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Missy joined the League’s Sponsor Program in 2002. Missy is an adult Siamese-mix that was abandoned at our medical center facility here at North Shore Animal League America. In the beginning, Missy was very frightened and was uncomfortable with anyone who tried to handle her. A series of admission tests and blood work demonstrated elevated liver enzymes. After an ultrasound and a biopsy, we were able to rule out liver disease. However, Missy showed signs of being very disoriented and demonstrated abnormal behavior. Missy was startled by loud noises and would often walk into walls. |
All of these symptoms led us to believe Missy was suffering from serious neurological problems such as Cerebella Hyperplasia, which affects balance. Despite Missy’s diagnosis, she is an affectionate cat and is able to eat, groom and use the litter pan all by herself. Missy has been placed in a foster care where her needs are being lovingly attended to. The League continues to monitor her with check-ups and will devote themselves to helping her in any way possible for the rest of her life.
Missy's Updates
3rd Quarter 2009
Thankfully, Missy seems to be feeling well. Her update from her foster family consists of exactly what the Animal League likes to hear. She's been eating well, playing when she feels like it and relaxing by the windows watching the comings and goings of the world at peace and in harmony. Basically, she's living a great quality of life just like any normal cat. Thanks to your generous support, Missy's life has been saved. And that is priceless to all of us here at the Animal League.
2nd Quarter 2009
We're once again happily reporting that Missy is doing well! Missy's foster mother thinks that she is very excited about the fact that the warmer weather is here because Missy remains a dedicated sun worshiper. Missy and foster housecat Stripe (who is also in the Animal League's special-needs program), have been getting closer, not because they like each other any more than they did, but because Missy and Stripe are the only two cats left in the household! Stripe does continue to annoy her every so often, but oddly enough they seem to act more and more like cat girl friend and cat boy friend or even a married couple – it seems like a love/hate relationship, but they can't be without each other.
1st Quarter 2009
Missy has trouble grooming herself due to her condition. Her foster family does their best to keep her looking as clean and beautiful as possible. As you can imagine, she is often a challenge to brush and even more of challenge to have her nails trimmed. She does have a healthy appetite though and her activity level remains normal. On another positive note, Missy does not have to take any medication at this time. Her condition is closely monitored and whatever her future holds, the Animal League will be there for her and hopefully all her Sponsor Pet Parents too!
4th Quarter 2008
Missy will always require assistance with her grooming. Her condition prevents her from having the coordination needed to properly clean herself. Thankfully, her foster family is up to the challenge! Missy becomes nervous when her foster family picks her up to start to brush her. She struggles at first, and then calms down enough for them to get in a few good strokes with the brush. She quickly becomes impatient and begins to try and wiggle away. When they place her down, she "hops" away only to return shortly to let them finish up the job. Her coat would become very matted if she was not brushed and they are committed to her care.
3rd Quarter 2008
Missy is enjoying each day of the summer exactly as a healthy cat should. If she’s not trying to catch the sun’s rays in a household game that she plays to entertain herself, then she’s relaxing for long periods of time in her favorite spot of the house where the sun keeps her warm and in comfort. Thank you for being Missy’s Sponsor. Without your committed support, we may not be able to give the necessary care to Missy that enables her to live a wonderful quality of life like this.
2nd Quarter 2008
Once again, we are happy to report that Missy is feeling good! She is really living life the way it was intended. She continues to enjoy relaxing, eating and sleeping as usual. She also loves to lie in the sunny spots of the house where she can easily fall asleep in peace. Since spring is here, we know that Missy is happy and content just hanging out in one of her favorite spots. We’ve heard, it’s a dog’s life, but Missy certainly proves it’s a cat’s life, too!
1st Quarter 2008
Although Missy loves to sleep, when awake, she’ll be the first one to let you know she’s there if she desires some company - she’s a very vocal cat! No problems getting Missy to eat, she loves food and a lot of it! Sadly, Missy is not too good at grooming herself. So, to avoid having her look sloppy, her foster mother often has to get involved in order to get the grooming job done. Your sponsorship is so vital to this important and life-saving program - thank you for all that you do.
4th Quarter 2007
Missy is just a little doll. She’s beautiful and friendly and is always ready for affection. Missy seems to enjoy the shorter days. She’s fond of dim lighting than bright, and stalks through the house like a jaguar on the prowl. Perhaps she’s getting in touch with her primitive side! Either way, pretty Missy is a pleasure to love and cuddle – and she just loves the attention.
3rd Quarter 2007
Missy is having a wonderful summer. Because she is fascinated by bright lights, she loves to sit in the windowsill. She can stay there for hours, sunbathing and watching all the summer festivities outside!
