Applejack joined the League’s Sponsor Program in 2003. Applejack is a beautiful, male, black and white medium-sized domestic short hair cat that came to the League as part of their out-of-state rescue efforts. Applejack was examined by a Veterinary Cardiologist as a kitten and was found to have a very loud heart murmur and multiple cardiac problems. He was also found to have a severe Pulmonic Stenosis, which means that there is a narrowing in the vessel that leaves the heart to carry blood to the lungs. Unfortunately, Applejack is also faced with a septal defect, which means that the wall between the left and right sides of his heart did not form completely.

The League will continue their commitment to monitor Applejack closely as he will require frequent echocardiograms due to his cardiac problems. He may develop heart failure and his life span will most likely be shortened. But for now, Applejack remains in good spirits in the comfort of his loving foster care home along with the well wishes of his many Sponsor donors – thank you!

Applejack's Updates

2nd Quarter 2009
We are happy to report that everything has been going great for Applejack in his new home. He has adjusted to his new life relatively quickly since he already had an existing relationship with his new adoptive mother while at the Animal League. While he was initially shy around the other family members, he has gotten progressively better and has become closer with his adoptive grandfather. Applejack did have a little bit of an upset stomach when he was taken home, but he was put on special diet used for gastroenteritis for one month. He is now feeling much better and has been put back on his normal food. He has also discovered a few favorite activities to keep him busy despite having no other felines around to play with. He loves to perch himself next to the fish tank so that he can watch the fish and turtle swim around. He also seems to love taking naps on the kitchen table where the sunlight shines for most of the day. What a life!

1st Quarter 2009
Applejack continues to do well at the Animal League. He recently had a regular check-up to monitor his multiple cardiac problems, which included an echocardiogram. Thankfully his check-up went well and there has been no progression of his disease. The staff at the Animal League continue with their search to find Applejack the perfect home. Dedicated staff members take the extra time to coax Applejack out of his favorite bed in his cage to roam around the shelter's cat room. Once out of his cage Applejack's personality comes out and he is playful and demands attention from visitors by weaving between and nudging against their legs.

4th Quarter 2008
Applejack recently felt a little under the weather. He vomited while in his cage, which raised some concerns. The staff at the Animal League made sure to monitor Applejack to ensure that he did not vomit again or that he did not exhibit any other behavior that may raise any serious concerns. Thankfully with a little rest in his special cave-like bed Applejack went right back to being his loveable self. After his little phase of rest and relaxation Applejack went back to venturing outside of his cage. He continues to take his medication like a good boy and as a result has had no problems related to his heart murmur.

3rd Quarter 2008
While Applejack has a shy side, he seems to be coming out of his shell a little more each day. He continues to be simply a pleasure to have around and receives his daily medication without any fuss at all. However, it is quite difficult to coax little Applejack out of his cage. You can almost always find him snoozing in his special bed. Built like a tiny cave, Applejack climbs in and cuddles up. He’s more than happy to let you stick your hand in to pet him under the chin or in between his ears – you can tell by his loud purrs of appreciation!

2nd Quarter 2008
Applejack’s adoptive mother, who works at the Animal League’s medical center, takes great care of her favorite feline. Applejack recently started playing fetch with his toys. He loves when his family throws his little mouse across the room so he can run to retrieve it and bring it back; he waits patiently for the game to start all over again!

1st Quarter 2008
Applejack continues to have his heart condition monitored by the League. We are forever ensuring that he is in the best health possible. One thing is for sure; his heart is full of love, which he can’t help but show. You’ll often catch him giving affection to his family - letting them know how much he appreciates their special care - with loud purrs while he cuddles up with them for a nap! Because Applejack’s heart murmur is so severe, he may develop heart failure. We are to sure to provide him with ongoing check-ups to make certain that his condition has not progressed and also so that we can receive licks of appreciation - right from Applejack himself - for the care his Sponsors allow us to give him.

4th Quarter 2007
Applejack is one frisky little kitty in the cooler months. It makes him act wild and even more playful than normal. Applejack seems to sleep less during this time, too. Instead of sleeping 22 hours a day, he’s sleeping about 20 hours a day! Ahhh, a cat’s life is a good one. Because Applejack has so many wonderful sponsors who take care of him, he can have the peace of mind to sleep the day away. Thanks for giving a little kitty a huge gift.

