The
Christmas Cat
This
poor, frightened cat came to our neighborhood about 2 months ago. He always
seemed very hungry, would shake while eating. I sneaked food to him in
spite of my husband's wished. At first he would not allow anyone to get
within 6 feet of him, even offering food. Other neighbors were feeding
him and we were all wondering id he was a badly treated cat from down
the street or was he actually lost. He had a pink collar but no identification.
Because we have a stray Jack Russell and a stray Sulphur Crested Cockatoo
and my husband in need of constant care from an auto accident doubled
with the worse case of eye shingles, we really did not feel at our old
ages we could take in another animal. Neighbors and we feed the cat. I
made a makeshift house outside for him, just in case he was not going
to another home at night...nights getting colder in Virginia, USA.
On December 22nd, 2003, returning from taking my husband to one of his
many doctors appointments, we noticed a gathering on the lawn of our neighbor.
A Leaf Removal truck with lots of equipment was there, several workers
with weedeaters and mowing equipment, the owner on the cell phone frantically
calling animal control for our city, checking with the closet animal hospital,
and then I saw the horrible scene of what all the fuss was about. A scene
too awful to repeat, but for you to understand what happened, I must write
the awful words:
Kitty
had been in some awful happening, no one seems to know what. Kitty's whole
left leg and part of shoulder was cut off, or somehow gone, right up to
even with the shoulder, Most all of his tail was gone. He was wailing
loudly and going in circles. The workmen and all of us were trying to
coax him to us so we could get him to an emergency vet. He outran everyone
even with just 3 legs and all he must be enduring from pain. The Lawn
care owner told us to call if we got the kitty into a carrier and he would
help get him to the hospital. They had to go on to next lawn. Animal Control
arrived and could not catch him. I found a quiet place and cried and prayed
that the Lord would take kitty if he could not get healed. I put fresh
food and water out by kitty's makeshift outside house and I was sitting
there in tears he hobbled into our side yard, went right into the old
carrier and put his little head on the blanket and closed his eyes. I
was so afraid he was going to sleep for good. He was just exhausted. I
closed the carrier door and called the lawn man who was here in 15 minutes.
We got to the hospital in record time. The doctor first hooked him up
to IVs for fluids and pain meds. Operated soon as possible. Kept him for
5 days where the assistants and staff fell madly in love with this Christmas
cat.
They brought him toys and special foods. He had more visitors than any
animal they have ever had there.
This cat has brought out more love from neighbors than we have experienced
in the 30 years we have been here. It is like this animal is enchanted.
Everyone who has responded to this loving experience has had unusually
nice things happening in their own lives. It is like as the kitty heals,
the people that help are healed of whatever their problems may have been.
It is so beautiful.
Even before the surgery three families wanted in on the bill for his care.
We and the lawn company and our neighbor,,,the lawn where he was found
will split the bill. The hospital announced it would forgive half the
bill to start, because of the unusual circumstances.
Because there had to be a home to release kitty, we are IT. Now, after
27 days since that horrible day, kitty is upstairs and has taken over
my sewing room. He has warm when he needs it, an automatic feeder and
automatic waterer (supplement, as he gets plenty freshly cooked chicken,
salmon and whatever he wants), a choice of three bed-nests, music, a glass
door overlooking the balcony and to the distant mountains. The western
sunshine pouring in. It is like his private suite, away from the nagging
curiosity of the Jack Russell and the high pitch screams of the Cockatoo...enough
to raise the dead. Speaking of that, he got a name too: "Lazarus."
His many stitches are out and he has completed all his needed shots. He
knows the litter box, is playful and scampering about, wobbly but learning
how to operate on 3 legs as though not much happened.
As soon as he is totally well, I know we will need to pray for a home
for him. We are not getting younger (75), our other pets have been here
for 15 and 9 years, my husband may have this Post herpetic neuralgia for
the rest of his life. Lazarus needs more time than I can give him. He
is the bright spot in my days and I love him too much already, but I know
somewhere the Lord will show us the right person to complete life's journey
with him. He is beautiful, white shorthair, orange tip ears. His fur is
growing back in the surgery places.
We thank all of you wonderful "animal people" for your prayers
for this enchanted cat.
Our Christmas Cat: Lazarus.
ChristinePlease
forgive the lengthiness. This cat has his own guest register for visitors
to sign. They are still coming. His story grows by leaps and bounds. He
really is special. I do so would love to keep him...He needs more. Thank
you so much
(January
18)