2nd Quarter 2007
Missy has been showing her Siamese side lately and has been meowing up a storm. The voice of the Siamese cat has often been compared to the cry of a baby, and Missy’s is no different. She loves the company of her human friends and is particularly attached to her foster mom, of course. Her neurological problems often prevent her from doing a lot of things, but they never stop her from being a wonderful companion and a loyal pet.
1st Quarter 2007
Missy is one of the healthiest kitties in town, if a hearty appetite is any indication of good health. Missy is foster sister to several other sponsored cats but doesn't have to compete for attention one bit. Her foster mom has plenty of love to go around and no one gets lost in the crowd. There have not been any changes in Missy's diet or health lately, and she seems comfortable and happy. With a loving family, a happy home and plenty of love, Missy has all the essentials. Thank you for helping Missy live a great life.
4th Quarter 2006
Missy recently was showing the tell tale signs of a urinary tract infection. Because her foster Mom is also a veterinarian, she detected it early and put Missy on antibiotics immediately to clear up the infection and keep her as comfortable as possible. As you know, administering Missy's medication is a challenge, but we are happy to report she finished up the medication like a good kitty and the infection is now gone. Thank you so much for your limitless generosity which keeps animals like Missy, healthy and happy!
3rd Quarter 2006
Missy had a wonderful summer and is now settling in for the fall and winter ahead. She lives with a few other cats and a dog and everyone seems to be tolerating each other as usual. Missy does have a new friend in the house--another Sponsor cat named Ladybug. It makes sense to us that they have become friends, as these cats both have neurological problems. It's funny that they have lived together for a while and only now have warmed up to one another! Missy's foster mom has recently bought the whole gang new toy mice that they are all enjoying. They throw the mice in the air and have a really great time with them. She has also been enjoying a morning snack of some ham that her foster mom gives out to all the cats. The cats have to eat quickly though, for if they don't, another cat in the household, Stripe, also a Sponsor cat, will eat their pieces! Thank you for helping give Missy a second chance at a normal life.
2nd Quarter 2006
Now that the warmer weather is here Missy can be found lying in the sun - her most favorite pastime! She is still the quirky cat we all know and love hanging around the house, mostly on the second floor. Her favorite time of the day of course is feeding time and always comes running when her foster mom fills up her dish. Her mischievous foster brother likes to bother all the other cats in the house but for some reason knows to leave Missy alone. He must know she is different from the rest and that his playfulness would probably make her very nervous. Her neurological problems have not been slowing her down and we are all thankful for that. She continues to be a loving cat who likes to be around people and that makes us all very happy.
1st Quarter 2006
Missy’s foster care Mom attempted to give her a pedicure recently. Missy had other ideas. She didn’t mean to scratch her Mom’s arms up but that’s just what happened. We’re happy to hear that Missy has so much spunk and energy even if her foster care mom is a little worse for the wear. Over the holiday season, Missy loved the Christmas tree in the house and seemed very interested in the lights. She always seemed to be attracted to bright lights and her doctors think this may be due to a neurological problem. But Missy continues to be a happy girl (when no one is trying to clip her nails!) and that’s all that we could hope for.
December 2005
Missy is learning to adjust to a slight change in her surroundings these days. Her foster care family recently removed some worn carpeting from the stairs of their new home. Because of Missy’s neurological issues this has made navigating the stairs rather difficult. As a result, Missy’s foster care mom has created a special “kitty cat suite” just for Missy! For her exclusive comfort this room is equipped with cat beds galore, toys, her own food and water bowls and splash mat. We’ve learned that the splash mat is necessary because Missy tends to be a rather messy eater as the food flies everywhere according to her foster care mom. Of course despite the lack of social graves we still love Missy very much. We couldn’t care for Missy and the other special needs animals without your support. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
November 2005
Although Missy is neurologically impaired, her senses are quite strong – with her sense of smell being the strongest. Recently her foster care Mom was roasting a chicken and Missy refused to leave the kitchen – her nose twitched as she took in the pleasant aroma and fixated on the oven, hoping that the treasure within would somehow end up in her food bowl. Alas, the best she could hope for was a bit of the juices on her dry food. (Unfortunately, her foster care Mom thinks the change of texture in her food confused Missy even more.) The Sponsor Program relies on kindhearted souls like you to survive. It is because of your support that we are able to provide Missy and the other special needs animals with the best possible care. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
October 2005
Poor Missy has a new challenge these days. Now that the days are cooler and the windows are open, things have begun to blow around the house with a gentle incoming breeze. Missy doesn’t understand why things are floating in the air and she doesn’t like it one bit – even a simple piece of paper rustling can cause her to run for cover. Other times, however, a strong breeze will come through and she’ll raise her nose to sniff – her whiskers fluttering – and she’ll be completely calm. We’ll continue to help Missy deal with her neurological difficulties, and will do everything we can to make her feel as comfortable and safe as possible. Thank you for making that possible – we couldn’t care for Missy and the other special needs animals without your help. You are truly a hero to them.
