GUILLERMO Domestic Short Hair Grand Rapids, MI

Here is how this outrageously adorable orange and white guy came to be a Sid’s Kid, as told by his rescuer Lyssa:
“The morning after Superbowl Sunday, I looked out the window at 9 new inches of snow and saw the saddest thing; a bedraggled, orange cat limping through the drifts at the end of my driveway. He looked cold, thin and wasn't putting weight on his back left leg. I ran to grab a bowl and some food for the poor guy, but by the time I got out there he was gone. But I kept my eyes open, figuring he'd be back. Sure enough, a few days later I spotted him again. T his time I made it out with food before he disappeared again. He was wary at first, but too hungry to pass up the meal. Soon enough he was purring and letting me pet him. I contacted Harriet at Crash's about the possibility of finding him a spot at one of the shelters. Dr. Jen contacted me the next day and told me to grab him.  He spent one night in my spare room before I brought him out to Dr. Jen. I got him set up with food, water, a litter box and a bed. He knew what to do with everything but the bed; It was like he'd never seen anything soft before. So I put him in it and he immediately started kneading and purring before falling sound asleep. The next day I dropped him of— was so happy to know that he was finally safe and in good hands.”

Lyssa sure was right to be worried about 4 year old FIV+ Guillermo (born in early 2011), as he was suffering from so many different, serious ailments that I am honestly surprised he fared as well as he did out on the streets. The lameness of his left rear leg was due to several deep puncture wounds most likely inflicted from an angry neighborhood cat; x-rays were taken to make sure there was no bone or tendon involvement, as his entire leg was extremely swollen and painful upon initial presentation. Narcotics and antibiotic were started immediately and the wound flushed. Although cat bites can be very problematic, the bigger issues lay within his emaciated 8# frame: heavy intestinal parasitism, profound oral inflammation resulting in the extraction of several teeth and ulceration of his gums that proved to be secondary to a condition known as uremic syndrome (caused by diseased kidneys). He was also anemic upon arrival, but when rechecked a few days later, had worsened to the point that both steroids and a second antibiotic had to be started in order to kill off a blood parasite that was destroying his red blood cells. Fluids were given and he was monitored at the clinic closely, all the while stuffing his face with bowl after bowl of food and slowly regaining use of his injured leg. It is quite an insurmountable obstacle to overcome one or two of the above issues, but to have them piled on top of one another is devastating. Given the subzero temps and the fact he had no shelter for so long, it is truly a miracle that Guillermo is with us today.

It is too soon to tell, at the writing of his biography just 3 weeks after his arrival, if his kidney disease will resolve with the heavy-duty antibiotics on board, or if the anemia will pose a long term threat. Regardless, we are seeing G. make improvements daily in leaps and bounds, his love for the doting volunteers limitless once he warms up and takes a shine to ya! He is a bit apprehensive when it comes to making new human friends, but once you win him over, he is glued to your side, leaving only to fill his ever expanding belly or hunker down in those cushy beds he has developed an affinity for:) We simply adore Guillermo and are extremely thankful that he made it to us; no doubt his road to a full recovery will be a long one, but he won’t have to travel it alone.

***Update (LONG OVERDUE) 6-27-18***G's kidney levels have normalized incompletely with thrice weekly SQ fluids and lots of canned food. He comes out to the clinic on a regular basis to have his lab work rechecked so I am amble to keep on top of any changes that occur. He is nothing short of amazing, and every day when we look at that cute little face we are truly thankful for him!