May 29 - Update message from Thryn:

OH MY WOW! I woke up this morning (it's morning in Cameroon right now) and checked my email and tears litterally came into my eyes when I saw the flood of donations that came in the hours after you shared the update about Linus with the Good Morning Kitten community! I've shed tears quite a few times over the last week, with the overwhelming stress and emotion involved in finishing my Peace Corps service and leaving Cameroon. One of those times was when I found out that we wouldn't be able to take Linus on the plane due to airline restrictions, and another was when I found out how much the professional pet shipping service would cost. Linus has been my companion for my entire time in Peace Corps through happy times and rough personal times. The thought of leaving him behind was something I couldn't stomach, no matter how crazy some people think I am!
I'm completely overwhelmed with grattitude for you and for everyone who donated. I had set a goal that would only cover his airfare, but with the amazing generosity of everyone, in just one day I now have enough to cover most of his other expenses too (customs and paperwork, the IATA approved cage, vaccinations and health certificates, and a trip to the vet when he gets home).

KITTY ACTION ALERT
HELP LINUS MAKE IT HOME TO THE USA

A message from Thryn, the owner of Linus:

I'm just finishing my Peace Corps service in Cameroon and I'm trying to take Linus home with me to America. I really don't want to leave him behind to be eventually eaten by my neighbors. I can't even think about that!

I found a pet shipping company that is helping me with the arrangements, but it is quite expensive, so at the advice of one of Linus's followers on Twitter, I set up a donation page for any cat lovers who want to contribute to Linus's travel expenses.

I remember there were a few comments on Good Morning Kitten by people who were concerned about whether or not Linus would have to stay in Africa after I finished my service. I want to assure them that I'm doing everything I can to bring him home and give them an opportunity to contribute if they are able to help out.

Click here for the donation page. I need to raise $500 for his airfare by June 5.
Any contribution is helpful! Thank you!

Linus

May 24, 2009

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Thryn says: Linus was born in Bangangté, Cameroon. My husband and I were nearing the end of our training for Peace Corps and I came home from teaching at model school one day and one of my of my 4éme students was standing out side of our homestay holding a tiny kitten. My host brother came out and said it was for me. Having a cat in Cameroon can be challenging. We have to keep him inside because in the village where we are posted people steal cats to sell them in the market. But he's an excellent hunter, catching and eating any creature that dares to venture inside our house, including flies and mosquitos. Linus loves hunting, climbing on top of door frames, and licking the inside of yogurt containers. He dislikes large things with wheels (suitcases, bicycles) and drinking water out of his own water dish. Here's a blog post about him from our blog, Hinge of Africa.

All Photos Courtesy of and ©: Thryn and Gabe Albin

Thryn and Linus are both on Twitter! (So far Linus has more followers ;-) )

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Linus enjoying a fish head for dinner

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Comments and LOLs:

Carolyn - 2 years, 8 months ago

Aw, he's so cute! Are you going to be able to take him home with you? Please don't leave him there to be eaten!!!!!!

sharon - 2 years, 8 months ago

please let him have a good life....so many of them have sad ones

Carolyn Sissy,Missy - 2 years, 8 months ago

He's so cute and the name fits him, how adorable he is. Yes please keep him safe, he's to precious. Thanks for sharing

Peyton Marie - 2 years, 8 months ago

He's sooo cute please let him have a nice home! He's soo adorable!

Pat - 2 years, 8 months ago

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After a busy day of hunting a nap is definitely necessary ;)

LindaLee - 2 years, 8 months ago

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Aww, he looks quite content here. I am so happy he found you!

vickivict - 2 years, 8 months ago

Keep him near, he is so adorable, what a sweetie.

Holy Cuteness - 2 years, 8 months ago

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Awww, what's for dinner?

emma - 2 years, 8 months ago

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He's so adorable; wonderful that you saved him. Yours is an interesting life; I checked out your blog

Casey - 2 years, 8 months ago

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Daaw, so cute and happy!

Birman Mama - 2 years, 8 months ago

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What a great story! Interesting blog post, too. Linus is one very lucky and extraordinary chatton! I sure hope you can bring him home.

Kephara - 2 years, 8 months ago

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Look at that FACE!! I love his little nose.

Tiffany - 2 years, 8 months ago

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What a gorgeous kitty!!

Alice - 2 years, 8 months ago

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Beautiful!!!! I love him <3

Facundo - 2 years, 8 months ago

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Awwwww!!!!

Mary - 2 years, 8 months ago

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What are ya cooking?

Jon W. - 2 years, 8 months ago

Linus is sooo cute! Thanks for taking him into your care!

♥♥ - 2 years, 8 months ago

YO! that cat has poop on his nose or somthin!!! YICKKKKK!!

♥♥♥ - 2 years, 8 months ago

poop on his nose!

Lulu - 2 years, 8 months ago

354 points

Linus is adorable. I'm so glad you found him and he found you. Kittens for peace!!

Theresa - 2 years, 8 months ago

God Bless U for keeping such a beautiful little kitty..!! :) Peace

Sue - 2 years, 8 months ago

Thank you for taking care of such a precious baby!

Chris.at.Play - 2 years, 8 months ago

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Hey Mom, what's for dinner? *drools* LOL!

Linus is just too cute for words! Thanks for sharing your adorable kitten and blog from your Peace Corp Service. And Thanks to you personally for serving in the Peace Corp. Happy Memorial Day! God Bless you and keep you safe.

