~~ IN MEMORIAM - NORTON ~~

Dear Valued Friend,

It is with a sadness and heartache that we write this update.

Sadly, our beloved orange creamsicle cat, Norton, has passed away. When Norton entered the North Shore Animal League America Sponsorship Program in 2002, he was about four years old and suffered from severe heart disease. He also had a history of anemia and was so sick that he experienced seizure-like episodes. But with love and the best of care, Norton’s health began to stabilize. Norton was lucky enough to find a foster home with the League’s Senior Kennel Manager at the time. His needs were lovingly attended to and his health monitored regularly.

Recently, Norton was deemed Feline Knight of the Sponsorship Program. In the Code of Chivalry, a knight has high standards of courage and courtesy which he must live up to. North Shore Animal League America found Norton the cat to be an admirable example of all that a knight encompasses. His various medical issues never tampered with his character or spirit, and even in times of difficulty and discomfort, he always remained lovable and gracious. He became Sir Norton.

Sir Norton also shared his life and home with several foster brothers and sisters – feline and canine – who all feel the lack of his presence, as do we. We may comfort ourselves by knowing that Norton passed peacefully in his sleep and was not in fear or pain.

Your generous sponsorship of Norton enabled him to live out his latter years happily and in comfort. Together, you and Norton’s foster mother gave Norton the best life he could have hoped for. He was surrounded by those who adored him, and all his needs were lovingly fulfilled.

Sir Norton will always be in our hearts and thoughts.

Sincerely,

The Sponsor Team

Norton is a beautiful adult cat, who is about four years old and suffers from severe heart disease. He also has a history of anemia. When he first came to us, he was so sick that he suffered from several seizure-like episodes. Slowly but surely, thanks to the diligence of our Medical Center staff, he has come around and his health as stabilized. He is a loving cat who needs a tremendous amount of tender, loving care. Norton needs to visit our Medical Center for check-ups, on a regular basis to be sure that he is as healthy as possible. Right now, he is in a Foster Care home with one of our senior kennel managers where his needs are lovingly attended too. We're not sure when the right person for Norton is going to come to take care of him and bring him home. Until then there will always be a place for him with us.

Updates:

4th Quarter 2007
In the Code of Chivalry, a knight has high standards of courage and courtesy which he must live up to. North Shore Animal League America has found Norton the cat to be an admirable example of all that a knight encompasses. His various medical issues have not tampered with his character or spirit, and even in times of difficulty and discomfort, he has always remained lovable and gracious. Therefore, North Shore Animal League America would like to dub thee Sir Norton of the Order of Chivalry. Welcome, Sir Norton!

3rd Quarter 2007
Norton is a character. He has so many interesting attributes and is always entertaining. Norton is such a happy cat. One would never suspect his various illnesses. Norton’s cries are from happiness; and that’s music to our ears.

2nd Quarter 2007
Handsome Norton has been feeling great. His health is holding strong and steady and he’s been enjoying life. Norton has been displaying a bit of “cattitude” lately, too. It seems that he’s taken a liking to the dogs’ toys and made them his own. His foster mom says that he took the toys away from his foster siblings and won’t give them back! Meow this and meow that, Norton is more like a dog than a cat!

1st Quarter 2007
Norton seems to defy nature - hanging on to his inner kitten - when other older cats often get lethargic and moody, he's very energetic and playful, and we take all that as signs of good health. He's still practicing his Ninja tactics on the dogs in the house, swatting them as they go by, and they are pretty tolerant of all his silly antics! We suspect that Norton and his feline friend, Cassie, get a good chuckle out of the dog-bully game. In any case, we know that Norton's feisty behavior means he's feeling good!

4th Quarter 2006
Norton's foster Mom is pleased to report that this orange & white creamsicle cat is feeling much better since his last checkup. Despite his heart disease, he's been well and frisky enough to play with the other cats in the house, even the youngest. His newest target is the dog of the house and Norton plays "hit the dog" every time the dog walks past him. We are all so happy to see his playful personality come back to life. Thank you for giving Norton this well-deserved second chance.

3rd Quarter 2006
Norton is still doing very well since his surgery earlier this year. His foster mom is delighted to tell us that he is eating well and playing, and for an older cat that is great. Norton recently came into the medical center for a check up and had some blood drawn and also had his urine tested. Previous blood work showed slightly elevated thyroid levels, and his foster mom wanted to have it rechecked. This new blood work revealed no changes or problems. His urine that was tested was very concentrated which just means he needs to drink more water. We would not be able to do these kinds of tests for Norton if it weren't for the support from people like you. We thank you.

2nd Quarter 2006
Norton is back to normal after the blockage in his bile duct. He’s eating great and just being a regular old kitty. He’d begun sleeping in a basket his foster mom had in the kitchen, so she decided to make him a little more cozy by putting a blanket in there for him. He knows how to make himself right at home! Now that he’s fully healed and back to his old self, the dogs in the house are back on their toes. Not one can pass him by without getting bopped on the nose by feisty Norton! While the dogs might have liked it when Norton was more laid back due to his illness, we couldn’t be more thankful that he’s made a full recovery.

December 2005
Norton paid us a visit to the Medical Center recently. We love to see Norton but we don’t want to see him because he’s feeling under the weather! His foster care Mom brought him in because he was congested and sneezing. You see, our special needs animals have immune systems that are often compromised and anything out of the norm needs to be investigated as soon as possible. Norton does have an appointment for an echocardiogram in the coming weeks, but his clogged sinuses really could not wait. Thankfully the infection is being treated by some medication he needs to take twice a day for two weeks—he doesn’t care too much for his medicine but he’s a real trooper. We’ll keep you updated on how Norton is doing. Your generous support makes the Sponsor program a reality. Thank you so much.

