Dear Friend,

North Shore Animal League America is sad to share the news
that Chaz, one of our beloved Sponsor Cats, passed away
on February 19, 2013. The brave cat, who had a serious
heart murmur since he was a kitten, had been struggling
with chronic heart failure since the 2012 holiday season.

Chaz left us peacefully, surrounded by the many veterinary
technicians who loved him very much.

Chaz became part of Animal League America’s Sponsor
Program in 2003 as a young kitten, when our medical team
determined that he had a severe heart murmur. Everyone
who cared for Chaz fell for the sweet orange-and-white
domestic short-hair cat, who had the most gorgeous green
eyes and an affectionate nature.

It takes a very special person to take on the responsibility of
caring for an animal with a chronic medical condition, and
we never gave up on finding Chaz his perfect match.

After years of patiently waiting within the walls of our
shelter, Chaz finally found a family to call his own and was
adopted in 2007 into a wonderful home, where he was wellloved
and cherished for his remaining six years. He gave as
much love as he received, rewarding his family with loud,
contented purrs and lots of kisses.

All of us at Animal League America are comforted to know
that Chaz had many happy years, both with us and then
with his loving adoptive family. We are so grateful to them
for giving this treasured cat a beautiful life, and we thank all
of you whose generous monthly donations enabled us to
provide Chaz with the special care that he needed. Rest in
peace, dear friend.

Sincerely,
The Entire Sponsor Team

Dear Friend,

North Shore Animal League America is saddened to report that Kyle, one of our beloved Sponsor Program cats, passed away on September 29, 2012.

Kyle arrived at Animal League America in 2004 after being severely mistreated. Tests indicated that he had several medical issues, including a serious upper respiratory infection, a collapsed lung and thickening of the heart muscles. He was extremely frightened.
After providing Kyle with the treatment he needed to stabilize his condition, we entered him into our life-saving Sponsor Program. Through this monthly giving program, dedicated animal lovers like you provide the funds needed to care for pets like Kyle and give them the happy lives they’ve been denied for so long.

And happy Kyle was! He had a loving foster care mother to take care of him and a wonderful home life with her. He was a warm and affectionate pet from the minute we met him, often showing his happiness by loud purrs of sheer joy.

Losing Kyle has been very sad for all of us at Animal League America and we know it is for you, too. We are extremely grateful to all of his loyal supporters for giving him so many wonderful years living an amazing quality of life.

All of us at Animal League America thank you from the bottom of our hearts for continuing to support our Sponsor Program. Because of you, Kyle, and animals like him, receive the lifelong medical care that allows them to live out their years in the best health possible with loving families.

Kyle is dearly missed and will never be forgotten.

Sincerely,
The Entire Sponsor Team

Dear Friend,

North Shore Animal League America is sad to announce the loss of one of our treasured sponsor pets, Sir Kobe, who passed away at his foster home on November 4, 2012.

Debbie, Sir Kobe’s foster mom, informed us that Kobe died peacefully in his sleep, and our veterinarians have determined that cardiac disease was the cause of his death. Sir Kobe joined Animal League America’s Sponsor Program in 2002. The playful and mischievous cat suffered from a very serious heart murmur—a condition which, if left untreated, would likely have been fatal within a year.
Sir Kobe was closely monitored at our state-of-the-art Medical Center for all of his 10 years, coming in for check-ups every three months. With tender, loving care by his foster mother, Sir Kobe lived well beyond expectations. The regal cat, who loved to rule his roost of cat siblings, earned his nickname: Sir Kobe.

As with all the animals in our Sponsor Program, and all in our care, it was our unrelenting mission to ensure that Sir Kobe had the best life possible, and we are comforted to know that he lived every day to its fullest. We thank Sir Kobe’s foster mother, and all of you who donate to our Sponsor Program, for enabling this beautiful cat to live a long and happy life.

Sir Kobe is dearly missed and will never be forgotten.

Sincerely,
The Entire Sponsor Team

Dear Friends,

North Shore Animal League America has some sad news to report: one of our beautiful Sponsor Program cats, Jules, passed away on July 28, 2012.

Jules became part of our Sponsor Program after being abandoned a decade ago. Poor Jules was completely terrified when he first arrived at the safety of Animal League America. Sadly, given his level of anxiety, it was likely the poor cat had been mistreated in the past.

Upon examining Jules, our medical staff determined that he suffered from a severe upper respiratory infection. More worrisome, he was diagnosed with a heart murmur and cardiac arrhythmia, both very dangerous conditions that can prove fatal.