September 2005
Most people dread these hot, humid days – but not Missy. When everyone else seeks air conditioning from the sticky weather, Missy is out sunbathing in it. If you turn on a fan near Missy, she’ll get up and walk away. It doesn’t seem to make sense, but as long as Missy’s happy, that’s all that matters! Her appetite continues to be strong and we try to help with her grooming – but that’s no easy task since Missy doesn’t like to be held. Even before you get her on your lap she’s squirming to get away. You can only imagine how difficult it is to trim her nails! Thank you so much for opening your heart up to Missy and the other special needs animals. Your love and support means the world to them.
August 2005
Missy’s neurological problems can cause her to act a bit strangely. Sometimes her foster care Mom will find her staring off into space or at an invisible spot on the wall. Other times Missy will take off like a shot for no reason – as if she’s heard a loud sound no one else can hear. Perhaps most unsettling though, is that sometimes Missy doesn’t seem to realize her foster care Mom is there – even if she’s standing right next to her. Thankfully Missy’s foster care Mom loves her regardless – and even because – of her quirky behavior. Missy seems to be doing well with it all too – and we are most grateful for that. Thank you for giving Missy and the other special needs animals a second chance. It is because of your support that they are living happier, healthier and more comfortable lives.
July 2005
Now that it has gotten warmer, Missy has discovered the best place to cool off – in an upstairs room with two fans. She picks the best spot – where she’s sure to get the most cross-ventilation – and spreads herself out so that every bit of her feels the gentle breeze. Usually when someone comes in a room Missy will quickly disappear, but not when she’s “chillin” – then she will just look up to make sure it’s someone she knows before stretching right back out again. The Sponsor Program relies on the generosity of kindhearted souls like you. We couldn’t care for Missy and the other special needs animals without your support. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
June 2005
Missy likes to rest during the day and prowl around at night when there is less activity in the house. Her mobility and physical capabilities remain limited – she cannot jump, so everything she needs (including her bed) must be at her level. Missy can’t groom herself well either, so her caregiver helps her out – which is just fine with Missy. Thank you for being so kind to Missy and the other special needs animals. Your generosity allows them to live their lives in comfort.
May 2005
Grooming can be a challenge for Missy - her neurological problems can cause her to lose her balance when she tries to neaten herself. It's especially a problem now that she's losing her winter coat - Missy tries her best to groom herself, but she ends up getting frustrated. Her foster care Mom tries to assist by brushing her - some days Missy is willing to accept the help, other days she will have no part of it, running from the brush like a wild kitty. You support makes all the difference in the lives of Missy and the other special needs animals. Thank you from the bottom of all our hearts.
April 2005
Poor Missy has been missing the litter pan recently. Her foster care Mom doesn’t mind the clean up so much -- she’s just concerned that something may be bothering Missy. All other signs point to a healthy cat – she’s eating well and her disposition seems the same. Missy does “talk” a lot, but she’s always done that. She doesn’t meow at anything in particular – it’s almost as if she’s talking to herself. For now, Missy’s foster care Mom will keep a close eye on her - if it continues to be a problem, we’ll run tests for an infection. The Sponsor program relies on your support. It is because of you that we are able to care for Missy and the other special needs animals.
March 2005
Missy has been in her foster care home the longest, and seniority brings with it certain privileges – mostly that everyone else leaves her alone. But Missy won’t enforce that rule; instead she’ll just ignore anyone that bothers her. She is most content on her own, pondering her world – she doesn’t really play anymore. Sometimes it seems as though she is dozing with her eyes open! All of us truly appreciate your continued support of Missy and the other special needs animals. Without you, we couldn’t care for them.
February 2005
Missy usually doesn't play that much, but there's a new toy in the house - a mouse with catnip in it - that's got her attention. She stares at it for the longest time before rushing at it and pouncing. They say she runs away as if the mouse is going to chase after her! Missy will have fun with her "cat and mouse" game for up to a half an hour. It does tire her out though - playtime is usually followed by a three-hour nap (complete with snoring). Thank you so much for opening your heart up to Missy and the other special needs animals. Your generosity allows them a second chance at health and happiness.
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