Halo

by · August 26, 2018

August 25. 2018 @ 9:00am

Our sweet little Halo valiantly fought for his life and in the brief 29 days we had the privilege to love him, he rallied a community. How can we honor such a special boy?…by letting his life and his legacy save others from the same fate! You see, Halo was by all accounts, a community cat; one of those kittens you see running around that everyone feeds but no one claims. In the United States alone, the community cat population is estimated at 60 million! How can we ever think to get a handle on such a catastrophic conundrum?
TNR! Trap, Neuter, Release is the only viable solution that will stem the tide, stopping new litters from being born. 

Here at Cat Around Town Project, we practice TNR regularly, unfortunately we do not have anywhere near the finances to keep up with the ever growing demand. To pay tribute to Halo and stop other kittens from enduring his fate, we’re asking for donations, just $26 will alter, rabies vaccinate and ear tip a community cat in our area, effectively stopping the production of kittens and stemming the tide of overwhelming numbers of forgotten felines! Our goal is $754, that’s enough to TNR 1 community cat per day that we were blessed with our sweet Halo! If you are able, please help and let’s continue making a difference!
#forhalo #teamhalo #untiltheyrealladopted #tnr #lifealtering #stemthetide

 

August 21, 2018 @ 1:41pm

It is with a shattered heart that we share our little Halo crossed the rainbow bridge this morning. No one could have predicted that his tests would reveal that he had 3 different strains of bacteria surrounding his heart and both sides were in failure. The only option, which offered a mere 10% chance of survival was an extensive surgical procedure to open him and remove the fluid directly from his pericardium. With those odds, the selfless and loving decision was made to offer him his final “I love you”. His passing was peaceful; he was cradled in his favorite position, snuggled in a blanket in the arms of his foster, with a full belly. With a broken heart and tears pouring down, he received his final kiss this side of the rainbow bridge while he drifted off to the final sleep. We would like to thank everyone for your thoughts, prayers, donations, and just banding together with us in love for a little orange kitten that stole our hearts. With your help, his brief life was filled with love and kindness. He knew he was cherished and that’s the absolute best life one could live!
#teamhalo #gonebutneverforgotten #untilwemeetagain

 

August 20, 2018 @ 3:55pm

Tests are still being done, though a bit of good news, it’s unlikely to be wet FIP (answered prayer) since the fluid in his abdomrn is most likely residual from 2 weeks ago and is too small to tap. Further tests revealed no fluid in his lungs after all, everything is in his pericardium. Little Halo will need to be anesthetized and with the use of ultrasound, tap and remove the pericardium fluid (fluid around his heart). It is still undetermined if the condition is congenital or bacterial. The fluid compression of his heart is not sufficient to account for the breathing problem. Halo remains in critical condition and will be hospitalized for at least the next 24 hours and due to his frailty, treatments will be done in baby steps. Keep those prayers going for this little lover!
#teamhalo #anewmountain

 

 

August 20, 2018 @ 1:39pm

All, we don’t have any definitive diagnosis yet but our sweet Halo was referred to cVets. Tests are being run and we are awaiting results for the cause of fluid now present in his lungs, abdomen and heart.

Prayer is powerful and we need all we can get! Please offer prayers for the doctors, Halo and his foster mom…we pour our hearts and souls into these little ones and any backsliding is difficult, especially when you’ve crested the mountain.
#teamhalo #powerofprayer

August 20, 2018 @ 10:56am

Halo was slightly listless yesterday and this morning is having some slight respiratory distress, with his history, we aren’t taking any chances! Waiting on radiographs at Spears Creek Veterinary Clinic this morning, he remains a bundle of purrs! Paws crossed for a false alarm! #teamhalo#nomoremountains #everpurring

August 16, 2018 @ 11:29am

Look who broke 2 pounds today!!! Who would have known the emaciated kitten covered in maggots and thrown from a car would be topping the scales at a normal weight!!! #teamhalo #halothehulk #becauseofdonors
August 14, 2018 @ 1:12pm
In preparation for August 25, Halo is perfecting the coy wink.
#teamhalo #learningtoflirt #nailedit #meetandgreet #august25

