Can anyone help this guy? *UPDATE*

[jennielynn1970]

I have to take him back in a week to see how much he's improved. Provided I still have him of course.

That poor boy! Those pics just ripped my heart apart! The fact that he still made it over to you for your love and help, what courage he has.

But, question here, why WOULDN'T you still have him in a week?? Aren't you able to keep him confined inside??? He shouldn't be out in his condition. I do hope you are keeping him safe inside.

[Catty1]

Jenn, I think this is what she meant. Hopefully, a great home can be found for him instead...though if this is a non-kill shelter, I think he'd be adopted in a heartbeat!

I had an offer from a Northern Indiana Rescue to take him but they are hours away.

DizzyWhiz, I thought of two reasons you might have named him Patton:

1. He's been through the wars and made it
2. He is real love bug who wants lots of PATTIN'!!

Can you set up a spot for him in your garage? With the blanket he now knows?

[DizzyWhizz]

Hi everyone

Sorry it took so long to post. My sister got married today and I've been going since about 7am.

I've rec'd a few offers to take Patton but so far everyone lives hours away. I just sent an email to everyone who has emailed me to see if we can get him there. For those of you on here that live in Indiana, I live right off I65, exit 19. I can travel roughly 30-45 minutes in any direction needed. My car is almost 20 yrs old though and I don't want to push her. I just spent my extra money at the vet. Got to keep my car healthy.

Oh and I did try to move Patton to the garage last night and the little "snot" was back on the chair on my front porch within the hour. And he's started to walk me to my car. He followed me out 3 times in a row today. I kept returning him to the porch then running back to my car. But by the time I'd get and put it in reverse, he'd be sitting behind me. I even backed up a bit one time to see if he'd move but no luck. So now Im really worried cause he can't hear the car and I'm worried he'll get hit.

And, although he really doesn't look any better, he ate a lot more than he has the past few days and he's obviously more active. He's still real wobbly and will lose he balance easily but maybe thats due to his ears.

[Catty1]

So he IS deaf! I wonder if you couldn't borrow a large dog cage, and put it on your porch with him and the blanket in it. He may not like it - but it's safer for him!

How sweet, though, that he follows you!

Good luck with the emails you sent out. There is a trucker couple with their semi-home full of cats, and they do transports...but I can't recall who they are.

Anyone else here know who they are?

[DizzyWhizz]

I don't know for sure if his deafness is permanent yet. I've only given him one dose of the ear mite stuff yet so maybe when the clear up, he'll get better.

And a complete change of subject. Found this pic of my shadow, Bear. The absolute apple of my eye. I know you shouldn't have favorites but I just can't help it. He loves me unconditionally. As opposed to my other 2 indoor cats who I sometimes suspect only love me cause I'm the supplier of food.

[Medusa]

Aw, how sweet. He's lovin' you now. Is there any chance of keeping him yourself and making him an indoor cat? Hopefully, he just has a bad case of ear mites and that could be why he can't hear. But if not, it's too dangerous to keep him outdoors. A deaf cat can't hear a predator coming up behind him. My little Creamsicle is deaf and I shudder to think what would've happened to her if I hadn't found her and brought her indoors. Bear is an absolute beauty. I'll bet he could use a buddy to show the ropes to. Hint, hint.... Ya dun good!

[DizzyWhizz]

Patton took a turn for the worse last night and I thought I'd let you know that my vet recommended that I put Patton to sleep and I did. When I checked on him this afternoon he was just laying on the porch with labored breathing. By the time I got him to the vet, he had started crying. The vet said it was a cry of pain. He felt sure that Patton had FIV. I'm not familiar with it but he said Patton had fluid in his stomach and lungs and more than likely it had gone to his brain. He was no longer standing on his own and just laid there crying. His temp was below normal where last week he had a fever. I don't know if I did the right thing or not but at least I know he's not suffering any more. I cried all the way home and I'm still crying. I'm sure you guys are more familiar with sick cats but I trust my vet and I do know he doesn't recommend euthanizing unless he feels it's absolutely necessary. He said regardless of what he did, Patton would probably have been dead by morning and would have suffered the whole time. He also said it wouldn't suprise him if he started having seizures within a couple of hours. I feel like I've let Patton down and cat rescuers everywhere. I do appreciate everyone's help and recommendations. I didn't know rescueing cats good be so emotionally traumatizing and draining and I didn't know I would get so attached in just a few days.

[Medusa]

No way did you let Patton down. You did the right thing. It's always the toughest of all jobs putting a beloved animal to sleep, whether they've been w/us for years or for minutes. You did everything you could to make him comfortable and pain free and your vet wanted to spare him further pain and suffering. You were with him when he passed to his next life at the Rainbow Bridge. You made his transition easier. And you gave him the best gift of all, your love and compassion, the human touch while he was still w/you. Rest assured that no one here at PT is going to judge you. Far from it; they and I will tell you that your heart is full of love and it's hurting right now because your sweet Patton is gone. He came to you for a reason, my dear, and you fulfilled your purpose where he was concerned. I, for one, will say that it was for the best and Patton is now pain free, enjoying a much deserved rest. After that, he's going to play w/all the others who have gone before him. And he'll be waiting for your reunion and will greet you w/the love that you showed him on this earth.

[Catty1]

{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}

You did the right thing...and it is so true, if Patton had to die, he spent the best part of his life with you, being loved! He even had his favourite blanket!

You mus cry, I know how it hurts....but I hope after a while, you will come back and share stories and pics of your other fufbabies with us.

Patton is at peace; Patton, watch over this lady who loves you, and who you loved.

[lizbud]

I am so sorry the poor baby was so terribly ill. You did more for him
than probably any other human ever did & I believe you brought some joy & comfort into his short life. Thanks for helping him.

[AbbyMom]

Thank you for being there in his time of need and giving him real love when he needed it most.

Where I used to volunteer, they referred to your act as "the final gift of kindness."

[Donnaj4962]

Oh no, I am so sorry to hear that Patton took a turn for the worse and had to be PTS. Everyone here knows that you did all that you could for the little guy. I am glad that he knew love and compassion in his final days. In no way did you let him down, Kristen. In fact, you showed him that humans can be kind and loving. I am certain the pain you feel at his passing is strong, but he is at peace, and he is healthy again, playing at th RB with many other PT babies. RIP sweet Patton.

[Randi]

Oh that poor kitty, I'm so sorry he was in such a bad shape, but you showed him love and helped him feel a little better while he was with you. Patton is now free of pain.

Rest in Peace, sweet Patton.