Cat Lady Goodness

Linda Walsh operates Meow Manor, a sanctuary for ill and abandoned cats, at her home in Marshfield, Massachusetts. During her tenure as the town’s Animal Control Officer, she began rescuing cats that, for one reason or another, would be euthanized. In turn, she would find them permanent homes or, if that wasn’t possible, tend to them herself. Through word of mouth, knowledge of her good services for the unwanted cats grew and became a fixture of compassion in Marshfield.

The first thing I noticed upon first entering this comfortable haven some years ago was the high level of care each cat was afforded. There were about ten in all at that time, all well nourished, clean, with glistening coats, and space to roam. My wife, Connie, and I adopted one of these special cats, a female calico we named Agnes. And, while quirky because of some abandonment issues before being rescued, she was for us an almost perfect, still quirky, sweetheart. She likely would have been denied such a chance were it not for the attention and intelligent care given her early on at Meow Manor.

Right now, there are four cats in permanent residence at Meow Manor. At various times in the nineteen years of its existence, the Manor has housed as many as thirty cats, including boarders. Many have suffered difficult and expensive illnesses, various cancers, heart, liver and kidney ailments, debilitating allergies, and thyroid problems. The efforts of Linda and the doctors and staffs at both South River Veterinary Clinic, and VCA Weymouth keep the cats in good health. That comes at a high cost, however, and Meow Manor does accept donations.

Aside from the costs, however, Linda also endures the heartache when one of her charges can no longer keep up the good fight. Just last night, the beautiful Midnight, aged twenty years, and as black as her name suggests, crossed that rainbow bridge after a long illness. Anyone who cares about the welfare of animals can appreciate that Linda Walsh considers their safekeeping at Meow Manor her life’s calling.

If you would like to contribute to the welfare of these abandoned cats, contact Linda Walsh, 538 Main St. Marshfield, MA 02050. Phone 1.781.834.7449. For more information visit Meow Manor of Marshfield on Facebook.

Photos above and below include:

• Bosco who arrived at Meow Manor at 2 1/2 months of age with a host of medical problems including an eosinophilic issue. I wouldn't know he was so ill just by looking at him. He is now 12. He's from Middleboro.

*  Just a couple of months ago Linda and Steve held 19 1/2 year old Midnight in the photo above. Despite a host of well-attended medical issues Midnight had a strong will to live. Cuddling her seemed a more effective method of calming people then taking blood pressure meds or listening to meditation tapes. She was a great snuggler. She and her siblings were found abandoned at a house in Cohasset.

*  Friend was a second generation member of the Meow Manor family. Friend's mother, Serenade, was pregnant with him when she arrived at Meow Manor 18 years ago. He's Meow Manor's only Manx. Serenade came from Hull.

*  Linda holds Attic Cat below. Attic Cat was born in Marshfield across the street from Meow Manor, perhaps 15 years ago. Apparently, Attic Cat didn't favor moving to the neighboring town of Pembroke with his owners. Twice he walked several miles back on his own, eventually, making his way to the back door of Meow Manor where he, too, once had been a resident. He returned as a permanent resident. Any cat who goes to that length to return "home" deserves to stay. He was named for his penchant for dwelling in the attic of the 1803 farmhouse (now torn down) that stood across the street for more than 200 years.

*  Linda moved to Marshfield in 1974. In 1998, Connie met her when they both sang in a choir. Linda, also a cantor, was born in Quincy and raised in Hingham. 

*  Caesar's biography will follow at a later date. His photo was just added as a birthday surprise for Linda. He was a treasured Meow Manor resident for many years and offered a friendly greeting to all who passed his path. 

** Missing from these photos is Pierre. (Coming soon!) He's up for adoption! Unlike Meow Manor's other rescues, Pierre has no medical issues. His Duxbury owner passed away last April. Pierre is 4 1/2 years of age.

Do you have a friend like Linda?