ROBERT
In June of 1996, one of our former clients called us with a problem. She had heard that the stray cats near her boat dock were being "rounded up". One in particular had become special to her. She had several cats at home and could not take another. She asked if she could bring him in to be checked out, and then she would try to place him.

A scabby, skinny, scared cat the client called "Snowshoe" came to us on that June day. He hid in the treatment area of the clinic, but slowly warmed up to all the kind attention. After a few weeks we knew this cat belonged to us. We decided he needed a dignified name, so a couple of us named him after our fathers, both named Robert.

An easy going, gentle disposition makes Robert a perfect "clinic cat". Other than a look of disdain for dogs now and then, Robert is the perfect gentleman, allowing touches from adults and children daily.

When not on his perch on the counter, Robert especially enjoys his favorite lap. He also has a frisky moment now and then when treated with catnip!

Even though he would never miss a meal, he sits silently by his bowl when it's empty, patiently waiting for someone to notice. He's accepted other cats gracefully, although he's been known to give a "love bite" now and then!

The most often asked question about Robert is, "is that a real cat?" Yes, he is real, and has made himself a real member of our family at MTC.

TARGA
Targa was born in Houston in 1994. When she was 6 months old, one of our clients needed to find her a new home. A perfect match was found when Becky was lucky enough to be approved as her new mother.

For many years, Targa has been a familiar face, so to speak, at the front desk with Becky and Jan. Her wagging tail has greated many friends, two and four legged over the years. She's played with many puppies, gladly sharing stuffed toys in games of tug-of-war.

Targa is more than just a friendly face. She performs many duties here at MTC. Greeting and helping make new patients comfortable is a daily duty Targa welcomes. She is also always willing to clear the floor or the counter of any treats left behind by a shy patient. She once showed off her talents by accompanying Dr. Benson to an elementary school, where she stole the show during his speech!

Almost any dog or cat would be willing to tackle those duties at MTC. But the most important thing Targa has ever done, just as willingly, is to save lives by sharing her blood with many dog patients over the years. She never protests, just heads to the treatment area and sits calmly while giving the "gift of life". All she asks in return (promptly running to her spot at the front desk), is a treat of canned dog food!

When not at work, Targa enjoys running at the ranch while Becky rides her horse, or playing at the park with pals. Her energy never wears out while swimming or fetching anything thrown for her.

For all these reasons, and more, we are happy to include Targa in our Gang at MTC.

BENNY
It's never been a plan to acquire a new member to our cat family, but it must have been "fate" when Benny came to us. In June of 2000, one of our clients carried in a dirty, flea-ridden 8 week old kitten. "My neighbor found this kitten on the freeway, about to be run over! She can't keep it, what do we do?" Well, the plan at the time was to find him a home. Ha!!!

Not long before the kitten came to us, we had lost a very special cat family member, "Cookie". It just seemed that Benny was sent to fill the "job opening". We decided that since "Cookie" was especially fond of recently retired Dr. Benson, we would name this kitten in his honor. So began the story of "Benny".

Never in our days of adopting a clinic cat has one fit in so quickly! It was only a matter of weeks before Benny had the run of the place. Even Robert decided that Benny was an OK kid. Benny has never had a shy moment, even cuddling up to large dogs or jumping on crates with cat patients inside.

Be assured that if you don't especially like cats, Benny will be in your face, asking to be noticed. Never one to stay still for long, Benny will fly by like a black & white comet while on the way to a new adventure. Blasting out of his cage first thing in the morning, Benny has the technicians trained to start the day by opening his can of Fancy Feast! Benny is a lively, fun-loving addition to the Gang at MTC.

(P.S.) If you purchased a bag of cat food that has a small hole chewed in it, we will gladly exchange it for a new one. Benny's promised to work weekends to pay his food bill.