Mercury Is Clark-Garwood's Pet Of The Week

GARWOOD, NJ — Meet Mercury! She has been chosen as Clark-Garwood Patch's Pet Of The Week.

"Please allow me to introduce you to Mercury. She is a domestic short-hair tabby who lives with us in Garwood. She belongs to Dr. Clare Deming of the Westfield Veterinary Group. Clare and I have been together since 2004, but Mercury and Clare have been together since 1998.

What makes Mercury unique among all the pets you probably see for nomination is her age. Mercury is currently 21 and a half years old. Her birthday is in April. She may very well be the oldest cat in Union County.

Mercury, named after the planet (named after the Roman god), is not a very cute cat, as cute cats go. Her once golden eyes are turning brown and blotchy. Her once soft fur is patchy so she now wears a sweater to stay warm. She has lost most of her hearing. Her joints are arthritic and cause her discomfort. She takes medication for her painful joints and for her renal failure, which she was not predicted to survive for very long. That was 10 years ago.

Despite her many ailments and advanced age, Mercury loves treats, loves to play with string, and still climbs up and down the stairs to make sure the house is still in order to her satisfaction. I strongly suspect she will outlive us all.

Thank you for considering Mercury for the Clark-Garwood pet of the week. She has earned her place in history as well as our hearts."

— Andrew Epstein, Garwood

Do you think your pet should be Clark-Garwood's Pet of the Week?

Participating in the Pet of the Week happenings is simple: submit your nomination by emailing alexis.tarrazi@patch.com with subject line "Clark-Garwood Pet Of The Week." Be sure to include a photograph or two of your pet, a paragraph about what makes him or her so great, and the town you're from.

You can choose to include your name, but you don't need to. Then just keep an eye out for a photo of your pet on the Patch!

The photo can be of a present pet, or it can be a baby picture of the adult pet you're so proud of today. All photos must be property of the submitter.

Additionally, selected winners each week will be given a gift bag including free pet wash when they stop at In-N-Out Dog Wash at 300 North Ave. in Garwood. And winners can also bring their pet into the store for a picture. In-N-Out will put them up on their Facebook page as well.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

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