Kitty kidney transplant

[Barbara]

Barbara, my sister donated a kidney to her daughter, Sam. While I would never downplay the significance of a major surgery, her recovery was pretty 'easy', so to speak. She was restricted on physical activity for 6 weeks, takes no medications, and is 'normal' as she ever will be...he he he...that is just in case she or my mom is reading this.

I just meant to say that living with one kidney is a risk which we all would be happy to take if we could help a person whom we love, especially a kid. But the donor kitty has no chance to say no- just philosophically speaking....

[pomtzu]

As much as I love my 2 dogs, and now matter how devastated I would be if something like this happened to them, i could NEVER put either of them, or a donor, thru such an ordeal. Too many times our heart overrules our head, and I personally feel that it needs to stop somewhere. And the money involved in something like this could be put to use doing research for better animal health, or go to shelters to help feed and find homes for so many healthy, but less fortunate critters. IMO - for what it's worth.

[kuhio98]

News from IMOM:

Ronit sends her thanks for everyone's energy, love, support & donations. She is on her way to sign the adoption papers for the donor cat right now. They call him "Gizmo", but Ronit is partial to "Orville Paws". She is just trying to stay busy instead of sitting in the waiting room biting her nails.

Our journey is just beginning, with surgery, recovery, Orville's acclimation & the reunion of our family after being apart for so long. I am so grateful to have all of you to be a part of it.

IMOM is amazing. All of you are incredible human beings. We need more like you. I hope you will all teach me to acquire some of your kindness & compassion. It has been an honor getting to know all of you.

ALL FUNDS RAISED!!! ALL FUNDS RAISED!!! ALL FUNDS RAISED!!!

Walter just hit $3000! So we're moving the thread, and bringing out as many bananas as we can manage:



THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU, you wonderful angels!!! I am doing the happy dance here!! You never fail to amaze me.

I can't wait for James to come by.....please lets all send good thoughts and prayers for Walter. He should be on his way to surgery as we speak.

Cindy/IMOM

BTW ~ Dancing bananas on IMOM is a way of remembering a kitty named Teddy who fought a good battle for years. Her favorite toy in the world was a fabric banana.

[Lizzie]

That's truly wonderful news. I'm very pleased for the family and for Walter, and for the donor cat who is getting a new home. It's also wonderful that IMOM has been able to keep going with 99% of people feeling the economic pinch.

I don't understand the concern for a donor cat, beyond worrying that he will do well with the surgery. The cats selected to be donors are all shelter cats and let's remember that 70% of all cats in shelters end up being euthanized. It's true we can't give a cat the choice of dying or losing a kidney and being adopted, but I know what my choice would be as a human. My concern for animals being used without choice is for those in labs being used in their thousands for testing so we can have the latest glue, or caulk, or injectable foam insulation, or medication, or cleaning product.

Just my take on this.

[kuhio98]

Surgery was a success.

Walter is already producing urine out of Hero Donor Cat Orville/Gizmo's donated kidney.

Both are recovering well.

[Lizzie]

Surgery was a success.

Walter is already producing urine out of Hero Donor Cat Orville/Gizmo's donated kidney.

Both are recovering well.

That's wonderful news and thank you for updating us. That family is going to dote on Orville/Gizmo for the rest of his long life.

[Grace]

That's truly wonderful news. I'm very pleased for the family and for Walter, and for the donor cat who is getting a new home. It's also wonderful that IMOM has been able to keep going with 99% of people feeling the economic pinch.

I don't understand the concern for a donor cat, beyond worrying that he will do well with the surgery. The cats selected to be donors are all shelter cats and let's remember that 70% of all cats in shelters end up being euthanized. It's true we can't give a cat the choice of dying or losing a kidney and being adopted, but I know what my choice would be as a human. My concern for animals being used without choice is for those in labs being used in their thousands for testing so we can have the latest glue, or caulk, or injectable foam insulation, or medication, or cleaning product.

Just my take on this.

I hope I'm misunderstanding you. You seem to have no concern for the donor cat - am I reading that right. It's all right with you if he remains a shelter cat and perhaps one day is euthanized? Please tell me I'm wrong.

[Karen]

I hope I'm misunderstanding you. You seem to have no concern for the donor cat - am I reading that right. It's all right with you if he remains a shelter cat and perhaps one day is euthanized? Please tell me I'm wrong.

You must not have read everything - the donor cat is being adopted by the recipient cat's family, as has happened before.

[Grace]

You must not have read everything - the donor cat is being adopted by the recipient cat's family, as has happened before.

I did read everything. My question was about these remarks -

I don't understand the concern for a donor cat, beyond worrying that he will do well with the surgery. The cats selected to be donors are all shelter cats and let's remember that 70% of all cats in shelters end up being euthanized. It's true we can't give a cat the choice of dying or losing a kidney and being adopted, but I know what my choice would be as a human. My concern for animals being used without choice is for those in labs being used in their thousands for testing so we can have the latest glue, or caulk, or injectable foam insulation, or medication, or cleaning product.

She seems not to care about the fate of the donor cat?

[kuhio98]

Walter had some bleeding and the poor boy had to undergo surgery again. But, he is doing well. Orville is doing fantastic.

You can follow their recovery in this thread: http://www.imom.org/community/index.php?showforum=15

I probably won't have time to post additional updates. Our son-in-law passed away yesterday from viral pneumonia and we will be busy making arrangements and flying to the funeral. It is sad, but not unexpected as he has been ill for many years.

[Catty1]

I am sorry to hear about your son-in-law. However expected it is, it is very sad. Sending condolences and good thoughts to you, your husband and daughter, and all who loved him.

[Cataholic]

Lisa,
I am so saddened to hear about your son-in law. Prayers of comfort to all who knew and loved him.

[kuhio98]

Sweet Walter left the hospital in Florida and made it to his home in Boston. He got to sleep on his favorite red couch again, but had to be released from his tired body.

http://www.imom.org/community/index.php?showtopic=8277

His family is deeply grieving his loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

[phesina]

I am so sorry. Deepest sympathy for Walter's family and all who love him so much.

Rest in peace, Walter, whole and healthy again at the Rainbow Bridge, awaiting the grand reunion..

[pomtzu]

That's so sad, after all they went thru.

RIP Sir Walter.