Michelle - 2 years, 8 months ago

To repeat what everyone else has stated, he is an adorable kitty. I hope you can take him home with you. He is a lucky kitty. Peace be with you all.

Carole - 2 years, 8 months ago

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aww that's precious, I love the name linus!!

Elizabeth - 2 years, 8 months ago

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what beautiful eyes!

Lynne - 2 years, 8 months ago

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I could justkiss that cheek:):):)

Barbara - 2 years, 8 months ago

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My Little Guy (B'Rocky) sat on my shoulder like a bird till he got too big. He still sleeps on my chest at night. Very cute!

Sylvia - 2 years, 8 months ago

How precious! I sincerely hope that you can take him home with you.

Selene - 2 years, 8 months ago

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Oh, my gosh! How adorable is THAT? I had a kitty once who liked to do that, especially when she was tiny. Blessings to you for rescuing Linus. My heart sings because he is safe -- and obviously well loved!

Ruthann - 2 years, 8 months ago

Nothing so sweet as a kitty resting on your shoulder. what a sweet little baby.

Tammy - 2 years, 8 months ago

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What is that on his nose?

brrock - 2 years, 8 months ago

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linus, with his little tummy full of fish head :)

moonlight - 2 years, 8 months ago

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awww so cute. when my cat was little she used to sit on my shoulder all the time... but now she's too fat!

good memories - 2 years, 8 months ago

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This is what my cat used to do when I'd wash dishes. I miss her being that little. She's run up my leg and climb up onto my shoulder.

moonlight - 2 years, 8 months ago

hhappy birthday to me!
i still love this cat!

Sissie - 2 years, 8 months ago

Precious baby, but please try to keep him clean!! His little gorgeous face and eyes need a clean up...thanks

SeekingPlumb - 2 years, 8 months ago

Awww! What a cutie!! I loved your pictures & blog post! Thanks for sharing!!

Eirik - 2 years, 8 months ago

Ooooh! Another Linus! :-)

brandy - 2 years, 8 months ago

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Thank you for keeping him safe from the villagers. Its soo hard to think that he could become dinner. :S

Thryn - 2 years, 8 months ago

Thanks so much for all of the comments! We're saving up money so we can hopefully take him with us when we return to the U.S.. He would almost certainly be eaten if we left him in our village--a sad but true reality, and you can imagine how I feel about that.

I was cooking pancakes that morning :)

Wendy - 2 years, 8 months ago

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What happened to the cutie's nose?

Corvin - 2 years, 8 months ago

Wanted to say that the photography is great... and the cat is precious.

African - 2 years, 8 months ago

Great. Thanks for making another generalization about Africans. We really appreciate it.

Sondra - 2 years, 8 months ago

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Awww.... hims helpin cook din din... How sweet... ^-^

Hellokitty - 1 year, 8 months ago

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38 points

Oh gosh plz take him with u plz... I wish i could help.. He is so cute.

Melanie - 1 year, 8 months ago

i'm having problems with the paypal page. it keeps telling me to enter an amount other than zero.

cloudycat2002 - 1 year, 8 months ago

The kitty is adorable! I truly wish I could help with the donations..but I donot have the money. I just hope and pray people who can afford it..will help you bring this precious kitten to a safe home that he truly deserves!

sneekix - 1 year, 8 months ago

6 points

please, if everyone donated just a few bucks (the price of a beer!) this would happen! I just gave $20 can you match me?

Dan - 1 year, 8 months ago

I can put in the price of a beer. $10 on its way

sneekix - 1 year, 8 months ago

6 points

thats great dan! btw, i dont know these people or this cat but it is so much better than giving a druggie change. the animals cannot help it so lets give him a great life!

Natthecat - 1 year, 8 months ago

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944 points

I had saved this picture last year, not knowing the story! It was just so wonderful to read the back story and I am happy about the resolution. (I found the photo on another cat site!) May you, your husband and Linus have a good life together.

Natthecat - 1 year, 8 months ago

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944 points

Couldn't resist this shot. The fish must have been delish!

thinkbliss - 1 year, 8 months ago

20 points

TEARS OF JOY! So glad the little dude can come with you and remain in you life. I don't think you're crazy. Our critters are our family. Congrats on getting Linus to America:-)

chloe, girl cat, eddie & sonny - 1 year, 8 months ago

We all cried for joy to know Linus is going home. Girl Cat thinks fishhead photo is the best. I am so happy of all of you. Safe journey home and keep us posted here on Linus progress in US

SnowsMama - 1 year, 8 months ago

31 points

What a happy thing! I too have tears of joy for all of you. Our kitties are not only companions they are also part of our family. Have a safe journey back home.

Thryn - 1 year, 8 months ago

Thanks again to everyone for your support and comments! Linus has been with me from the beginning, and he really means a lot to me and I'm so happy I can take him home. It certainly hasn't been an easy two years, but I love Cameroon and it will be hard to say goodbye. We're on a plane to Paris in just 5 days! I'll keep everyone updated about Linus' journey to his new home on Twitter.

Smooch - 1 year, 8 months ago

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321 points

Dreaming of my new life in America...
What wonderful news, to hear he is heading home with you. I am so happy he not only found good humans to care for him but ones who loved him enough to not want to be parted from him, ever. You guys rock! Hope you have a long and wonderful life Linus, you deserve it.

jtsagen - 1 year, 8 months ago

34 points

How wonderful to know you can bring him home with you!!! I would be out of my mind too if I had to leave a member of my family behind. Congratulations!

tuna - 1 year, 8 months ago