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Little Cassidy Kitten Updates!

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    #31
    Re: Little Cassidy Kitten Updates!

    He rocks those socks!
    baah.

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      #32
      Re: Little Cassidy Kitten Updates!

      Last night he and Shelly had an interview on Huffington Post Live.



      Unfortunately, after sharing the link to the interview on the Tiny Kittens Facebook page, someone had the audacity to immediately troll it, saying that it was cruel to have kept him alive and that he should have been put down. You can imagine the responses that she got for that. This little guy has so much support it's amazing.

      The splints that he's been using along with Shelly's physical therapy have been working great, and he's been able to stand on his own, and has even been able to walk a few steps on his own as well! Even without the splints on, he's been trying to use his back legs more, so much as to make little jumps and to help him reach up a little bit. Every day he shows improvements and advances that defy what anyone expected at the beginning. He's climbed up cat trees on his own, chased other cats around the room, and even has taken on the adventures of going up and down stairs by himself. He tumbles down a lot, but just gets up, shakes it off, and is at it again.

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        #33
        Re: Little Cassidy Kitten Updates!



        He took a step on his own! Sort of!

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          #34
          Re: Little Cassidy Kitten Updates!

          He's still doing great! Learning to do all the things kittens do, even though he's a little bit different.

          Unfortunately, though, today a little kitten they had named Rain didn't make it. She was about 7 weeks old, and had been dumped by the side of the road by someone. When they were able to catch her, she seemed okay, and was happy and purring, but overnight got violently ill and never recovered. They think it was due to a major, major ringworm infestation. Poor little Rain.

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            #35
            Re: Little Cassidy Kitten Updates!

            This guy is such a trooper, and his fame is spreading! About 8 hours ago, George Takei made a post about him on his Facebook page!

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              #36
              Re: Little Cassidy Kitten Updates!

              More fame to come: Cassidy has been featured on a Finnish website! (Iltalehti is one of the most popular tabloids in Finland.)
              It was a nice surprise to find him there. The title "Severely injured kitten learns how to walk" sort of caught my attention.
              baah.

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                #37
                Re: Little Cassidy Kitten Updates!

                That's awesome! That video about his progress is just amazing. I know I haven't posted any updates for a while. He's been getting considerably stronger, and in fact is going to be seen by a specialist with regards to actual implants for his back legs. The thing is, it's going to be super expensive. Shelly even went so far to say that while she knows that there's much love out there for this little guy, she didn't feel right coming out and asking for people to donate all that money (in the realm of thousands and thousands of $$) just for one little life. But, his fans stepped up and decided to start to collect for it anyway. Part of the thing is is that while yes, it is a lot of money just for Cassidy, there are some added bonuses. Not only will it help him, but it will garner more attention to what Shelly does, as well as helping this specialist refine this sort of treatment, since it is something relatively new. The hope is, that with every implant surgery of this kind, it will advance the knowledge for both animals and humans down the line.

                He's been given much more room to run around, more often than not being allowed to play and socialize throughout the house instead of just in his room, and he's still doing great.

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                  #38
                  Re: Little Cassidy Kitten Updates!

                  What an adorable baby. And what a strong spirit to still want to romp around and play, with how much discomfort he must have. I definitely want to know more about how he's doing.
                  Army of Darkness: Guardians of the Chat

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                    #39
                    Re: Little Cassidy Kitten Updates!

                    Originally posted by habbalah View Post
                    What an adorable baby. And what a strong spirit to still want to romp around and play, with how much discomfort he must have. I definitely want to know more about how he's doing.
                    From what I understand, he's currently not in any pain what so ever. The biggest worry they have right now is that if he keeps scooting around like he has been, as he gets bigger, the constant twist of his spine (much of the time his back legs are off to one side) may end up causing some big problems, that could end up with permanent damage and potential paralysis. He's fought so hard to live and to get this far, that would be just a tragedy (

                    He's also developed an almost skunk-like streak of white fur down his back that is a fever coat, sort of how they say people's hair turns white from extreme fright or getting sick. In kitten chat, they explained that it happens with sick or injured animals because the body stops producing coloration in the fur growth for a time so that that energy can be diverted to helping to fix the problem. I'm going to copy-pasta a little note that Shelley posted on their facebook page regarding his continued care for those that are both interested and do not have facebook access.

                    "I wanted to post some of my thought process regarding Cassidy's future, fundraising, and potential impact. We are currently evaluating whether implants might be an option for Cassidy, and are being advised by Dr. Marcellin-Little, who is a renowned expert in the field. Because implants are still very much an emerging technology, they are the most expensive option. They are also the option that is most likely to provide the best quality of life long term. Prosthetics are unlikely to be successful due to the nature of Cassidy's amputations.

                    It is difficult for me to justify the expense to help "just" one animal (no matter how wonderful and deserving he is). However, if we are able to provide Cassidy with implants to restore the use of his back legs the impact will radiate far beyond just this one little miracle kitten:

                    - It will give us an opportunity to get more press, which is one of the most effective ways we can raise awareness about the importance of spaying and neutering.

                    - The technology for implants is still being developed and refined. Each new case like Cassidy offers an opportunity for researchers to learn and advance the field, which is certain to benefit not only other cats and dogs, but will also benefit humans with similar amputations, cancers and injuries.

                    It is still too early to tell what Cassidy's future holds, but I am committed to providing him the best possible quality of life long term. He has learned how to 'scoot' around quite well using his two legs, but as he grows and gets older, dragging his hind end is likely to cause problems. I also worry that if something were to happen to one of his two legs, his quality of life would be significantly affected. Going from four legs to three, or even from three to two, is something an animal can adapt to. I can't imagine how going from two legs to one would work.

                    So, I am leaving it up to you guys. Based on the above, if you feel money donated toward new legs for Cassidy has sufficient benefit to animalkind and humankind, we would welcome your donations at TinyKittens.com/donate.

                    If you feel your money or time will have greater impact donated to your local rescue, TNR program, or research team, then please do so with our full support and gratitude!

                    And one final note about fundraising for Cassidy... I am so very grateful to those who have organized fundraisers to help raise money for Cass. We would never even be able to contemplate this without you. heart emoticon I would just ask that you please refrain from posting repeatedly about them in chat on the various feeds. I want people to be able to watch and enjoy the kittens without feeling pressured to donate. "

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                      #40
                      Re: Little Cassidy Kitten Updates!

                      Where could we donate to help Cassidy?
                      Army of Darkness: Guardians of the Chat

                      Honorary Nord.

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                        #41
                        Re: Little Cassidy Kitten Updates!

                        Originally posted by habbalah View Post
                        Where could we donate to help Cassidy?
                        TinyKittens.com/donate

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                          #42
                          Re: Little Cassidy Kitten Updates!

                          Originally posted by Munin-Hugin View Post
                          TinyKittens.com/donate
                          Thank you!
                          Army of Darkness: Guardians of the Chat

                          Honorary Nord.

                          Habbalah Vlogs

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