Thanks to the generosity of our Sponsor Program donors, Jules received the treatment he needed to begin his journey of recovery. He was adopted by a wonderful family, whose patience and kindness helped Jules transform from a traumatized cat who resisted any human contact and hid all day long to one who loved nothing more than to be petted and given tons of attention.

While losing a beloved pet is always heartbreaking, we are comforted knowing that, after a very rough start in life, Jules spent many happy years with a family who cared deeply for him.

Jules’ family, and all of us here at Animal League America, want to express our deepest gratitude to all of you who continue to support our Sponsor Program. You are the reason that Jules, and animals like him, receive the lifelong medical care they need to live out their years in loving, permanent homes.

Sincerely,
The Sponsor Team

Dear Friend,

North Shore Animal League America is sad to report that one of our Sponsor Program cats, Buttermilk, passed away on April 15, 2012.

Buttermilk entered the Sponsor Program in 2007, suffering from Atopic Dermatitis caused by severe skin allergies. Luckily, the condition was controllable through daily oral medication, a lifelong treatment protocol.

Buttermilk spent the last five years with a wonderful adoptive family, who also adopted his best friend and littermate, Anisette. The two cats were an inseparable pair that got along beautifully.

This Easter Sunday, Buttermilk began exhibiting unusual behavior, which was of great concern to Tara, his adoptive mother. Typically a very healthy eater with a big appetite, Buttermilk refused his food. In addition, his breathing was slightly labored.
Tara immediately brought him to the Animal League’s Veterinary Center, where tests revealed problems with Buttermilk’s liver values. He was admitted to the hospital and given fluids for dehydration.

Still unable to eat, Buttermilk was put on a feeding tube in the days that followed, and the determined cat seemed to gain strength, putting back a pound of lost weight. As Tara put it, “When we visited he seemed to be back to himself again—bright eyed, curious and cuddly.”

But test results that came back on Thursday, April 12, confirmed the family’s worst fears: the precious cat had cancer. Buttermilk was too weak to endure a biopsy to determine what kind of cancer, but the hope was that he would soon get stronger and be able to undergo treatment. Sadly, he passed away three days later.

Tara asked us to share her thoughts with all of those who have loved and supported her dear cat over the past five years: “I cannot begin to explain how heartbroken I am without him in the house. As a pet owner, you know the day will inevitably come when you see your pet get old and deteriorate. I just never expected it to be this difficult. No matter how young or old a pet is, you really don’t realize just how big a part of your day they are until they are not around.”

The Animal League extends our heartfelt sympathy to Buttermilk’s family. They, along with Anisette, are deeply feeling the loss of their beloved cat. The family asked us to thank all of you for so generously supporting Buttermilk and other pets like him through donations to our Sponsor Program.

Sincerely,
The Sponsor Team

Penny’s adopted mother reports that our dear girl is doing very well. She is physically strong and her health is holding steady. She found a new cat food that Penny loves. The house smells like roses again. Lindsay, Penny’s adopted mother is really enjoying Penny a lot more lately. She is learning how to live among several other feline roommates. Penny always had a friendly demeanor, but at times she was overly shy or spooked, and other times overly aggressive during playtime. Lindsey is happy to report each month any new behaviors she sees coming from Penny. There was a time Penny was afraid to have her face stroked, but now she lifts her face up to Lindsey’s hand to get her chubby cheeks and chin rubbed. Penny lets her know it feels good by purring. She is a super sweet cat and has adjusted to living with a full house of other kitties.

SPONSOR ME!

August 2010: Good news, Bonnie has not had a seizure in a while! She continues to take her medication to prevent these episodes. All the volunteers and staff take great efforts to keep Bonnie in a calm environment to prevent any recurrence of her seizures. She remains a content cat that enjoys cuddling with the volunteers and veterinary technicians that care for her in the shelter; she likes plenty of attention and has no problem demanding it! She also enjoys the comfort of her fancy duplex home with plenty of space to lie around and play. However, every so often she does venture out and prances around the cat room in the shelter. She is very social in the company of people, no so much with other cats. The proof was at the photo and video shoot we had recently at the Animal League. All the attention from the camera crew was very calming for her. Bonnie continues to take her medication like a good girl and is closely monitored.

September 2010: Bonnie adores her duplex home in the Animal League’s shelter with plenty of space to move around. She seems quite content and comfortable. Bonnie isn’t a very social cat when it comes to other cats but she really enjoys the company of people. The proof of that was at the photo and video shoot we had recently at the Animal League. All the attention from the camera crew was very calming for her. Bonnie continues to take her medication like a good girl and is closely monitored.