August 12, 2018 @ 4:08pm

Halo is loving having the run of the house! He still gets crated for meals to monitor his intake, his weight is down, but that is attributed to the significant amount of fluid that was removed from his lung and not a concern. Now, he’s getting a little definition and you can actually feel his muscles starting to develop. He’s well on his way to being a hulk! He loves chicken and the 16 year old, Angel who he likes to edge up to in hopes for a lick on the head! Our sweet boy is growing stronger by the day and we could not be more thrilled!!!
#teamhalo #thehulk #overthemountain #smoothsailingfromhere#weightgaining

August 10, 2018 @ 5:43pm 

Guess who’s got the run of the house now!?! And boy does he own the place! That little tail points up and off he goes, exploring, making friends and claiming a bed along the way! We are beyond blessed to share Halo with you and have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support! With your help, this little mountain climber tackled his Mount Everest! All the sleepless nights, worrying, intense protocols, treatment, care and never giving up even when it seemed like all was lost, add up to one healthy albeit spoiled rotten kitten! Care to see for yourself? Join us Saturday, August 25th at Tractor Supply in Camden for a meet and greet with Halo and let this biscuit making boy puursonally show you just how very grateful we are to each of you! More details coming soon!
#teamhalo #meetandgreet #biscuitboy #mountainclimber#tackledthemountain

August 9, 2018 @ 10:11am

This is the face of a kitten that just 14 days ago had a very little chance of survival. Halo had a will to live and took hold of that chance, valiantly fighting for his life. In rescue, we can do everything in our power for a tiny battered, bruised, infected and maggot infested body but if the fight has gone out, success is not likely. From day one where he rushed to the Good Samaritan’s car, Halo demonstrated his fervor for life and systematically started climbing. His mountain appeared insurmountable and without intervention, would have been. Starting with baby steps, Halo and his ever growing team of love, support and prayers started up the mountain. Everyday brought new challenges and new victories. Today, Halo is officially OFF oxygen, he has 3 days left of antibiotics (the culture came back and we’ve been treating him correctly the entire time), his new regiment consist of diet, exercise and stimulation. He is within days of resuming a normal kittenhood! Every prayer uttered, every dollar donated and every outpouring of love contributed to his remarkable recovery. Here a Cat Around Town, we want to thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for helping to make Halo’s life possible! This journey may have started with tragedy, but the last 2 weeks have solidified the fact that together we are making a difference! We cannot succeed alone, please continue to go with us on our journey as we fight to ensure the health and safety of all paws and to strive to make Kershaw County no kill! #teamhalo #joinus #everypawcounts #happytails#nokillsc #jointhemovement #tnr #adoptdontshop #foster #volunteer #donate

August 8, 2018 @ 8:54am

Yesterday we celebrated the small victory of sitting up as Halo goes about tackling his mountains. Even this small task is work for one who has been weak for so long. Today, we celebrate again! He is eating like a horse and unless the pending culture reveals something else, he has finished all his medical protocols! And though he wants out, he still requires physical therapy to help build muscle mass and stamina! He’s also being weaned off oxygen. All of this is in preparation for normal kitten activities we fully expect him to be experiencing in the near future!
#teamhalo #hesmorereadythanhisbody #almostoverthemountain#goingtobeanaughtykitten #allaboutthemears

August 7, 2018 @ 11:11am

Look who’s more alert today! He’s feeling better and is able to be off oxygen for short periods of time without respiratory distress! His nose is currently bald, but working and looking almost normal. He has other areas of hair loss from wounds and looks like he was in a fight…you should see the other guy ?, but as hair grows back, who the heck cares ?
His culture is still pending and the results will allow us to pin point the bacteria causing his lung infection and make sure it’s addressed and resolved!
#teamhalo #youshouldseetheotherguy #nohairdontcare #thoseears#stillclimbing

August 6, 2018 @ 12:32pm

Halo saw Dr. King at Spears Creek Veterinary Clinic this morning. Chest radiographs showed no fluid on his abdomen or bowels and the amount in his lung cavity was significantly reduced…8mls was removed via chest tube. He does have a medium sized air pocket in his abdomen, however that is not concerning and should resolve without treatment. The results of his culture are expected in this afternoon and his treatment plan may shift with the results. Par for the course, little Halo is purring and making biscuits! No word as to wether he will ever grow into those ears ?
#teamhalo #yodaears #feelingbetter #climbingthemountain #littlecutie

