About Freddy (aka Freddy the Freeloader, Frederico, and Rico)
Freddy’s story started out like many, adopted as a kitten to a family who so wanted a furry baby. Then as he got older, they let him out to roam the neighborhood. He was a roamer for sure, climbed onto decks and roofs of houses on the beach and probably too friendly for his own good. Freddy didn’t like the cold or storms though, he decided to befriend me and my husband and came indoors for food, chats and a warm place for a nap – becoming known as Freddy the Freeloader. One day, Freddy showed up covered in what looked to be ashes, grease and soot, learning later that a very strange man in the neighborhood did this to him along with cutting off his whiskers. He then disappeared for a while and we found out that he was hit by a car and was at the vets. Unfortunately, the family that so wanted that kitten was unable to afford to pay the vet bill to go pick him up. My husband and I decided that we would pay the bill if the family was willing to sign adoption paperwork stating that they would turn him over to us, which they did. For the next 14 years, Freddy was an indoor cat and much loved. He tormented his fur brothers but we’re pretty sure he secretly loved them. Freddy spent many years indoors only sneaking out if he found the opportunity to chew on a few blades of grass. Freddy was quite the character and is sorely missed by his Mom, Elaine West.