October 2010: Our Bonnie is doing very well and is a favorite in the shelter Cat Room with the volunteers and staff. She is the first cat that is let out of her cage for playtime every morning – something she feels she is entitled to this because of her seniority! She spends a good part of her day patrolling the Cat Room. She even has a job –“Correction Cat”. She lets the kittens and younger cats know who is boss – and gets the respect she deserves from them. If a kitten or rambunctious cat is getting a little out of hand, Bonnie takes over and shows them how an Animal League cat is expected to behave! All the volunteers and staff watch her closely so she won’t get too excited. She has been seizure free for several months now.

SPONSOR ME!

February 2010 Update: Bonnie’s health has been great and she hasn’t had any seizures for a while. While she isn’t the most social cat when it comes to other felines she likes it when people make a fuss over her. One of the Animal League volunteers often engages Bonnie with a laser pointer; Bonnie loves chasing it all over the cat room floor and up the walls! Bonnie continues to take her medication like a good girl and is being closely monitored. We have made great effort to keep her in a calm and stable environment to prevent any seizures.

March 2010 Update: Unfortunately, Bonnie has recently suffered two seizures. Animal League veterinarians are not sure what is setting off these seizures, but they will continue to closely monitor Bonnie. They have also advised to continue her on the same medication. Although she did suffer a small set back with the seizures, that didn’t stop her from licking the volunteers who fuss all over her. She is most happy when the volunteers play with a laser pointer; Bonnie loves chasing it all over the cat room floor and up the walls. Because of your generosity, we can continue to care for and provide love to our dear Bonnie.

April 2010 Update: All the pets here at North Shore Animal League America experience their ups and downs and our special-needs pets are no exception. While Bonnie has been feeling good since being back here at the Animal League, there have been a few times when she has experienced a seizure. Our loving staff in the shelter makes sure to administer Bonnie’s daily medication to help prevent these occurrences and this has helped greatly. The few times that a seizure has occurred, the staff comforted her with extra care. Thank you for your dedication and your support of Bonnie which helps to provide her with the daily medication she needs.

SPONSOR ME!

February 2010 Update: We are happy to report that Avida is doing well! Her foster mother told us that she very much enjoyed the holiday season. She likes the cold weather. She takes pleasure in curling up in front of the wood burning fireplace to warm herself. She has begun to show some signs of getting older and has become more tolerant of the other cats in the home. Overall her health is good, but she still relies on her inhalers to keep her breathing comfortable. She is certainly happy to be one of the lucky cats to be in a foster home!

March 2010 Update: Avida’s foster mother reports that she is doing well. She is on a combination of oral and inhaled prescriptions. Her skin coat has improved as well as her energy level. She still fights for the best place by the pillow. Sometimes she tolerates sharing it with her fellow housecats. They are all looking forward to spring and birds in the window! Because of your generosity, we can continue to care for and provide love to our dear Avida.

April 2010 Update: We are happy to report that Avida is doing well. She is still on a combination of oral and inhaled prescriptions. Her foster mother always comments to us that Avida is a very loving cat. She enjoys her life even though she is challenged by her medical condition. Often, she can be found purring and lounging in peace for hours. Thank you for enabling Avida and all of the pets in the Animal League’s Sponsor Program to live the best quality of life possible through your support.

SPONSOR ME!

February 2010 Update: Sweet Katie has been feeling better. Her bronchitis is fully resolved and her asthma is under control. She continues to be the most gentle and loving cat that her foster mother has ever taken care of. Katie spends her days in the comfort of her foster care home with plenty of toys to keep her busy and naps by the sunlight or windowsill. We are so happy to be able to give her the best quality of life possible.

March 2010 Update: Unfortunately, Little Katie is still having small asthma attacks. She is on a medication called Prednisone which is administered by her foster mother every three days. The medication seems to be helping her. She will be seeing an Animal League veterinarian soon for more x-rays. Otherwise, Katie is doing fine and as always she remains very happy and very sweet. We’ll be sure to keep you posted on her progress.

April 2010 Update: Sadly, Katie is still having small asthma attacks. Test results from the Animal League’s on-site medical center confirm chronic bronchial asthma. Her foster mother is waiting for medication to arrive that the Animal League has placed a special order for. Katie will be on an inhalator and she is now on oral prednisone to help with her asthma attacks which is administered by her foster mother every 3 days. Otherwise, Katie is doing fine. Thank you for your support of Katie which helps to enable her to receive the medication and intensive care she needs.

SPONSOR ME!