Retirement Party for Cat that Brought Joy to Retirees at Levindale

The coolest cat at Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital in Baltimore has just retired. MacGyver, a black Persian feline, bid farewell to his human and four-legged friends at a recent retirement party held in his honor. He had called Levindale home for more than 16 years.

Residents, visitors and staff members turned out to say goodbye and wish him well. There were balloons, cake and lots of cuddling. The party was held during happy hour so that everyone could raise a glass and toast this beloved member of the Levindale family.

The busy lifestyle at Levindale became too much for him, so MacGyver now resides at his new home in Middle River with Ann Dobry, a Levindale employee, her dog, another cat and some bees that live in a hive outside the house. He will spend his golden years lounging around, sleeping and eating.

MacGyver was given his name shortly after he arrived at Levindale as a kitten. He was always adventurous and liked to leave the unit he lived on, so the nurses put a wander-guard on his collar, which would alert them if he was going out the door.

However, MacGyver figured out that if he backed out of the door, he would be off the unit before the wander-guard triggered the alarm. Hence, the name, MacGyver, after the TV character that could get out of jams with his wit.

MacGyver was part of the Eden Alternative philosophy that is practiced at Levindale. The Eden Alternative focuses on ending the three challenges of the elderly, which are loneliness, helplessness and boredom, and, instead adding, companionship, empowerment and spontaneity.

There’s no doubt that MacGyver provided all three of those antidotes for Levindale residents, visitors and employees, and there’s no doubt that he will continue to charm everyone he meets in the future.

MacGyver, you are the cat’s meow!