The Villages - June 2018 - 4

{ For The

Love

oF peTs }

Bentley and the leesers

Feline Friends Forever
By MARK ANDERSON | PhOtO By ROB WILKERSON

It's a cat's world, we just live in it.
Revered by ancient Egyptians, cats are seen by many as
symbols of grace and poise.
For Howard and Linda Leeser, of the Haciendas of Mission
Hills, cats are a big part of their lives.
After their previous feline companion crossed the rainbow
bridge, the Leesers were not planning on finding another cat
anytime soon.
"We lost our other cat two years ago," Linda said. "She
was 17 years old and a sweetheart, and I didn't think I'd
want another cat. Too much heartache."
Even though the Leesers were not sure
when the next opportunity would arise
- if ever - they kept their eyes, ears
and hearts open.
"I said to Howard: 'I'll know when
the right cat comes along,'" Linda
said. "And then Bentley found us."

Bentley, a 4-year-old ragdoll cat, is fluffy, well behaved
and friendly. Known for their dog-like behavior, large size and
distinct coloration, ragdoll cats first gained the name due to
their tendency to go limp when held.
The Leesers found Bentley through another family who
was looking to adopt him.
"The family that adopted him chose us," Linda said.
"There were three families that were in the running for
(Bentley), so we had to be interviewed by his original
owners."
The family took a liking to the Leesers and so did Bentley
- he ended up being just the type of cat the Leesers were
looking for. Bentley was 2 years old when the Leesers adopted
him, and they have grown quite fond of each other in the
meantime.
Since he is such a large cat, Bentley requires a special
type of food that the Leesers have to special-order at the
recommendation of his previous owners.
Here in The Villages, the Leesers take Bentley with them
to special events or out on the town squares in his own
carrier. They even decorate his carrier with lights and call
him the "star of the square" while out and about.
During the summer, the Leesers take Bentley back to their
home state of Pennsylvania, where they stay until Labor Day
before returning to The Villages.
The Leesers are members of the Cat Crazy Villagers Club,
led by Lee and Barbara Brockman. Through the club, Linda
says, it has been easy to connect with other feline-friendly
Villagers and participate in events around the area.
"Nothing was here before they started that club,"
Linda said. "No one knew anybody else who had
cats or what to do with the catch and release
program that the club sponsors, so through that
club there's been a lot of different activities."
Cats are known for being independent and
not requiring constant attention or care. That
is why the Leesers have been cat people for just
about as long as they can remember.
"You have to be the kind of parents who
appreciate individuality," Linda said. "Because cats,
they're all different. And they all have these different
personalities."
For Bentley, that personality is calm, friendly
and loving, making him the perfect addition to the
Leesers' home.



Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Villages - June 2018

Contents
The Villages - June 2018 - Cover1
The Villages - June 2018 - Contents
The Villages - June 2018 - 1
The Villages - June 2018 - 2
The Villages - June 2018 - 3
The Villages - June 2018 - 4
The Villages - June 2018 - 5
The Villages - June 2018 - 6
The Villages - June 2018 - 7
The Villages - June 2018 - 8
The Villages - June 2018 - 9
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The Villages - June 2018 - Cover3
The Villages - June 2018 - Cover4
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