For almost 14 years, Homer the cat was the mascot of the Barnesville Health Care Center, providing companionship and love to its many residents.
Homer arrive at BHCC as a beat up and scratched stray in June of 1996. From that time until his passing on February 8 of this year, Homer touched the lives of many. After his arrival, Homer was nursed back to Health by residents and staff, with the assistance of a local veterinarian.
"Over the years, Homer (who came and went as he pleased )had many close encounters while tying to battle other cats on the hill," said Nursing Administrator Tia Baker.. "He was defeated a few times, but he always had the love of the residents and staff to nurse him back to Health."
As the mascot of the center, Homer appeared in television commercials and his picture was always in the monthly newsletter. BHCC became known as "the home that has Homer the cat."
Homer roamed the halls and rooms of the facility. He had a number of places to choose from for cat naps. One of his favorite hiding places was in the organ.
There were many tears shed over Homer's passing. A memorial service is planned for the near future, with his burial to take place in the facility courtyard garden.
Missing their friend, residents voted to adopt a new cat from the Belmont County Animal Shelter. After requesting that two cats be brought over so that the residents could choose one, two kittens (three month-old sisters) arrived at the facility on Tuesday, Feb. 23 by Humane Officer Lisa Williams.
Residents chose to name the kittens "Pumpkin" and "Tabby" in honor of the annual Barnesville Pumpkin Festival.
The residents were very excited about the arrival of their new friends. Many lined the halls, waiting for a turn to hold the nervous and curious kittens. Two residents in particular, Joe Lucas and Virginia Peacock, were especially happy for the kittens' arrival.
"It is amazing how close pets get to the residents," said BHCC Administrator Rick Kesic. "This really is the residents' home."
Williams said the shelter was happy to find such a good home for the kittens that were part of a litter dumped in a parking lot in the county.
Williams said cats make excellent pets for the elderly and people with handicaps because cats are low maintenance.
Williams said most of that litter has been adopted out, however, cat adoptions are down and cases of abandoned animals including dogs, is increasing.
Williams is urging people to adopt cats or at least spay or neuter cats. She said feral cats are a big problem in parts of the county including Martins Ferry and Bellaire.
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