“The more things change, the more they stay the same.” We’ve all heard this old saying. It seems to be especially true when it comes to HSAPL. Every cat is unique and we often find ourselves challenged in finding a solution which best meets the special needs of some of the cats and kittens who come to us. There is never a one-size-fits-all answer—the solutions change with the needs of each cat. The one consistency in the ever-changing scenario is that someone in the organization always steps forward and offers a solution.
Recently, that someone was one of our volunteers, Shareen. And the kitten in need of special help was Charlee. When Charlee first came to us, no one suspected that she would have any special needs at all. Named after Charlie Chaplin because of her little black “moustache,” Charlee was inquisitive, playful, and beautiful. Everyone felt sure she’d quickly find a permanent home. Shareen offered to foster her and when Charlee was old enough, she was taken to Savannah Animal Hospital to be spayed. And there an unexpected problem was discovered by Dr. Reis.
Charlee had a hole in her heart. Unable to undergo the spay surgery, she was taken back to Shareen’s. The decision was made to wait a bit and allow the kitten to grow before any further action was taken. Several days later, Charlee suffered an alarming episode in which she was unable to catch her breath. She was rushed back to Savannah Animal Hospital where she was stabilized and kept for close observation. It wasn’t long before the clinic staff fell in love with Charlee, and Elysia, one of the vet technicians, began calling every heart specialist she could find, asking for help. Dr. Daubs stepped forward and offered to operate to repair the hole, free of charge. An appointment was made and Charlee was prepared for surgery. However, as Dr. Daubs began the procedure, he discovered that the hole was located between the chambers of the heart—a much more difficult surgery than a routine repair, and one which Dr. Daubs could not perform. A subsequent eco-gram confirmed a diagnosis of VSD--Ventricular Septal Defect. Although there are highly specialized surgeons who could perform this type of corrective surgery, the cost would be in the ballpark of $30,000. For this reason it is not generally recommended. Once again, Charlee was sent home.
Now, the question arose, What should be done with dear Charlee? Her lifespan is uncertain. She could live three months, three years, or even longer. But nobody knows. She isn’t a candidate for HSAPL’s regular adoption program, yet she thrives in a home with people and other cats. Anyone who cared for Charlee would have to be prepared to make sudden emergency trips to the vet and to face the very real possibility that Charlee might not be around to enjoy a normal lifespan. Who would want to take in a cat with such an uncertain future? Shareen and her husband, Tom, immediately volunteered. Charlee could stay with them indefinitely.
To see Charlee now, you’d never suspect that she has any problems at all. She’s fearless in her play with the other cats in the household, and quite demanding of lots of attention. In fact, she lives every moment of every day to the fullest. Shareen remains optimistic about Charlee’s future, while recognizing the challenges that lie ahead.
Happily, yet another cat has found a home that meets her special needs. And this level of commitment to the cats is something which never changes.
