Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Help Requested for Jewel

I met Jewel a little over three years ago.  At the time, she was a talkative, round (little chubby) 12-year-old kitty.  When I rented a room from a friend of mine (who was her dad), I became very attached to her.

Toward the end of my stay at the house, I noticed some small changes in Jewel.  She seemed to be drinking more than usual, for instance, but it was summer and it was very hot in the house, so I figured she was just thirsty!

After I moved into a new apartment, I didn't see Jewel for two months, but when she came for her first visit, I knew something was very wrong.  She was no longer the little chubby cat.  She was very thin.  I estimate she lost a good 3 or 4 pounds.

We ended up taking her to the vet which is when she was diagnosed with early-stage kidney disease.  A couple of months went by where I worked with Jewel while she continued to live with the friend, trying all the different kinds of prescription kidney food (she hated them all), a phosphorus binder, etc.  But Jewel continued to lose weight.  Eventually, the vet discovered that Jewel also has hypertension, which was speeding up the progression of her kidney disease.

At that time, the friend thought it was best if Jewel stayed with me, Carmine, and Milita because he thought the kitten in the house wasn't helping her blood pressure that much - and I agreed that that seemed like the best decision.

When I moved into my current place, I felt it might be time for Jewel to go back to live with the friend since he had moved into an apartment himself and no longer had a crazy, energetic kitten around.  I know that Jewel loved him very much and that he loved her.

However, it became evident that the friend's long work hours prevented him from giving Jewel all of the care she needs in this late stage of the disease, and we felt it was best if I care for her in her final months.  So, I adopted her from him as mine.

Graphic made by Ann of Zoolatry. Thank you, Ann!!


Unfortunately, green papers are in short supply around here for the time being, and Jewel is due for blood tests to check her kidney and hydration levels.

Ongoing costs of care for Jewel include: blood tests, benazepril, mirtazepine (as needed), and IV fluids for the time being.

Any donation made through the PayPal button on the sidebar or directly to Jewel's account at Cat Care Society will go towards these costs.  You can donate to "Jewel Koester" at Cat Care Society by calling 303-237-0914 and giving them your information over the phone.  They are open Tuesdays through Fridays from 8am to 5pm Mountain Standard Time.

Any help you can give is so much appreciated.  I want to make Jewel as comfortable as possible in her final months here with me.

You are welcome to share her story if you like as well.

24 comments:

  1. Hope her last days are pain-free and happy. Have made a donation from Skipper. :)

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  2. I am sending lot of purrs Jewel's way - and yours too. I will Tweet about your post on Wednesday, when there are more eyeballs around!

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  3. Lots of purrs for Jewel and for you, too. You're taking such good care of her, and it's a tough job. We know she appreciates all that you do.

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  4. We send our best purrs and prayers to dear Jewel. I will make my Dad Terry send some green papers too.

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  5. I am so sorry to hear that sweet Jewel is having health issues. I will pray that she will have help from the vet and many more years of happiness. I know the expense will be a worry and I have posted her badge and let the TCC members know that she is in need of $$ for seeing the vet. Love to all at your place.

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  6. Oh sweet Jewel... hopefully in your kind and loving care she will an easier time of it. Our purrs to her and you.

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  7. Purring for Jewel. Thank you for taking care of her.

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  8. We're glad you'll be caring for Jewel again as you love each other and we know she is in good hands. We have no green papers to send but we do pray things will go well and you'll have whatever is needed. hugs

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  9. Just tweeted, posted it on Cody's Facebook fan page and have your button on the sidebar of the blog. Praying for help for Jewel.
    xoxoxo

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  10. Purrs to Jewel. She's so beautiful! We'll post this on facebook and see if any of our readers would like to help out. - Alana & Crepes.

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  11. I hope you get lots of green papers for Jewel!!! They are in very short supply here in this house. We have been through this with other cats and a few dogs in the past!!! Good luck!!

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  12. That is very kind of you to care for little Jewel. Sending prayers towards your and Jewel's way. Hope her final months are as happy as possible.

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  13. I am so glad that you are taking care of Jewel. Green papers are a little tight around here right now, too, but should get better next month.

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  14. Oh Jewel, Mama has few green papers too, but we send you our love, light, and prayers! Me-Ommmmm

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  15. de veree best oh fishes two ewe jewel....we send purrayers a long with de blessings oh St Francis az well...XOXOXOXO

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  16. I so understand what you are going through as my own situation is similar. I send hugs purrs and love that the vet can help and mum is sending some green papers too. GJ x

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  17. I hope you get the help you need. You are very kind to take care of her. xx

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  18. We purr Jewel will be able to feel a bit better. We send lots of purrs and positive vibes.
    Purrs Tillie and Georgia,
    Treasure,Tiger, JJ and Julie

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  19. We're purring loud and hard for Jewel.

    The Florida Furkids

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  20. We have made a donation. We think your friend should be helping you with expenses, but it sounds as if that isn't happening. W are glad that you love Jewel and don't feel like she was dumped on you. Good luck to both of you. Purrs and hugs, Lily Olivia, Misty May, Mauricio, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo

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  21. We're purring for Jewel and that her last days will be as comfortable as possible.

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  22. She is a little doll. We made a small donation.

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  23. Thank you for loving Jewel so much, and for saving her from that bad situation. We are sending purrs and prayers, and hugs, too.

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