Update on Oberon and a way for folks to help...

[purplerabbit]

cyan_blue has stepped forward to do fund-raising for Oberon's medical treatment. See her post on ways to help.



With her offer, my family and I have decided that we could find a way to care for him if it were not for the cost. We have been doing a lot of care trying to help him in the months up to this anyway, but without success. (A note from someone with a cat who has diabetes also help ease some of our fears there.)

We love Oberon and my offer to give him up was not a "throwing away" of my cat - but a Solomon's choice. I cried for a long time after posting yesterday. I felt it was the least selfish choice given our circumstances. I have held two previous cats through the pain of slow death from feline leukemia. And I would do it for Oberon. It was in many ways a harder blow for me to find out that he had something treatable that we couldn't afford to do. I can't begin to tell you how guilty it makes me feel. But I also know that I have maxed out my families finances with my own health needs. (Not to mention one partner is without medical insurance at this point because of our financial problems.)

I have never given up a pet before in my life. I am really one of those people who sees the relationship between a pet and person as a life-time commitment. I have always felt honored that a wonderful cat such as Oberon would choose to spend his life with me. He was full grown when we came to us. He is a hunter who spends a lot of time outdoors. Yet, he always comes back to me, butting his head against my hands and demanding my attention.

Oberon himself is still in good spirits even though clearly very sick. He cries for food near constantly because the diabetes is basically starving him. Despite having lost nearly half his weight from sixteen to nine pounds, he still manages to bring in birds and mice (to our dismay, still alive, as gifts). The vet said Oberon is actually lucky in that he doesn't have the more complicated form of diabetes and liver/heart functions are still good. There is a good chance that with treatment starting soon, he will live a long time.

So it was a mix of dread and relief for me yesterday when no one volunteered to adopt him. Thank you cyan_blue and other friends who are helping to make it so that he can stay with his family.

Comments

[davesslave.livejournal.com]

I'm glad there was an alternative plan that was workable.

[zpdiduda.livejournal.com]

I'm glad to hear that you are not going to have to let go of Oberon. I know how important he is to you and your family.

That is so good to hear!

[oakdragon.livejournal.com]

I'm glad that a solution has developed.

[treecat]

This feels much better, good. I sent some donation for him.

[kineticphoenix.livejournal.com]

Donation made, m'dear.

[adnar-el.livejournal.com]

I don't have much money right now, but I saw a great idea, and that was to make a scarf and donate the proceeds from it. I'll get started on it this evening.
I love my two dogs dearly, and I know just how sacred a pet can be in a person's life. I only hope I can help with time.
All my hopes and prayers with you and with Oberon. He's a wonderful kitty.