Chasing the Sun

It's been nearly four months since I've seen that handsome face up front in our Cat Adoptions lobby. A long, leonine nose, eyes that peer through the soul, and a handsome coat of black reminiscent of the darkest winter night wrap Marcus up in one stunning package. Like so many other patient staff members and volunteers, I've found myself over the past several months seeking Marcus out  to see how the big guy's been, and to get some kitty love in return. All the while, we've been patiently waiting for news. News that could drastically alter Marcus' future and quality of life.

Marcus came to us several months ago as a transfer from another local animal shelter, and we were ecstatic to have him. His frequent headbutting, motorboat purr, and desire to get in some quality "people and me" time made him an easy sell. After all, who wouldn't want a cat that adores them? While we spent time with him, we noticed he seemed to keep his head tilted, which can often be a sign of ear problems. He was checked out by our veterinarians and diagnosed with  both  a ruptured ear drum and ear infection in one of his ears.

Now, in the shelter environment, we see ear infections and ruptured ear drums all too commonly, and began the standard treatment to help him feel better. But over the course of several weeks, we saw that his ear was rather resistant to medications, and he continued to look at us with a perpetual head tilt. We ran through a series of medical treatments, and still had no luck, so we called in the big wigs: Veterinarian specialists from a nearby practice. After months of testing and a couple of surgeries, the ear specialist found that Marcus had a polyp in his ear that looked suspicious. Holding our breath, we've waited anxiously over the past few weeks to make sure that his test results cleared him of any and all illnesses. And voila, this morning when I walked through the shelter doors, one of my fellow friends gave me the news I've been waiting for: Marcus got the all clear from medical, and was coming back up in just a few minutes.

As I sit here, watching Marcus groom his silky coat, I can't help but think of the lyrics to The Wanted's "Chasing the Sun." It's a victorious day for Marcus and all of us here at HSSV. Sometimes fate smiles on us, if only we are patient enough to wait.  The only thing that could make today better would be to send him home with his forever family. Until then, Marcus' many fans will all continue to advocate for him. Come on in today and ask to meet with him. Just be prepared to fall in love.