Abandoned cat left at Helen Woodward Animal Center in Rancho Santa Fe

By City News Service

Employees at the Helen Woodward Animal Center found an abandoned cat Dec. 24 and named him George Bailey, after the lead character of the beloved Christmas movie It’s a Wonderful Life.’’

The feline, a male black domestic short-hair, was left in a crate outside the facility’s horse stables. The crate contained a note that said the owner was no longer able to care for the 7-year-old feline — but assured staff that he was up-to-date on vaccinations as of last year.

It is always emotional for us when we see an adult family pet that is given up without any real explanation,’’ said Ed Farrelly, the animal services manager at the center.You can see the sorrow and confusion on George’s face. It really hits us all so close to Christmas.’’

Staff at the facility were giving George a medical check-up and will go through a normal two-week waiting period before he becomes available for adoption.

The center said anyone who wants more information on the cat, or to adopt him, can contact the Adoptions Department at (858) 756-4117, ext. 1; visit www.animalcenter.org or stop by at 6461 El Apajo Road in Rancho Santa Fe.