FAIRHOPE, Ala. — For a while, it seemed liked no one would step forward to offer River a new home. Amy Boddie, who had been the cat’s supportive companion during his long post-surgery recuperation, feared he might somehow sneak outdoors and knew he needed a more secure environment. Enter the Dana family.

Michael and Judy Dana are animal lovers who already had adopted three cats from rescue organizations. They read about River in the Dec. 30 Fairhope Courier, where the headline noted the mostly black, mixed-breed feline still needed a good home. The story was the second piece about the seemingly indestructible cat that the newspaper had published.

“It was the word ‘still’ that got me,” Michael Dana said Wednesday, lifting his hand to touch his chest. “He’s got a good home now. He’s got company and he’s happy.” They adopted the affable cat earlier this month.

The nearly 11-month old short-hair was so named because he was found swimming in the Bon Secour River near the County Road 10 bridge on Oct. 4.

He had been struck by a car, and suffered a shattered pelvis and broken femur, requiring extensive treatment to repair his injuries. The Fairhope Cat Coalition worked closely with two veterinarians, Dr. Ann Rankin and Dr. Alan Moore, who provided care.

River was a stray when found, but it is believe he was at one time someone’s pet because he used a litter box without training shortly after surgery, and was well behaved. Now he has found a best friend in Stitch, another of the family’s cats. They play constantly, and chase each other around the house.

“We’re glad to have him,” Dana said with a smile. “It’s been a while since we’ve gotten a cat from a (pet) store. We get hand-me-downs.”

Dana said River loves to climb, despite his injuries. The cat recently had to be pulled from atop their china cabinet, after he used lower furniture and a computer as stepping stones.

His natural curiosity certainly hasn’t dimmed, and neither has his temperament. Dana said he shows affection to each member of his family.

River is one of the nonprofit coalition’s many rescues. Although primarily known for trapping feral cats across Baldwin County and spaying or neutering them before releasing them back into the wild, the group has been active in other animal rescue efforts. It also offers a low-cost spay and neuter program.

If you would like to help the Fairhope Cat Coalition pay for River’s medical expenses, donations may be sent to 104 Ashton Court, Fairhope, AL 36532. Be sure to note on your check or money order that the donation is intended for River. All money given is tax-deductible.

For more information about the organization and its mission, call (251) 367-1711.