~~ IN MEMORIAM - LADYBUG ~~

Dear Valued Friend,

North Shore Animal League America would like to take a moment to inform you of the passing of our very dear and adored feline friend, Ladybug.

Gorgeous Ladybug, our stunning Himalayan cat with the velvety black and white coat and ocean-blue eyes was one of the most beautiful cats the Animal League had ever known. But more than just lovely on the outside, Ladybug was a loving and loyal companion whose inner beauty rivaled that of her outer exquisiteness.

Several years ago, Ladybug was found in the Animal League’s parking lot in a cardboard box on the hood of a car. It was a hot, summer afternoon, and Ladybug, weak, severely dehydrated and emaciated had been abandoned. When we opened the box, she didn’t even try to move. Ladybug was rushed to our emergency care unit and given intravenous fluids. An initial exam revealed that she suffered from severe neurological problems. Further testing revealed that Ladybug had brain tumors that were inoperable.

Ladybug joined the Animal League’s Sponsor Program in 2004. We found her a loving foster care home and promised to offer her continued life-long medical care and attention - which is exactly what we did with the invaluable help and support from all her generous sponsors.

Though it saddens us greatly to be without our dear friend, we try to find happiness in knowing that we gave her a life filled with love and joy. The Animal League, her caring foster parents and all her dedicated sponsors made every day a wonderful life for Ladybug. She was cared for and showered with affection every single day – and that is much more than some are ever fortunate enough to have. You were a huge part of Ladybug’s happiness, and we hope that those thoughts comfort you in this time of loss and that you continue to care for other special-needs pets the way you lovingly cared for her.

“Ladybug, Ladybug fly away home.”

Sincerely,

The Sponsor Team

Ladybug's Updates

1st Quarter 2008
We had a big scare with Ladybug recently. She is almost fully recovered from a severe respiratory infection. During the infection, she stopped eating and became very weak. Her foster mother was very worried that she would give up and slip away. Thank goodness Ladybug found the strength to pull through and is improving with the help of the League’s constant care and monitoring. On a happier note, Ladybug loves the handmade sweater that she received from a very thoughtful Sponsor - thank you! Ladybug remains a very pampered cat and will cry in an instant as a signal if she needs or wants something from her foster mother - it works like a charm too!

4th Quarter 2007
Sweet Ladybug’s recent kidney failure diagnosis has kept her in and out of the doctor’s office. She has been through a series of blood tests, x-rays and intravenous fluid administrations. For this condition, Ladybug is on oral medication and a special diet, and repeat blood tests are regularly scheduled. Ladybug doesn’t like taking her pills, and it’s always a challenge to get her to swallow them. Her foster mom has had to be on her toes and show her very best "pill administration" skills.

3rd Quarter 2007
Ladybug, who is known for her amazing coat and the difficulties in keeping it groomed, has been looking and feeling fine. Still looking sharp in her summer cut, her “bad hair” days are well behind her. Thanks for giving her such happiness.

2nd Quarter 2007
Ladybug is quite helpful around the house. She likes to do whatever her foster mom is doing and offer her help. Very affectionate and personable, Ladybug is wonderful company. Because she loves to be around people, there is never a dull moment with Ladybug by your side. If only she paid as much attention to her high-maintenance mane as she does to everything else going on in her home!

1st Quarter 2007
Ladybug, with her flowing tresses fluttering in the breeze, looks almost in flight whenever she jumps. She looks like feline royalty and acts like it too! And though her dramatic coat is a constant challenge, Ladybug is able to be charmed into a grooming by her favorite person - her foster mom. Lately, it seems as though she's becoming increasingly more affectionate. We deeply appreciate your sponsorship of Ladybug. The severity of her illnesses seems to pale in comparison to the love she receives.

4th Quarter 2006
Ladybug, our beautiful Himalayan, has been keeping on top of maintaining her coat. NO knotted fur! Her foster Mom is very proud of her commitment to beauty! Ladybug has a new bed that she enjoys and won't share with anyone! Her foster Mom told us that despite her grave condition she is a very good jumper, and moves just like a real show cat! She possesses an attitude of confidence and grace. We couldn't watch Ladybug jump towards the sky without your devotion and unsparing support!

3rd Quarter 2006
Ladybug's foster mom tells us that she's been able to keep her beautiful coat in check recently. She hasn't had one matted area on her whole cute body! Ladybug will be ready to face this coming winter with a smooth and beautiful coat! Her foster mom tells us that she has made a new friend in the house, fellow sponsored cat Missy. They've only lived together for a few years and are just now becoming pals! Her foster mom and dad are pleased to see this new bond forming. As for Ladybug's medical problems, she has not been too wobbly lately, and hasn't been having any trouble using the litter box. Thank you for helping to make Ladybug's life normal and happy. We couldn't help her without you!

2nd Quarter 2006
Ladybug is recovering from a bad hair day, or should we say bad hair month! Since she isn’t the best groom recipient, her foster mom took matters into her own hands and shaved her down. It’s warm after all, it’s not like she needed the fur to keep her warm, but the fur does accentuate her beauty. It’s growing back in so she’ll be looking more like her old self soon. Ladybug is the one animal in the multi dog and cat household that she lives in who waits by the back door and cries and meows when her foster mom comes home. We always say their bond is very, very special and this is just another example of that. Her neurological problems have not been giving her too much trouble as of late, but her foster care mom and dad are always monitoring her behavior to make sure nothing has changed.

