It was a sunny day in June 2023 when Sushi, an eight-year old-smoky calico, was brought into Feline Fine Cat Clinic in south Bend. Sushi had been aggressively biting her own tail, which veterinarians recognized as a sign of dental disease. After several appointments with the clinic, Sushi’s owners decided they preferred euthanization as they could no longer continue with her recommended medical plan.
However, the team at Feline Fine, saw Sushi’s bright personality and potential and were confident a surgery would cure Sushi’s dental disease. The team encouraged the owners to relinquish the cat instead of ending her life.
Sushi’s owners agreed and for weeks, she lived at the clinic, in the care of vets who were actively seeking out options for a new home. A close friend to the clinic heard about Sushi’s situation and volunteered to foster her, in hope that Sushi would befriend her other kitty and could have a place to call home.
During this time, Sushi’s dental disease was relieved with a surgery made possible by both the foster owner and Feline Fine’s “Angel Fund,” a donation-based system that provides financial support to cats in need of medical attention.
While Sushi was on the road to recovery, it became clear she was best suited for a life without the company of other cats, so she landed back in the welcoming arms of the clinic. David Cheney, Business Director and Co-Owner of Feline Fine, and his team knew this cat was worthy of a special home.
That December, the clinic’s staff called up Russell Droll, a client whose beloved 20 year-old cat had recently been put down at the clinic. Hesitant to adopt another cat immediately, Russell decided to come in to meet Sushi. Not too surprisingly, Sushi wooed Russell with her calico charm, tugging at his heartstrings and winning him over with her mesmerizing purr.
Droll took Sushi home around the holidays. Unexpectedly, she came down with an illness that brought her back to the clinic. Russell told the Source that Feline Fine was nothing but supportive and helpful in the process of nursing Sushi back to recovery. “I am so appreciative of everything the clinic did,” Russell reported, “They care deeply about the cats that they treat. They are good, genuine people.”
Today, Russell lives an outdoor lifestyle — camping, backpacking and traveling when he can — while Sushi enjoys an indoor lifestyle — napping, stretching, all the important feline things. While Russell is traveling, Sushi is cared for by close friends who call her “Sushi Roll” for her characteristic rolls on the carpet. Russell describes Sushi as “the most adorable cat” and a “big licker.” He goes on to say, “She has never bit or scratched me. She’s just a special cat,” Russell beamed. Sushi has fully recovered from her medical challenges and proven herself to be a snuggly, sweet and playful kitty, living a cozy, happy life at her new forever home.
This article appears in Central Oregon Pets Fall 2025.
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