Chrissy,
Just because one tests positive does NOT mean that another will, even
littermates. I rescued 6, 2 1/2 week old kittens that I am sure
contracted felv from their momma. One of the kittens from that litter,
Tim, (now 2 yrs), has tested negative. I'm sorry to hear you are giving
up loved ones for adoption because you fear for your negatives, it's so
sad! I do understand your fears, I'm not even saying they aren't
warranted, it's just a shame that these babies aren't going to share
their lives in a home where we KNOW they will be loved and cared for.
When I learned that my bottle babies were positive, there was no choice
for me, I was in love and committed to them. They had already been
mixed with my negatives, (none of my negatives, who were adults and had
been vaccinated, ever became positive). They weren't going anywhere,
and I wasn't about to segregate them from the family. I wish you the
best, and I especially pray that Emilio and Frito find a loving
compassionate home.
Nina
Christine Ott wrote:
Hi Everyone,
I just wanted to thank you all again for your kind words of support.
My mother has taken Emilio and Frito's mommy, and she's named her
Lady. Lady tested negative for FeLv, but we're worried that she might
test positive once the virus has had a chance to incubate (again??).
She's very healthy and alert, and probably no more than 2 years old,
so we're hoping no matter what the outcome of the test, she'll have a
long life.
A recap/update of the situation:
Emilio tested positive for the virus; on both the screening and the
official test (Hardy test??). Frito was not able to be tested because
she was whipped into a frenzy with the vet. Everyone has told me that
since they are so "tight" and share bowls, groom, play together, that
we should assume that Frito is also positive.
Emilio is congested, but for the most part, not too plugged up. He is
alert and playful and both he and his sister have become very outgoing
in the weeks they've been separated from their mommy.
I have so many doubts and reservations, but we'll be sending Emilio
and Frito to The Best Little Cat House in Pennsylvania this weekend. I
doubt myself constantly about Frito, in particular...what if she is
negative? or what if she's positive, but one of those who carries,
rather than gets sick from the virus? Am I doing the right thing?? We
have five healthy cats in the house, but if I didn't, I would keep
these kittens...my cats aren't vaccinated - and now I have to wait
because they need to be retested....oi! What a mess this became,
gut-wrenching and stressful.
It's given me a whole new respect for the folks who work at the
shelters; as well as for what y'all are doing. So many times,
professionals just recommend euthanasia, and while, intellectually, I
can understand (to a degree), I just can't do it, and I'm so glad that
so many of you are giving your FeLv + babies a chance. The more of us
who do, the more likely a cure will be found, I think. I hope.
So, it's in that hope for a cure that I was brainstorming for a
fundraising idea, and wanted to run it by everyone here. First of all,
is there are good research scientist/institution who might be
underfunded who could continue researching a cure, with more money? Or
would any money be better off going to a shelter/hospice for sick
kitties?
I'm a freelance graphic artist and my mother is a watercolor painter;
we were planning to collaborate to make a set of handmade Christmas
cards with Emilio and Frito on them to sell...we'd donate all of the
proceeds to a good feline leukemia cause (research or shelter). Do you
think the idea will fly? Any good sales avenues to pursue? Craft
shows? Online groups? Animal organizations?
I was also thinking about other non-holiday merchandise, like
calendars, regular greeting cards, etc. maybe with images of other
felv+ kitties. I would be willing to work with any of you here -- if
you wanted to send me photos of your kitties, help me promote the
items, etc.
Emilio and Frito's situation and all of your stories have touched me,
and in many cases, broken my heart. I cried for hours after reading
Mandy's story! I am learning about my own limitations, and I'm not
sure if I have it in me to continue to do much in the way of hands-on
stuff with the cats in my neighborhood, though I will try (it's
getting cold and no one else helps them). In the meantime, I am
committed to continuing to help in other areas, like fundraising.
Please let me know what you think.
Chrissy
Trenton, NJ
www.ottseetotsee.com
