I saw an ad for a kitty that was up for adoption. The lead sentence was, "The cat no one wants." She was a beautiful black and white DLH who had been diagnosed with diabetes indipidus (very rare condition where the kidneys are unable to concentrate urine). She was also deaf, yet managed to live as a stray for months before being trapped by a rescuer. No one wanted Gabi because she needed two injections a day.
Well, as the proud mama of a kitty with diabetes mellitus who needed insulin shots and blood glucose monitoring daily, I said that I wanted this girl kitty!
After emailing and talking to Gabi's foster mom for about a week, we met and I brought Gabi home with me. She knows some signs, such as "pretty girl," "time to eat," "good girl," and of course, we taught her name, too.
As it turns out, my sweet deaf girl does not have DI, but is in the early stages of chronic renal failure. She is also three times as old as was originally thought--15 instead of 5-6 years old. Gabi has rear leg weakness and has a hard time jumping on things--she tries, but generally needs a helping hand. She needs to take Cosequin for her aching joints and is spoiled enough to have her very own heated bed!
I have three other cats that are all special in their own way, but Gabi really pulls at my heartstrings. She tells me she loves me with her beautiful yellow eyes, and I just hope she knows how much I love her by the touch of my hand and the look in my eyes.
She has been through a lot in her long life, and I just want to ensure that whatever time she has left that she is safe, happy, and most importantly: LOVED.
Carolynn H - Connecticut