3rd Quarter 2007
Applejack’s health has been solid for a while now, and there have been no changes to his medication or diet. Thanks to his loving sponsors, Applejack is feeling better than ever. We can’t ask for more than that!

2nd Quarter 2007
Applejack is turning out to be a lovely, young gentleman. He is certainly a charmer – demanding the attention of all he encounters. His health has been steady and strong, and you can certainly tell that he feels fantastic. Like any healthy cat, he jumps, pounces, plays and eats heartily. Thanks to generous sponsors like you, Applejack is able to receive the medical care necessary to make him feel this good.

1st Quarter 2007
Applejack is thriving. To look at him, you would never know he has severe heart problems. With all the love he so willingly gives and so happily receives, his heart appears to be in tip top shape. Now that the holiday hoopla is over and the New Year has begun, Applejack can take it easy doing all the things he loves to do. Some of his favorite pastimes include taking naps, eating snacks and receiving endless attention for being so handsome. For Valentine's Day, Applejack had no shortage of female feline admirers!

4th Quarter 2006
Applejack came to the League's medical center for an echocardiogram in October to see how his multiple heart problems were progressing. Suffering from severe narrowing of the vessels that carry blood around the heart and lungs, he was put on urgent medication to take the strain off his heart and body. He hasn't shown any signs of discomfort and still loves hanging out with his foster Dad who works from home. He loves climbing on his cat tree and always enjoys a good petting!

3rd Quarter 2006
A recent echocardiogram showed no changes for Applejack, and we are all very grateful. Because he is not showing any symptoms, he does not require any medication at this time. His foster mom tells us that this guy's favorite toy is a long stick with feathers at the end. He loves it, and even carries it in his mouth every once in a while. The only time he'll be in the same room as his almost 2-year-old human sister is when she's trying to play with him with that toy. He is a nervous kitty by nature and darts whenever she comes near him. She is just a little bit too active for him right now. He also loves a cat tree his foster parents have for him--a floor to ceiling model! Thank you for supporting Applejack and all the animals in our care.

2nd Quarter 2006
Applejack just loves to get himself to the highest place he can find. He likes to sit on top of the aquarium and look down through the cracks in the hood at the fish, he likes to sit on his high window perch and look out at the happenings on the street. He’s also been known to jump from the kitchen counter to the top of the refrigerator! Another favorite cozy area is the top shelf of the linen closet when the door is left open. Imagine reaching for a towel and seeing dear Applejack looking back at you? His antics keep us all entertained. We’re glad his heart problem is still in check, we will continue to update you on his progress.

1st Quarter 2006
We are very pleased to report that Applejack is still doing very well. He just had another echocardiogram and based on the results, nothing has changed for him. We are so excited. He continues to be asymptomatic and that makes us all very glad. In the household his foster care Mother tells us that he’s good boy most of the time but still enjoys pouncing on the family’s fish tank. Luckily he hasn’t exactly ‘gone fishing’ just yet! Much to the delight of his foster care mom, the cooler weather has made him want to snuggle more and he’s been getting along well with the other cats in the house. There is a year old baby in the house who he avoids at all costs but otherwise things are going very well. We are so happy for Applejack!

December 2005
Applejack knows when the weather’s changed-he becomes more active. Being too frisky in the heat of the summer would be too much for him. Although he doesn’t seem to slow down much because of his heart problem, Applejack does need some assistance as a result of his medical issues. Because of his poor circulation, he’s always cold-the poor boy! He likes to sleep under the covers much to the delight of his foster care parents. While underneath, Applejack tends to put his icy paws on someone warm. His Foster Care parents will do whatever it takes to make him feel cozy and warm. Thank you for your support of Applejack and all the Sponsor pets.

November 2005
Applejack just loves his foster care home – especially since it has a nice window perch for him to watch the birds and squirrels from. And, now that the weather has cooled, he spends a lot of time spying on the outside critters. Applejack is even nice enough to share his favorite spot with some of the other cats in his house – some days his foster care Mom finds the perch sagging under the weight of three adult felines! That’s okay; Mom is just delighted that Applejack is comfortable and happy. Thank you for opening your heart up to Applejack and the other special needs animals. Your support allows us to provide them with the love and care they need.

