Photo courtesy of CARF: Critical Animal Relief Foundation
CARF welcomed Champ on August 1st, 2018.
Even wearing bandages to protect the open sores, Champ loved playing with toys and getting attention.
He remained calm and patient when they delicately cleaned his wounds.
It was as if he knew he was surrounded by people whose only goal was to help him heal.
But Champ’s journey was long from over.
About a week later, he came down with a fever and wasn’t interested in food. Both VERY concerning issues to his caregivers.
Monitoring him closely, the medical staff at CARF did everything they could to help him.
At one point his fever reached 105.9 degrees!
Under their intensive care, he received medication, was syringe fed and given nebulizer treatments.
This was all in ADDITION to the care he was receiving for his chemical wounds.
Photo courtesy of CARF: Critical Animal Relief Foundation
The staff were extremely worried their little Champ wasn’t going to make it.
Thankfully, 5 days later, the fever finally broke.
They were again optimistic he had the willpower to overcome his injuries.
By the end of August, Champ was well enough to receive something he’d been missing out on…playing with fellow felines!
Photo courtesy of CARF: Critical Animal Relief Foundation
He had conquered his nasty URI and his wounds were healing nicely.
After being laid up for an eternity, (especially in kitty years!), he was headed to a foster home.
Photo courtesy of CARF: Critical Animal Relief Foundation
Here, he’d be able to socialize with other cats and finally get his “kitten” on.
Once he was completely healed from the burns, he’d be neutered and then ready for adoption.
Photo courtesy of CARF: Critical Animal Relief Foundation
He went in for his sterilization on September 13th.
Champ even had a loving supporter who volunteered to be his transporter to-and-from surgery.
His story of hope and survival had touched the hearts of many CARF social media followers.
Photo courtesy of CARF: Critical Animal Relief Foundation
One of those followers was a woman named Lisa Gilbert.
Lisa and her family had previously adopted a male cat, named “Kitten”, from the CARF organization.
Just as everyone else had fallen for Champ, so did Lisa.
On October 8th, the Gilberts’ welcomed Champ into her family officially.
Photo courtesy of CARF: Critical Animal Relief Foundation
He now had another CARF rescue kitty as a brother and a furever home he’d be safe in.
The two boys are settling in wonderfully together. Their mom shared the blossoming “bromance” on the CARF Facebook page.
“Look at who we got! It’s Champ, the chemical-burn kitty!
Thank you to CARF, Village West Veterinary, Dr Silverman, techs, CACC, transporters, fosterers, everyone who worked so hard to get him over his horrific burns. And to those who donated toward his spendy care. It was worth it.”
He is an amazing cat, very happy, and VERY ACTIVE.
Photo courtesy of CARF: Critical Animal Relief Foundation
Thanks also and especially to Allison, who made the perfect match for our other CARF cat, “kitten.”
Kitten’s a maniac, and in love with Champ. They are having so much fun together, and Allison worked hard to bring us all together. CARF rules!”