December 2005
All of the animals we rescue seem to have a sweet spot in their hearts for whomever it was that made the biggest difference in their lives. In Ladybug’s case, her bond was formed with her foster care mother who saw to it that she felt safe and comfortable during the most difficult period of Ladybug’s life. When her foster care mom arrives home each day, Ladybug will meow for her from whatever room she is in-she wants all of her foster care Mom’s attention! Ladybug is a lucky girl—her mom will give her all the attention she wants-and more! There are even times when she will be preparing dinner and Ladybug will sit on the stool right next to her just so they can be together. Now that is one strong bond! Thank you for being such a good friend to Ladybug and the other special needs animals. Thank you for your continued support of the Sponsor program

November 2005
While most cats enjoy the cooler weather of fall, Ladybug doesn’t seem to like the drafts from the open windows – she’d much rather curl up in her cat bed and nap the afternoon away. She will visit us soon for a recheck and we are keeping our fingers crossed that she’ll get a clean bill of health – with her condition we never know when things will take a turn for the worse. In the meantime, we will continue to do all we can to keep our sweet Ladybug as comfortable as possible. In this Thanksgiving season, we are grateful for our friends like you. It is because of your kindness that Ladybug and the other special needs animals are getting the best possible care. We couldn’t do it without you – thank you.

September 2005
We’re happy to report that Ladybug is doing great. She had some issues with her coat in the spring, but it has grown in beautifully and she looks better than ever. Ladybug sways a bit when she walks, but her condition is stable. She’s able to run and jump without any problems – a big improvement from when she first arrived. Ladybug’s litter box issues were quickly resolved – it turns out Miaya, another foster care cat, was jumping on Ladybug every time she went in it. Ladybug and the other special needs animals rely on your kindness. It is your support that allows them a second chance at health and happiness. Thank you so much.

August 2005
When Ladybug first arrived here, she was dehydrated and her hair was full of mats. Tests also indicated a serious illness requiring long term care. At many places, Ladybug would have had no alternatives. But we were able to place her into a foster care home where she gets the tender loving care she deserves. Not only does she enjoy the company of her foster care family, but she also gets to spend her days with other cats with similar limitations. Ladybug is with us today, enjoying every day given her, thanks to the Sponsor program. It is your generosity that allows Ladybug and the other special needs animals a second chance. We couldn’t do it without you. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

July 2005
When Ladybug first arrived here, she was covered in mats from head to toe and needed to be shaved. Her foster care Mom now brushes Ladybug regularly to help prevent the knots from forming, but despite her best efforts Ladybug still gets mats in the hard to reach areas. With the warmer weather, Ladybug also seems uncomfortable in her long, hot coat. So we are once again considering shaving her fur down so that Ladybug will be more at ease. Thank you for your continued support of Ladybug and the other special needs animals. Your generosity allows them a new leash on life.

June 2005
Ladybug has a few rough weeks – she had been missing the litter pan and was more wobbly than usual. Thankfully, she seems to be improving – eating well and carefully grooming herself. Her caregiver helps her out at times, and mostly Ladybug tolerates it – but when she’s had enough she lets her know it with a growl. We can’t thank you enough for your continued support of the Sponsor program. Because of you, Ladybug and the other special needs animals are getting the love and care they so desperately need.

May 2005
When Ladybug first arrived, her neurological problems and cancer painted a very grave picture. But after almost a year, we're delighted with the progress she's made, and she seems very happy in her foster care home. Ladybug must still live with the consequences of her illness, but the love and care she receives from her foster care family makes them easier to manage. Ladybug is monitored closely and any changes in her condition are treated immediately so that she may continue to enjoy life to its fullest. Thank you for caring so much about Ladybug and the other special needs animals. You are truly making a positive difference in their lives.

April 2005
Like many girls, Ladybug is very concerned with her appearance and works very hard to keep her long Himalayan hair well groomed. But try as she might, there always seem to be mats in her fur that need to be combed or clipped out. So Ladybug’s foster care Mom has been trying to help out by brushing her regularly. Initially these efforts were met with resistance from Ladybug – but once she realized it meant less work for her, Ladybug had no problem getting groomed! Your love and support of Ladybug and the other special needs animals is truly appreciated by us all. We couldn’t care for them without you.

March 2005
Ladybug just loves to be around people and the other cats in her house – she’s a real social butterfly! Occasionally though Ladybug will try and steal some of her feline housemate’s wet food at dinnertime. Well, the other cat is always quick to let Ladybug know that she is not up for sharing. That doesn’t stop Ladybug, however. She just waits until that cat is asleep and then licks her dish clean! Thank you for being such a good friend to Ladybug and the other special needs animals. Your kindness allows them all a new leash on life.

February 2005
Ladybug is doing fair better than we could have ever hoped. In the first few weeks when she went to her foster care Mom she was having trouble adjusting. She was not doing well at all; lethargic, not eating, and not using the litter pan at all. Her foster care Mom stuck to it and helped Ladybug through this difficult transition. During this time, further test results came back indicating several brain tumors. Sadly they are inoperable. At this time Ladybug is doing well and enjoying life. She has even made some feline friends in her foster care home. With your help, we can continue to do all we can to insure the comfort of Ladybug and her special needs friends.

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