Chester Cheeseball was turned into Heartland when he was a mere three weeks old. He and his two siblings were bottle fed every three hours for a few weeks until they were old enough to start eating hard food. Lots of lost sleep, but it was worth it. They were very sweet boys and they gave
me as much love and affection as I gave them.
Chester was adopted out as a wee kitten and unfortunately was returned to Heartland three years later for litter box problems. He was taken to the vet for an immediate check up, and just as we suspected, he had an ugly bladder infection. Anti-biotics and a little time cleared up that problem and we thought all was well with this still sweet and affectionate boy. We were wrong. Chester hid his discomfort very well and until he was truly ill we did not realize he was anything less than perfect. Once symptoms were noticeable it was on a Saturday and our vet's office was closed. We had a brief trip to the emergency clinic for x-rays and a possible obstruction was found. Surgery there was at a cost that was not to be believed and our vet, Dr. Marcy Hammerle was kind enough to give up a Saturday evening to do emergency surgery on Chester at less than half the price quoted.
It turns out that Chester did not have an obstruction, he had a stomach full of ulcers! The ulcers were caused from a virus that he had caught. Because of the ulcers Chester could not eat normal food and very special food was purchased to get him through is time of healing. This food was a miracle, an
expensive one! Over $180 on food alone. Chester was in the 'hospital' for ten days on highly specialized anti-biotics and extra special food. On day eleven Chester began to show an appetite and eat on his own. Hallelujah!!! We all just wanted to scream and cry with joy. He is going to make it!!! It was all worth it, from the first bottle to his first bite on day eleven in the ‘hospital’.
Chester continued to respond to his visitors and purr and nuzzle, even while feeling worse than we can imagine! By showing his happiness to be with us we knew we were doing the right thing in trying pull him through. Chester's fight for life has cost Heartland over $2,000 so far. Of course we think he is worth it, but a vet bill of this size is very hard on our not-for-profit budget. The majority of our funds come from adoption fees and the vast majority of those fees cover only the expenses related to getting the critter ready for adoption. That does not leave much cushion for emergencies like these.
Any donation you can find in your heart to share will be greatly appreciated. Small donations add up to save big hearted kitties, and Chester is a not only a big boy, he is one very big hearted and affectionate boy! Chester thanks you for considering helping pay his bill! Oh yea, his foster mommy and the vet thank you too!