November 2005
Norton’s got some new friends these days – his foster care Mom has taken in several neurologically impaired cats. Norton is the only other cat these kitties will allow to eat with them, and Norton seems to enjoy their company too. Norton continues to do well these days and his appetite is strong – doesn’t matter to him whether it’s wet or dry, Norton eats it all! Thank you for being such a good friend to Norton and the other special needs animals. It is because of your generosity that they are living happier, safer, and healthier lives.

October 2005
Norton’s foster care Mom was preparing to leave to help rescue animals affected by Hurricane Katrina, so she brought Norton in for a check-up to make sure all was well with him before she left. Norton did have a bit of a stuffy nose, but antibiotics cleared that up quickly. While Mom is gone, Norton’s foster care Dad will mind all the pets in the family. Thank you for your steadfast support of Norton and the other special needs animals. Your generosity makes a huge difference in the quality of their lives.

September 2005
Norton is what you would call a mellow cat. We don’t know if it’s due to his heart trouble or not, but he likes to just lie around and hang out. And, recently he’s discovered a new laid-back pastime – watching television. Norton will watch it for the longest time – that is as long as it’s an action program. The more movement on the screen, the more attentive Norton is. Ironically, he doesn’t like watching Animal Planet! What other family do you know of that channel surfs for their cat? Thank you for always being there for Norton and the other special needs animals. Your support makes all the difference in the quality of their lives.

August 2005
Most cats don’t enjoy the hot, humid summer. But for Norton, it’s just another excuse to lie on his back and show off his marmalade striped belly. Norton seems to know what a handsome cat he is, and enjoys any chance he gets to flaunt himself. The people in his house can’t help but rub his fuzzy stomach when they see it – and Norton sure likes that. The other cats in his house are a different story though – they see Norton’s exposed midriff as an excuse to pounce! Despite his health problems, Norton is quick – he seems to sense when one of his feline housemates is lurking around the corner and jumps up at the last second to run after his potential attacker. Norton and the other special needs animals have all come from difficult, sometimes tragic beginnings. Your generous support allows them a second chance at healthy and happy lives. Thank you so much.

July 2005
Norton used to be the most docile, even-tempered cat around. But lately his demeanor has changed a bit, and he’s begun swatting at the dog in his house. Norton is an average sized cat. The dog, on the other hand, is a full-grown Doberman -- who’s now afraid of this little orange cat! Raised with felines since he was a pup, this dog can’t understand why Norton has started bopping him on the nose and will run whenever Norton is in a bad mood. Norton better hope the pooch doesn’t get a look at the two of them in a mirror anytime soon! Thank you so much for your support. Because of your generosity, we are able to provide Norton and the other special needs animals with loving homes and needed medical care. We couldn’t do it without you.

June 2005
Usually Norton is an easy-going kitty, loving everyone and purring at every opportunity. But lately this docile cat has begun to slap people when he wants attention, and, if you try and pass him by, he will follow you and meow incessantly. Sometimes his foster care Mom will give into Norton’s antics and scoop him up in her arms to pet him. This seems to appease Norton – for a little while, anyway. Your generosity allows us to provide Norton and the other special needs animals with much needed medical attention and loving care. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

May 2005
Norton and the kitten in his house love to play together - but sometimes Norton has had enough and the kitten just doesn't want to take no for an answer. Norton will try to walk away - signaling that playtime is over - but the kitten keeps going, jumping and running circles around Norton. Of course it doesn't help that on occasion Norton pretends to be done with their games and walks away - only to turn around and pounce on the kitten unexpectedly! It's not really clear who's in charge in this relationship, but they certainly enjoy each other's company. When they've both tired themselves out, Norton and the kitten will curl up together for a nice long catnap. Thank you for your support.

April 2005
Norton’s got a little competition in the house – and it’s from a female kitten half his size. The kitten was originally diagnosed with a dire form of cancer, but thankfully additional tests proved otherwise and she is now free to run and play to her heart’s content. The little fur ball just loves to chase and wrestle with Norton – she considers him her best friend. Of course, there are times when Norton has had enough of his new little friend and he’ll give her a bop on the head to let her know it. Unfortunately the kitten just thinks Norton wants to play some more, so she starts chasing him again! We think it’s just great that Norton’s having so much fun. Thank you for always being there for Norton and the other special needs animals. Your love and support makes a world of difference in the quality of their lives.

March 2005
Norton has been quite the bear this past winter – hibernating, that is. He’s been dozing much more frequently and always in warm, cozy spots. He starts his day in a sunny place on the bed. When the sun moves, he follows it first to the windowsill and then to the dresser. In the afternoons, he snoozes in a cat bed right next to the heater. Whenever his foster care Mom checks on him by giving him a pat on the head, he opens one eye, purrs, and then rolls over. What a life! Norton and the other special needs animals truly appreciate what you do to make their lives better. Your generous support makes the Sponsor program a reality. Thank you so much.

February 2005
Norton visited us recently for a follow-up exam, complete with an echocardiogram of his heart. Thankfully there has been no change in his condition. We're always a bit worried that a test on one of our special needs animals will reveal something that is not obvious on the outside - we do want our furry friends to remain as healthy and happy as possible. Thank you for allowing us to care for Norton and the other special needs animals. Your kindness is truly making a big difference in the quality of their lives.


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