Kelse

The foster got the call about Kelce that can only come long after regular vet hours are over. The finder had found him at roughly 3 weeks old in a shed out in the country northwest of Fort Worth. The pictures meant we would be going straight to the emergency clinic. She got the carrier, heating pad, and formula ready. She offered him a bottle as he was handed off and thankfully he took it. At the ER, Kelsey the wonderful vet tech checked us in and this is who Kelce is named after. We changed the spelling after the exam proved he was actually a boy, not a girl. Kelse was weak, dirty and covered in fleas. The injuries to his front legs were horrific. The Vet said amputation could be considered later if Kelce survived. They left the clinic after 3 hours of fabulous care with a fighting chance and his name. For the next few weeks it was wound care, antibiotics, and vet visits. It was determined that the wounds to his legs were caused by thread like strings that had wrapped around his lower legs cutting off circulation. Eventually the lower part of the right leg sloughed away and the left front paw, though deformed, had a pad. He never needed surgery. Other than his injuries, Kelce grew normally. He was a wonderful eater and was happy when he could share a crate with another kitten. He was so glad to have a buddy. So what’s the reality of helping Kelce live his best life? All of his wounds have healed but he will always have an abnormal gait. He runs and tussles with the other kittens, he pounces and swats. He has no idea he is any different than they are. The front paw that has claws are small and weak so he doesn’t get a lot of traction. To climb he needs a ramp to go up and down. The goal is to avoid hard landings on hard surfaces. Kelce adores being held but when you put him down make sure the back feet go down first. He loves to get a massage as his shoulder muscles surely get sore and he likes to sleep on a heating pad. It’s hard for him to clean his face so you might need to assist with that if he gets messy. Kelse is a lap baby and very cooperative when you have to intervene for him. If you are feeling sorry for him, don’t. Don’t adopt him because you are sad for him. Take him because you want to share in his journey and joy at being alive. Medical records will be made available to the adopter. The foster will be available throughout his life to answer questions. Every kitten leaves a bit of themselves with her when they go to their forever home and she would be eternally grateful if you would let her know how he is doing from time to time. He’s a special boy who will never be forgotten. Born 7/7/2024 If you are interested in meeting Kelce, please contact my rescue family at [email protected] to arrange a visit with my foster home!