October 2005
Now that Applejack’s tummy troubles have ended, he is once again his playful self. Lately he’s been having some animated “discussions” with one of the other cats in his home about who gets to sleep on the bed and when. Fortunately now that the weather has cooled and the windows are open, there is more kitty real estate to choose from – so everyone has their own special spot. We truly appreciate how much you care about Applejack and the other special needs animals. Your generosity allows them a second chance at health and happiness.

September 2005
Applejack had a bit of tummy trouble lately, but he must be feeling better now – he’s back to picking middle-of-the-night fights with his feline housemates. His foster care Mom has to keep a close eye on him to make sure he doesn’t take things too far! Once Applejack tires of teasing the other cats, he has another favorite pastime to attend to – rearranging Mom’s linen closet. Your generosity means the world to Applejack and the other special needs animals. It is because of you that they are getting a new lease on life.

August 2005
Applejack visited us for a recheck recently – we were all a bit worried since his last visit yielded a guarded prognosis. But fortunately things looked much better this time – his diagnosis remains the same and he still needs medication for his heart, but he is now asymptomatic. Isn’t that great? It was touch and go there for a while with Applejack, so we couldn’t be more pleased – especially his foster care Mom. Of course we know his heart condition could change at any time, so we will continue to keep a close eye on our sweet Applejack. Thank you for allowing us to care for Applejack and the other special needs animals. It is because of your support that they are receiving the love and care they deserve.

July 2005
Applejack is a very thin kitty – despite eating enough for three cats. His high energy level has a lot to do with it – he never stops! He loves to race up and down the stairs. Sometimes his foster care Mom will try and slow him down – but that’s okay with Applejack, since he knows that means it’s cuddle time. He just loves to sit in his foster care Mom’s lap – he purrs endlessly and sometimes even drools! Thank you so much for caring about Applejack and the other special needs animals. Your support makes all the difference in the quality of their lives.

June 2005
Applejack simply will not tolerate trespassers in his yard! Recently several stray cats have begun to appear outside Applejack’s foster care home and he does not like it one little bit. He runs from window to window, growling, hissing, and getting more and more agitated the longer the cats linger. Once the cats finally do saunter away, Applejack takes his frustrations out on a stuffed catnip sock – flipping it back and forth and pouncing on it until Applejack thinks the poor sock has surrendered. We truly appreciated your unending love and support. It is because of you that we are able to care for Applejack and the other special needs animals.

May 2005
Applejack's housemate, Milo, is having heart surgery soon so the two friends have had to curtail their rambunctious play. Hopefully it won't be long before they're back to their usual tricks, but in the meantime Applejack has found a new diversion to occupy his time - the fish tank. He likes to sit on top and watch the fish swim around - you can almost hear him say, "here fishy, fishy." You can bet the fish are hoping that Milo has a speedy recovery too! We truly appreciate your kindness and your generosity. It is because of you that we are able to care for Applejack and the other special needs animals.

April 2005
We don’t think there is a more loving, affectionate cat than Applejack. He just adores being around people, especially his foster care Mom. A baby has joined Applejack’s household. Some animals get jealous when a new member enters the family, but not Applejack. He loves the little bundle – especially since it means Mom spends a lot of time sitting and holding or feeding the baby. Sitting means lap time for Applejack – he likes to take the term “connected at the hip” literally! We can’t thank you enough for your continued support of Applejack and the other special needs animals. We couldn’t do it without you.

March 2005
Applejack’s tummy troubles appear to be over and he’s on the road to recovery. He seems much better and has a good appetite. Best of all he’s back to his fun-loving self – cuddling up with his foster care Mom and playing with his favorite cat toys. Thank you for allowing Applejack and the other special needs animals a second chance at a good life. Your generous support allows us to provide them with the care and attention they so desperately need.

February 2005
Applejack recently suffered from some tummy trouble that made him sick. Believing it was more than just a fur ball problem, his foster care Mom brought him to the Medical Center. The good news is that despite being under the weather, Applejack managed to gain a bit of weight. We'll continue to monitor him for any changes and will keep you posted on his condition. Your continued support of Applejack and the other special needs animals is truly appreciated by us all. It is because of your kindness that we are able to provide them with the best possible care.


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