Tuffy says ‘let them eat cake’

Those who know Bob Christensen, owner of Bob’s Old Time Barber­shop and the Gallery on First, in downtown Monte­video, know that he can appear gruff at times. But deep down, he is a pussy cat.

His compassion is obvious when it comes to pets. He has found homes for enough cats and dogs to offer his own advice.

“If your gonna have a pet, keep’em as a pet, don’t make a pest out of them!

“With pets, cats especially, I believe 100 percent in keeping them indoors. Some believe in letting them out. Well, at night all they do is get into fights and get hit by cars. And if they are out running during the day, they are very efficient predators. They kill song birds and raid pheasant nests, and what have you …

“And as far as spaying and neutering, if people would just have their pets spayed and neutered that would go a long way in ending the problem of overpopulation. People need to understand that!”

Christensen recently learned about a local organization that is working to get that same message out.

Community Animal Res­cue, Education and Support (CARES) is a nonprofit, all volunteer corporation that got under way in January 2010, when a small group of area residents came together because of their love of animals and their desire to stop pet abuse and suffering from overpopulation.

CARES members raise money through donations acquired from businesses and individuals, as well as grants and fundraising events. All donations are tax deductible and go directly toward rescue and medical care, including spaying and neutering, and placing dogs and cats in the loving homes they deserve.

Christensen and wife Kathy have two dogs at home and three cats at the Gallery on First, all of which were rescued.

Tuffy, a rather large, very friendly, orange-colored cat, has been a icon at the Gallery on First ever since his momma, a pregnant stray was taken in by Christensen during the severe flooding in 1997.

On Aug. 5, 1997, Chris­tensen found himself with momma kitty and four kittens. When they were old enough, he found homes for two of the kittens and their mom, and kept two, which he named Socks and Tuffy.

Sadly, Socks died about two years ago, but Tuffy is still there and healthy. Christensen says the old boy has quite a following.

“People come in and say, ‘Hi Bob. Where’s Tuffy?’ I’m never quite sure if they’re coming to see me or the cat!” he chuckled.

In honor of Tuffy’s 13th birthday, the Christen­sens are inviting everyone to stop at the Gallery (403 N. 1st St.) Thursday, Aug. 5, for birthday cake and lemonade, which will be served throughout the day.

Also for Tuffy’s birthday, they are offering some special deals.

Beginning Aug. 5 and running through Friday, Aug. 13, the cost of all custom framing will be reduced by 13 percent.

Those who donate $10 or more to CARES, will receive double — 26 percent — off of framing.

A special drawing will also be held for custom framing of a family pet portrait. Orders taken from Aug. 5 to Aug. 13 for framing pictures of family pets will be placed in a hat. The one drawn will receive their job for free.

“We figured it would be a good way to show appreciation to our customers while celebrating Tuffy’s birthday, and donating to a good cause,” Chris­tensen said.

… and his final word of advice: “I’ve always figured everyone should have at least one pet because then, no matter what happens, you’ll always have at least one friend.”