HOULTON, Maine – Recently we took in a cat named Joe. He is a very sweet cat with a multitude of problems. He was rescued from the streets here in town, but Joe turned out to be a very sick kitty and was surrendered to The Ark because the resources were not there to help him.
It was a difficult decision to make, but Joe’s needs came before his humans. In the end his human loved him enough to let him go in order to get him the help he so desperately needed.
Once Joe was surrendered to The Ark, he was immediately rushed to the vet. Joe was itching and pulling out his fur. He was very thin and was pooping outside the litter box. He also had a mouth full of very bad teeth.
Joe is a sweet cat with a multitude of problems who was rescued from the streets in Houlton.
(Courtesy of Lorraine Monfils)
The necessary blood work and tests were run. Joe’s thyroid was off the chart. He also had a urinary tract infection, was dehydrated and underweight, and also had diarrhea. Joe stayed at the vet in isolation for three days. He was started on thyroid meds, antibiotics for the UTI and something for the diarrhea. He was also put on steroids for the itch.
Once back at the Sanctuary, we could see a noticeable improvement in Joe. His coat looked shiny and healthy and he had a good appetite. But shortly after he started itching again and the diarrhea was still there. Joe went back on a different steroid and a prescription diet. We go back to the vet in a few days for a recheck and we are hoping for good news, so we can get him scheduled for his much needed dental.
We will do whatever we need to to get Joe healthy. Sometimes when you rescue a cat things are not as easy as you think. Bottom line is Joe did not get like this overnight and his journey to a healthy life is going to be a difficult one.
I believe that things happen for a reason, and I believe that Joe crossed paths with his rescuer for a reason. Joe needed to get to the right place and get the necessary vet care and his rescuer was instrumental in making that happen.
Joe has an army behind him, cheering him on. He is on the path to recovery and we will be there for him every inch of the way. Please keep Joe in your thoughts and prayers.
The Ark Animal Sanctuary is located on 101 Old Woodstock Road. To contact Lorraine Monfils call 207-532-7387 or check out their Facebook page.
