BEAR'S STORY

UPDATE April 2011:  Bear passed away peacefully the first week of April.  He began having trouble eating and was not able to enjoy the things he loved.  Bear did not suffer and enjoyed his life to the end.  We took him to the vet at that time only because he was at the point where he would have begun to suffer had we waited longer. As with all our furry friends, Bear did not let his challenges stop him from enjoying his life the six months we were privileged to have him here and we learn a lot from these kitties in care.  Bear is still with us in spirit and wherever he may be we know he is no longer blind or paralyzed. 

UPDATE March 2011:  Bear's condition has progressed and his diagnosis has been updated.  He has a brain disorder that is causing his paralysis.  Although he can move his head and front legs, he is now unable to use his front legs for walking.  He is still enjoying his time cuddling with Scout and his visitors and he loves his meals. He still seems to have a good quality of life and purrs often.  However, we are told that his time with us will be short.

UPDATE ON BEAR:  Bear has lost about 2 pounds and is enjoying his new roommate Scout (see in adoption section).   Scout is very gentle, as is Bear, and they love sleeping together.  Bear is much more content and happy now that he has Scouty with him!  We've decided they really must stay together since they are so bonded.

Bears is a blind cat who loves people and is very frightened as to his possible fate.  We have assured him he has a safe home with Helping Homeless Cats and that we will do everything we can to get his weight down so that he can lead a more normal life.  He has already lost a pound in the month he has been here.

Bear looks like a black bear with his long black nose and large bear body.  He has a mild dandruff-type skin condition but this is improving with brushing by his visitors.  Bear weighs 17 pounds and has a small frame so he may be double his ideal weight.  He actually has no blood vessels in his eyes, although they look fine, and is totally blind.

Sadly, although he is only around 3 or 4, Bear has trouble walking because his little legs can barely hold his large body.  We got him at the Pound where they felt he had probably been kept in a tiny area due to his blindness and that restrained his activity to the point where his leg muscles have atrophied.  Bear has a neurological problem, probably caused by being swung by the tail when young or having his tail run over by a car.  Because of this he will never be able to pee and poop normally, but only goes by reflex when the bladder is full.  He occasionally wears a diaper and has special bedding.  However, he is not incontinent most of the time and it is easy for visitors to hold him without a problem.

Bear is walking more now that he has Scout in his room and they are pals.  He loves all people and walks toward them.  .  He purrs readily when petted and cuddled.  He likes being held but is a bit big for much of this currently.  He naps in his big comfy bed. 

We go into Bear’s room often and make sure he gets enough exercise.  Bear is on a gradually reduced diet and is doing well but, as with us humans, weigh loss is a slow process.  Bear needs lots of love and support right now and faces a long road to recovery from his lifetime of obesity.