Among all the cats that we save, there are many special ones. Sammy was a very special cat. Sammy was brought in by a distraught woman who found him wandering her neighborhood. He had been badly injured and had a huge open wound in the side of his neck. Even though he had to be in incredible pain, Sammy was very stoic and even purred when we gently examined his neck. The volunteers at C.A.T.S. had never seen anything quite so bad (we could see exposed neck muscles) and we were unsure about how to help him. Of course, it was past regular vet office hours, but we managed to roust a very grumpy vet from a nearby vet hospital. He rather flippantly told us that nature would heal the wound and we just needed to wash it out with a little water. When we asked if we should start him on antibiotics, he said “no need.” Hmmm- leave a 4 inch gash open and just clean it out with water? Sounded suspect, but he was the vet, right?

We figured we needed a second opinion, but at the time, C.A.T.S. had very little money to help out. Especially in Sammy’s case. You see, he tested positive for FeLV & FIV. It was a double whammy for Sammy. As a rescue, it didn’t make financial sense to spend a ton of money on vet bills for a cat who was positive for both diseases. How would we ever find a home for the guy (permanent or foster)? He couldn’t be with other healthy cats on the off chance that he could infect them with one/both of the diseases. Sammy’s outlook was pretty bleak. We called one of our volunteers who we knew had an FeLV positive cat. Would she possibly consider taking him in? Miranda came to see Sammy and fell instantly in love. She didn’t see a cat with two diseases. She saw a huge (17 pounds), beautiful boy who needed treatment, love and a safe home. Miranda and her husband gave Sammy all of that and more.

Sammy was treated by a vet who thoroughly cleaned out the wound, covered it and re-dressed it over the next couple weeks. He was given a long course of antibiotics and Sammy healed beautifully. (So much for “just clean it with water ““ no need for antibiotics”). C.A.T.S. was only able to help minimally with the medical bills. Miranda and her husband took care of the rest. A true act of love. And why would they do such a thing? Besides the fact that they are angels and incredibly compassionate people, it also had to do with Sammy himself. You see he inspired love, adoration and awe in everyone who met him. This was one BIG BOY. He topped the scales at 17 pounds, but looked like he could be closer to 30 pounds! He was a Siamese mix. Well, he had Siamese coloring and blue, blue eyes, but he had some lynx point stripes and did I mention that he was big? He loved to talk. He definitely had a lot to say. And he instantly fell in love with his playmate, Lovey. He was very protective of his “little” sister. The big boy and the petite girl were best of friends.

Sammy had a great life with his family. But it was a short one. He spent two wonderful years before his body just couldn’t hold on anymore. His medical issues became too numerous to list and his quality of life was greatly diminished by the tons of symptoms that kept cropping up. But through it all, he remained a lover. He loved life. He loved his family. He even loved the vets! And thanks to our very own Dr. Jill Roberts-Wilson, Sammy’s last days and moments were as comfortable as possible. Dr. Jill took special care of “her boyfriend” and adored Sammy as much as anyone else. I believe that Sammy cherished every minute of the extra time that he was given. And he evoked love from everyone he touched. Here’s to Sammy, the biggest, most beautiful Siamese boy I’ve ever known. Love you buddy!