July 2, 2008
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2nd Wednesday Ed. – Urgent Prayer
My heart is so torn right now. I took Chirper back for a check up and his shots. He has gained 10oz since being in our home 12 days. Yay! The vet couldn’t believe how much better he looked.
The vet said he had pretty bad gingivitis for a 10mos old cat. I told him about him still having runny poop and the fact he had such an odd breathing sound when sleeping (sounded like something in his respiratory system). He said, “You know, it occurred to me after you left last time, that we should run a feline leukemia on him – since he didn’t have that vaccination as a kitten.”
IT CAME BACK POSITIVE!!!!
I’m just heart sick. I’ve cried. I have no appetite and forced a sandwich down me at lunch. He is looking good and doing much better than when I first got him – he’s even gained more than 1/2 a pound. How could this be a truthful report????!!!!! AND, I’ve gotten so attached so quickly, so has my husband.
He explained the test as two different diseases and he only had one – for NOW. It’s like HIV positive and AIDS. He has the HIV type part, which he could live with maybe 5 years. He does not have the killing stage which is a completely suppressed immune system, like AIDS. However, he is highly contagious to other cats – like Stormy.
I went ahead and let him give Chirper his $22 worth of vaccinations because I couldn’t make the decision to have him put to sleep right there on the spot. In fact, I was having trouble wrapping my brain around what was being explained to me. I told the vet I would go home and do some research online so I had a better understanding of what we are talking about. The tester kit looks like a pregnancy test, except this has three circles in a triangle and the top and right side were dyed. The one on the left wasn’t positive – the one which showed the immune suppressant virus – what he DOESN’T have. He said some cats can build up an immunity and kill the feline leukemia virus – but Chirper is older and has so many symptoms . . .
I’m taking Stormy and Sampson in tomorrow for their booster vaccinations. I’ll also have Stormy tested for feline leukemia. If she is also positive, there’s no reason I shouldn’t keep Chirper until he is no longer comfortable. I’m so confused right now. I’ve prayed that God would heal Chirper (yet I can find no place in the Bible that supports animals being healed, except that I know God cares about what WE care about). I’ve also asked Him to protect Stormy. Oddly enough, her middle name “Azariah” (given to her 3 years ago) means, “Protected by God” and I’m having faith that she will be okay.
I’m weighing this poor little kitten and how happy he is with us and how well he has done since living with us, against the danger I might be placing Stormy in. It’s just awful. I’ve prayed for wisdom because I know the Bible says of wisdom “Ask and ye shall receive” and the rest is just too confusing for me to process. When the vet spoke to me, I felt like there was a ringing in my ears and nothing he was saying made sense.
I’ve prayed that GOD will give me peace and a clear decision. It’s possible that Stormy is 90% protected because of her being vaccinated – but that also means 10% says she’s not protected. Also, it is spread by sharing food/water dishes and litter boxes. I have no idea how I can control the feeding issue – Chirper has his OWN litter box.
I know he is just an animal and, for some of you reading this, it seems like a crazy thing to be upset over – a cat we’ve had 12 days. Those of you who love pets, will more easily understand my grieving heart. The bonding is so strong and happened so quickly, that my emotions are speeding around in circles in my head AND my heart.
If you feel led, please pray for both cats. If you can only pray with me that Jesse and I have wisdom in making a decision to have him put to sleep or keep him until he’s more sickly (and take our chances with Stormy) then please pray that we receive wisdom from God.
I don’t know what else to type. I could pour my pathetic aching heart out for the next few hours; but, I think I’ve said all I need to say.
Comments (12)
I’m so sorry!!!! ((((HUGS))))
Oh Cherylyn. I am so sorry that this is happening to your family. I will definitely pray for you, y’all, and the cats. As you said, God knows and cares about what you’re feeling and I’m just going to go with that.
Love ya…don’t give up hope yet!
Lori
Bummer. Maybe you need to get away for a bit …maybe go camping!*snicker*! Seriously…hope your week goes better.
Oh my, who would have thought!? It just sounded like he had a few lil’ problems and in a week or two he would be back to normal! I’m so sorry.
Oh No! That is too bad…praying for you and the cats you love.
Tina
Awwwwwwwwwwwww my heart broke for you as I read your story
. I am so sorry you have to go through this valley right now. I pray the Lord will show you what to do or better yet, He will touch little chirper’s body and heal him. (((((((HUGS)))))))
RYC: Of course you can write me…vacation means I have time to actually blog and post boring picture blogs of all our adventures in South Dakota!!!!
Oh Cherylyn, I am so sorry! I do pray for you and Jesse to have wisdom, but I am also praying for God’s compassionate intervention and care for Stormy and for Chirper — yes, He does truly love us and knows every hair on our heads, therefore, I can’t help but believe He cares about every hurt we have. He holds your heart, my friend, and I trust He is bringing peace. In Him, Laurie
i really feel what you’re going through – - i had a filly once that had a ruptured skull and we had to make the decision to put it to sleep or watch it suffer.. we prolonged it as long as we could, but the day came when it couldn’t be put off anymore.i remember those days of praying and praying.. after all He IS the God of miracles – - and even though the Bible doesn’t state anywhere about the healing of animals they ARE His creations too.. of course He cares for them!
all i know is that when He chooses to answer “no.” as He did w/ my filly there’s purpose behind it – -something bigger that we can’t see or understand. that’s when faith kicks in.. when we walk by SIGHT we fail everytime cause nothing ever seems to us as it should be ~ but placing ourselves. our desires. the things we love into His hand and saying, “whatever the outcome i’ll still trust You.” that’s faith~
and i know though your emotions are raw right now — THAT’S what is in your heart. i’ll be praying for you – - for peace & wisdom on what to do. love to you~
I am so sorry to hear this about poor Chirper. Any of us who have ever loved an animal can understand how you feel. I do believe the blessing and protection of the Lord extends to our belongings. God increased the flocks and herds of his people, and I believe that we can ask for His blessing on what belongs to us, when we have dedicated it all to Him! I don’t know what the outcome will be for your sweet little kitty, but I do pray that God will give you and Jesse wisdom to know and ears to hear. It’s hard when our emotions are so involved. He is such a loving little kitty. Maybe he knows he hasn’t got as much time to love as other kitties have. Even a short life where love is, is a good life. I wish I could hug you.
As soon as I read your post, I dropped to my knees in prayer, as I know how difficult this is. I will continue to pray for your and your family. I hope you are able to keep Chiper until he is suffering. I know how special all animals are and I know he has brought a lot of joy to your family as you all have to him!
(((((( HUGS ))))) I am so sorry and, unfortunately, I know exactly what you are going through!