Mishka's retirement from UQ vet studies is just the cat's whiskers

After three years of being a blood donor to injured and sick cats, Mishka has headed home to enjoy life thanks to her new owners Alex and her son Gene Rombouts who adopted her as part of The University of Queensland (UQ) "Pets for Life" Animal Adoption Program.

Based at both the Gatton and St Lucia campuses, the program gives unwanted pets a second chance at life by matching them with families after the pets have been behaviour-trained, desexed and vaccinated.

Mishka has definitely earned the right to a new home and "retirement" with her new owner Ms Rombouts saying she is thankful she found out about the "Pets for Life" program.

"I found out about the program thanks to a friend who took her cat to the UQ Veterinary Clinic and saw Mishka’s picture on the noticeboard. We have now adopted this playful, affectionate cat who has become a dear companion to my son in a very short time," she said.

"The program is about changing lives, not only of those animals whose destiny has been to save others, but about improving the quality of your own household, bringing into your home the kind of emotional and physical happiness that only a beloved pet can offer."

Students enrolled at the new School of Veterinary Science facility at UQ's Gatton campus are using the Clinical Studies Centre as part of their educational programs, learning how to assess and handle the stray cats and dogs which have been rescued from a fate of euthanasia.

Clinical Studies Centre Manager, Rebekah Scotney said Centre staff were keen to see animals find loving owners.

More information on the "Pets for Life" Animal Adoption Program at UQ can be found online or contact Nicole Richards on 54601 868.

Media: Karli Kollegger (telephone 07 5460 1279 or 0488 780 229) or Shirley Glaister at UQ Communications on 07 3365 2802.