On August 3, 2008 we took in
an adorable four-month old gray kitten with a severe neurological condition. The owner could not care for him and
she contacted us.
Phoenix,
as we named him,was seen by Dr. Matthew Reimert of Hamiliton Animal Care on 08/08 and was diagnosed with severe
cerebellar hypoplasia, a condition where a portion of his brain is under-developed. Essentially, the mom (who was a
feral cat) was ill with distemper when she was pregnant with him and the condition is a result of that. He will live
with this condition forever as there is no cure; however, he has learned to adapt. As a result of the severity
of his condition, we have decided to make him a permanent resident. He will remain here at the farm and will accompany
us to different events to educate about cats that live with disabilities. He has a special stroller that we transport
him to various events in, and he LOVES it!
SIDE NOTE: On 11/16/08 Phoenix had a bit of
a setback...the poor guy managed to get a severe abscess on his neck due to an infected cut, a cut that occurred likely from
him falling down on something due to his condition. I had to take to Hamilton Animal Care where he spent five days.
He had a 105.3 degree fever and required a surgical procedure to drain the abscess. He had to have small drainage tubes
sutured into his neck. We set up a nice special little "bedroom" for him in the house for his convalesence.
It was quite a set up, with a canopy covered kitty house and big fluffy pillow!
Phoenix is doing great now and we love him SO MUCH. He's the
most special kitty I've ever had the privilege of loving. The best part is that he has no idea that he is different
from the other kitties. He just wants to play!
Phoenix at four months old upon his arrival to HHF.
Phoenix after he returned home from the "hospital"
after his surgery! All bandaged up, poor little guy!
| Big Red munching on some hay! |
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Red is very special to me...I have a long history with this horse, and if you get
to meet him in person, I can share that story with you! Red is now 13 years old and is a 16.2 + hand Thoroughbred.
He and Trayde are my lesson horses. I use Big Red for more beginner riders. He is a very sweet boy and has done
a lot in his life already!
