Dixie-Boy's Tale

Just looking at Dixie Boy, you wouldn’t suspect that this little one-eyed gray tiger cat possesses a lion-sized share of courage and optimism. Born on a dusty lot next to U.S. Highway #1, Dixie Boy and several other cats formed a small family group that lived outdoors. As fate would have it, three different individuals noticed the cats and started feeding them. The three caretakers were unaware of one another until they bumped into each other one day and decided to coordinate their efforts to care for the cats.

One of their first priorities was getting the cats spayed and neutered so that the family of four didn’t turn into a family of twenty-five, fifty, or more. Jean D., one of the caretakers, knew about HSAPL and contacted volunteers Sande and Peggy. HSAPL sent out a volunteer to help capture the cats in humane traps, and, one by one, they were spayed and neutered.

As time went by, Dixie-Boy developed an eye problem and was taken to a local veterinarian. The vet determined that the eye needed to be removed. Not only was Dixie-Boy going to lose an eye, but during his medical examination a FeLv/FIV test revealed that he had tested positive for the virus. Cats with this diagnosis can lead healthy lives for many years, but due to fear of spreading the disease to other cats, they are frequently euthanized. Jean D. looked for another alternative. Again, she turned to HSAPL.

Dixie-Boy now makes his home in a comfortable area at HSAPL’s sanctuary in Palm City. He shares the large enclosure with other cats that have tested positive for the virus. The loss of an eye hasn’t slowed him down, and after a second surgery to correct an inverted eyelid on his remaining eye, he has adjusted well. His sunny nature has made him a favorite of the volunteers who feed and play with the cats daily. In fact, he’s earned the affectionate nickname of Jack (as in the playing card, a one-eyed Jack) by volunteer Gloria. One of Dixie-boy’s siblings, Pretty Girl, has joined him at the sanctuary, and Jean D. is working on capturing the third, and last, kitten from the lot to join the other two. The fourth cat from the lot has found a permanent home with a loving family.

Life for Dixie-Boy has taken a turn for the better, thanks to the efforts of HSAPL, Jean D., and the dedicated caretakers of the little feline family in the dusty lot. Although the sanctuary is at full capacity and cannot take in anymore cats, the organization welcomes inquiries regarding assistance in spaying or neutering cats. For more information about this program, please call 772-463-9207.