sun-day for Stewie (Tuesday, April 28)

This was, hands-down, one of the best Stewie visits ever, as i was able to sit with him for an hour or so on his blanket by the front door at Spay Maryland. This allowed Stewie to enjoy the sun and a change in perspective! In the month-plus I've been visiting and photographing Stewie, I've yet to have the occasion to take images of him in natural (i.e., sun) light, so this was, from a photographer's perspective anyway, huge! Normally, I'm taking images under fluorescent lights with the front door of his cage open.

When the doc first placed Stewie on his blanket on the floor, he was eager to walk around--he was even fixin' to jump up on the chair next to where the doc was positioned before she corralled him and settled him back on the blanket! As he moved around the blanket, it seemed clear that putting weight and pressure on his still-very-tender back paws was uncomfortable for him but it seemed like he was willing to deal with the discomfort, at least for a bit, in order to satisfy his desire to move around and explore. I've posted more pictures here than usual, primarily because (as I said to start) I was really happy about being able to photograph Stewie in natural light!

stewie unwrapped! (Saturday, April 25)

I was able to visit Stewie Thursday, Friday and Saturday this week, and as of Saturday am, he was totally unwrapped--that is, bandage-free! Doc reports that before the last foot bandage came off, Stewie had been attempting to stand (although briefly) while trying to eat.

time out, new friend! (Sunday, April 19)

Stewie got yet more loving from a kind and generous new Oella friend, Amanda. Chris, as ever, was on hand to help Stewie enjoy this brief time out of his cage while his bedding was being changed. . . shortly after it was changed, he wet the bedding and got more time out of his cage. smart guy! With his back legs nearly free of bandages, Stewie is eager to be up and about on his own. Everyone is equally eager for the time to come when his body is healed enough for him to be up and moving about like he used to!

quicker and craftier (Friday, April 17)

the great news is that Stewie's condition continues to improve! the more challenging news (at least insofar as it concerns my efforts to document Stewie's recovery) is that the doc tells me that Stewie has a tendency to want to dart out of his cage when he sees it has been opened! His back legs are still bandaged--as is a portion of his tail--but his front legs keep looking better and better! The doc also tells me that Stewie enjoys sleeping underneath his soft fleece blanket and that he loves the smell of fresh laundry! The video clip shows Stewie playing a bit with his new toy before he settles down for a nap.

stewie's tuesday lovin (Tuesday, April 14)

fiesty stewie (Friday, April 10)

After putting up a fight for his morning meds, Stewie took care of his morning business, ate breakfast, had playtime and is getting ready here for his late morning nap.

stewie's new toy (april 9)

Chris was kind enough to snap and send along this image of Stewie's with his new toy. Front paws seem to be healing really well!

stewie stills and video (april 5, 2009)

Stewie got the bandages off his front paws and is eager to get up and move around like he used to. With the back legs still in bandages, he's unable to do that and it makes him a little fussy--impatient with the time his body still needs to heal. He was happy to have some lovings and although the sound on the video is not the greatest, he was purring a lot as he was being petted!

stewie stills and video (april 3, 2009)

I was able to visit Stewie again this morning at Spay Maryland at about 8:45 am. Chris, from Baltimore PetPals and BCAP, (see images left and below) gave him some cuddles and loves while Doc changed his bedding. Because Stewie had been eating well since arriving at Spay Maryland, his feeding tube was taken out earlier in the week, but the bandage around his neck remained until the place where the feeding tube had been inserted had begun healing. After Stewie's bedding was changed, Doc removed the neck bandage. Yeah! Stewie seemed happy about that!





























Stewie's face continues to heal and he's eager to get the bandages off his front legs. Perhaps the best part about today's visit was that I was able (finally) to determine what color Stewie's eyes are. Looks like he's a yellow-eyed cat!

Finally, a little bit more video of Stewie from today's visit!

stewie on video (march 31, 2009)

This video was taken of Stewie on the afternoon of March 31, 2009. Earlier in the day, Stewie had his bandages redone. As the video illustrates, he's still talkative and eating well and, yes, trying to get use to the feel of these new 1/2 length bandages! (Previously to this, his front legs had been completely bandaged.)

documenting stewie's progress (still pics from march 24 & 28)

My first photographs of Stewie (see images left and below) were taken on March 24, 2009, approximately two weeks after the fire and days after he arrived at Spay Maryland.















I went back to visit Stewie four days later and was both surprised and thankful to see how much progress he had made (see images left and below). While Stewie is making wonderful progress, he could still use whatever help and support people might offer.

Donations can be made at www.baltimorecaresaboutpets.org or 410-461-7257

about Stewie (march 10-22)

After Stewie the cat, a one year old red tabby shorthair, was treated at an emergency veterinary hospital for severe burns to his face and all four feet, he started his next stage of rehabilitation at a local full-service veterinary hospital. Stewie’s owner, an amputee who uses a wheelchair for mobility and works at a local Walmart, lost everything in the fire except his dog and cat. He was unable to afford Stewie’s escalating veterinary bill after a week of treatment, despite the fact that Stewie was making great strides in his recovery. He had begun to consider euthanasia as an option for his little buddy.

Baltimore Cares About Pets was then contacted by one of Stewie’s doctors to discuss possible options or funding sources for Stewie. Baltimore Cares About Pets was recently established to be able to help with fundraising efforts such as this. BCAP then contacted Spay Maryland.

Spay Maryland is dedicated specifically to providing safe, comfortable spay and neuter procedures for dogs and cats of low-income pet owners, and for feral cats. Spay Maryland is making special accommodations for Stewie’s care, and looking forward to helping him recover and return to the family who loves him. Donations toward Stewie’s care will cover both his remaining balance at the previous hospital, as well as the cost of bandages, medication, and special care provided at Spay Maryland.

Donations can be made at www.baltimorecaresaboutpets.org or 410-461-7257