's gone, he still lives on in the hearts of many of the residents of
Polk Villa, who still remember him fondly to this day.
Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, November of 2012
To submit your Ringgold County items, contact
The County Coordinator.
Please include the word "Ringgold" in the subject line. Thank you.
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