Bell Park’s Peter Webb shares joys of adopting rescue cat Lucas; Geelong in top spots for pet lovers

Peter Webb was in a “dark hole” before adopting his newest rescue cat, Lucas. Here’s how the feline companion saved him.

Peter Webb adopted his cat Lucas in October. It's the third rescue cat he's had, but says they "saved each other".

Bell Park resident Peter Webb says his rescue cat saved him, as Geelong is revealed to be one of the state’s hot spots for pet lovers.

Mr Webb, 76, adopted Lucas the cat, originally named Green Tea because of his green eyes, from the Lost Dogs’ Home in October last year.

He previously had two other rescue cats, and four dogs.

Most recently he had rescue cat Muffin, who was put down in August at the age of 18.

Mr Webb said he’d planned on waiting until the new year to adopt his next furry friend, but said he’d gone into a “pretty dark hole” after Muffin’s death.

He said one day a friend took him on a road trip to Melbourne, surprising him with a visit to the shelter.

“I found it very difficult (to choose a cat),” he said.

“They were all very beautiful … then I turned around and saw him.

“The guy helping me said all the workers call him ‘the smoochy one’.

“We opened the cage and he was all over me.”

Mr Webb said he decided to name the cat after the staff member who’d helped him.

Mr Webb said Lucas the feline “fit like a glove” into his creative world immediately, and was like his “shadow”.

“We really rescued each other,” he said.

“It’s really made a big difference to me. Pets do wonders.”

Mr Webb was among the many Geelong residents who adopted an animal from the Lost Dogs’ Home in 2023.

According to the organisation, Geelong was the regional city with the third highest number of overall adoptions, with 88.

Shire of Mornington Peninsula (141) and Yarra Ranges Shire (105) were the top two.

The Home’s spokeswoman Suzana Talevski said the big adoption numbers were a clear indication that animals were playing a big part in hearts and homes.

“Now more than ever Victorian’s are showing that we are a passionate community of animal lovers and we are extremely grateful for that,’’ she said.

“Our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who took in one of our beautiful animals and made a wonderful change in their lives. The impact can never be underestimated.’’

For more information visit https://dogshome.com/

Originally published as Bell Park’s Peter Webb shares joys of adopting rescue cat Lucas; Geelong in top spots for pet lovers