When Sarah Richardson of Community Cats of Central Arkansas received a call from another rescue group pleading for help, it was an eventful day. “Whiskers 316 called and said they’d found a cat with a wounded eye,” Sarah explained.
Despite their best efforts, the rescuers were unable to provide the adorable boy with the medical attention he required. Although their vet recommended euthanasia, the ladies of Whiskers 316 hoped that a second opinion would spare his life.
The rescuers reached out to Sarah, thinking she could save him from euthanasia. Sarah answered, “Oh absolutely, I’ll take him,” despite knowing little about the cat.
The next day, Chester was delivered to Sarah. Finally, Sarah could see Chester. What she saw stunned her.
“One of Chester’s eyes had clearly been traumatized,” Sarah recalled. Chester sat on Sarah’s knee, his head in her arms, knowing he could trust her.
Sarah’s heart wrenched seeing Chester’s pain. She was determined to help him in any way she could.
Sarah was presented with another difficult decision just as she began to feel hopeful. Chester developed Feline Leukemia, a virus that damaged his immune system.
Anemia (low blood count) made problems worse.
This puts Chester’s surgery at risk. He might not wake up. Sarah had to make a hasty choice: should she risk Chester’s life for his surgery? She knew surgery was his only hope.
Chester was taken to the vet two days later to have his eye removed and neutered. The vet said Chester’s treatment was one of the most excruciating a cat could endure.
But the operation worked! Chester was eager to go home and rest. Chester persevered despite his excruciating suffering.
He had a great determination to live. He was a warrior. “He’s our finest surgical patient ever. “He was amazing the whole time,” Sarah said.
Chester struggled to awaken after surgery. Sarah waited, fingers crossed, for her little champion to recover.
Chester awoke six hours later. Sarah felt elated. He began to improve soon after surgery. Then he could raise his head and act more like himself. But this was just the start. Chester had to learn to live with one eye.
“Losing an eye produces confusion and disorientation. ”It’s like relearning to walk,” Sarah said. Chester was perplexed. He had to relearn everything, but she’s always believed in him.
After a few weeks of recovery and education, Chester’s wonderful personality emerged.
“The ultimate cuddle kitty. He isn’t into games or toys. His demeanor is laid-back,” Sarah remarked. Throughout his rehabilitation, Chester slept right next to Sarah and her husband.
Not enough cuddles and love for him. He wanted to be near them and express his gratitude.
Despite his calm attitude, Chester isn’t afraid to ask for what he wants! “If you don’t pay attention, he’ll softly paw your face. He wakes me up at night to say hello!” Susanne smiled.
Chester seemed to be saying, “Love me!”
Chester was a great patient even after his stitches were removed. Sarah doctored his wound while he sat attentively. Sarah was Chester’s lifeline. He was appreciative of her assistance and realized she was acting in his best interests.
“He has a lovely disposition. A wonderful catch,” Sarah commented. Chester has feline leukemia, which makes adoption difficult. Sadly, shelter cats with feline leukemia are euthanized. Under the correct conditions, cats with feline leukemia can live long and happy lives.
Sarah and her family are currently caring for Chester.
After all, he’s been through, I want him to live in luxury. “He deserves it,” Sarah said.
