Hi Everyone,
Pierre, my beloved kitten, has become very ill.
I'm sure a lot of you reading this have met Pierre. He wins over all the ladies with his head butting/lip kissing charms. He wins over men with his backflip and 360 spin abilities. Does everyone know how he got his name? As soon as I was bestowed with the amazing gift that was a 7 month burmese kitten, I saw that he was the most affectionate boy I'd ever met. All he wanted to do was follow everyone around and try to kiss them. (just like Pe Pe Le Pieu) So, of course he had to be given a french name. Pierre was born. He is the kind of cat that wins over the hearts of avid 'cat haters.' I love when new people meet him because everyone is so excited to see 'the pug of cats.' His little tiny face and his huge south park eyes make you melt into a puddle as soon as you look at him. He is such a lover.
Well, as I'm sure a lot of you know, Pierre has been battling a mysterious illness for most of the time that I have had him. The infections weren't very extreme at first, but they have progressively become worse and worse. For the past month Pierre has been fighting an upward battle again some virus (possibly) that has been attacking his upper respiratory system as well as his blood vessels and skin. I have been to many vets and even a feline optometrist. The most recent verdict was that Pierre was suffering from Feline Herpes and Calicivirus. These viruses are known to cause his symptoms which include: Upper Respiratory Infection, Conjunctivitis, Loss of appetite, and Sores and Scabs forming all over his nose, eyes, cheeks, mouth, chin, ears, and toes. Basically pierre has no fur left on his face, he is half scabs and half open wounds from scratching off his scabs. The vets think he might be suffering from Vasculitis as a result of his virus, and this ailment attacks the blood vessels and does not allow proper blood supply to the tissue, which in turn dies and peels off...a very painful experience for Pierre.
I had to take him to the emergency vet in Reno last night because he was so sick and covered with scabs that his nostrils were closed up as well as his eyes. I've never seen an animal look this sick in my entire life.
After a $600 stay overnight at the ER, my roommate and I picked Pierre up in Reno this morning and drove him to University of California at Davis' Veterinary Hospital. Basically this is the best veterinary facility in the country. If anyone can diagnose Pierre properly and save his life, it is going to be these people.
Of course, the best medical care is never affordable. I received an estimate of $2,000. This will cover the cost of hospitalization and tests/diagnosis. The estimate might even increase depending on what they find out. Tonight they have Pierre set up on fluids, antibiotics, and painkillers. The vet called me a bit ago and told me Pierre was comfortable and she sang his praises. (See, everyone who meets Pierre loves him. He's very special. He's also my best friend)
There is alot to be done to save Pierre, but I am praying for a Christmas Miracle. He deserves to live a long and happy life. When he recovers, I'm going to spoil the hell out of him for the rest of his life. (not that I wasn't already...haha)
I would like to ask everyone to pray for Pierre's recovery. He is really, really in bad shape right now. If everyone sends up a prayer every day, maybe they will be heard. All I want for Christmas is Pierre.
I would also like to ask, if anyone has the financial means, to please donate to Pierre's vet fund. Its been $2600 in less than twenty four hours, and the tab can very easily increase. I know the economy is bad and times are hard, but if there is any amount that could be donated, it would be amazing. I need to give Pierre the best medical attention possible in order to give him the best chance at making it through this alive.
And if you do not have the financial means to donate, I just ask for your thoughts and prayers.
Pierre is my family. I refuse to let him be taken away at such a young age. He has a lot more love to give and receive.
Please keep him in your hearts during this critical time.
And thank you all for reading this.
Love,
Linds and Pierre
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