August 5, 2018 @8:41pm

Halo continues to eat small amounts on his own and appears to be starting to respond to treatment. While he remains on oxygen, his breathing appears to have improved and he was able to be out of the chamber and groomed for a short time without respiratory distress. He’s headed back to the vet tomorrow so we will know more, however it appears we are making kitten steps in the right direction ???
#teamhalo #keepclimbing #kittensteps #headedtherightway#eatingonhisown #stillpreferstobehandfed #wewillaccommodate #spoiled#asheshouldbe

August 5, 2018 @ 9:14am

It’s breakfast in bed for our sweet Halo. He appears to be feeling a bit better today, we are hopeful he will continue the improvement trend! He still gets distressed easily if he’s out of his oxygen chamber for too long, though we are optimistic that the antibiotics are helping. We should have the culture back tomorrow to know for certain what type of bacterial infection we are fighting and can adjust accordingly. At the moment, life is good!
#teamhalo #warriorkitten #climbingthemountain #progress #breakfastinbed

August 4, 2018 @ 10:59am

Good morning from Halo! Halo is home and breathing better, along with his regular routine, he’s on constant oxygen and injectable antibiotics. He ate a small amount of food on his own last night and again this morning, then was coaxed and encouraged to finish his breakfast…insert happy tears! He is purring and making biscuits and was allowed 5 minutes of exercise…Life is good. Thanks to everyone for their continued outpouring of love and support. Special thanks to Nancy Howard for the oxygen concentrator!
#teamhalo #halostrong #eatingandlivingthegoodlife #climbingthemountain#allbecauseofdonations

August 3, 2018 @ 1:35pm

We don’t have pictures, but the update from Spears Creek Veterinary Clinicis that our little Halo is in oxygen making biscuits! Be still my heart ???They will attempt to draw more fluid off him shortly and a culture is being sent to the lab to determine the bacteria so we can determine the best way to treat him! Keep praying for our little Halo, he’s a fighter with a will to live!
#teamhalo #alwaysmakingbiscuits #kneadykitty #climbingthemountain

August 3, 2018 @ 11:12am

Halo did not have a good day yesterday, he needed fluids and had no appetite, the usual flushing and suction were not keeping him cleared for long. As there was no improvement, first thing this morning Halo went to the Spears Creek Veterinary Clinic, our sweet boy has a pneumothorax (collapsed lung) likely from the trauma of the accident on his left side, the right lung is not affected. Dr. King removed 24cc of purulent fluid off his lungs. He will remain hospitalized today as they continue to periodically draw fluid off his lungs if needed and he’s started on heavy antibiotics. The plan is for him to come home tonight and he’ll remain with us in our oxygen concentrator. Please continue to pray as our little Halo is forced again to battle the odds!
#teamhalo #tinybutmighty #fightingforlife

August 2, 2018 @8:25am

If the early bird gets the worm, what does the early cat get?#imreadyforbreakfast #andsecondbreakfast #feedmeseymour #teamhalo#mynoseislookinggood

August 1, 2018 @ 11:11am

After his second breakfast, Halo the Hobbit, jumped off his foster mom’s lap, sauntered over to 16 year old Buddy, as big as you please and climbed into the cat bed with him. ? He is still not eating on his own and his energy remains low, but he continues to gain weight and his wounds are healing.
#halothehobbit #secondbreakfast #bedbuddy#mymomsaidifilikedabeditwasmine #thisoneisjustright #sharables #twinning

July 31, 2018 @ 1:33pm

Halo’s nose is showing great improvement, it’s actually starting to resemble a nose! There is still significant damage apparent but he is definitely healing well and at this point, we are hopeful that surgery will not be required. His wound where the hundreds of maggots were residing is clean, debrided and healing well, however, it is uncertain if it will scar or not but honestly when you consider the alternative, a scar would be beautiful! Today was the first day he’s not required subcutaneous fluids which is exciting as he’s taking in enough liquids through his feedings and drinking! He’s finally strong enough to get a full bath, which due to his frailty had been put off until now. He’s up to 27 ounces and will be moving into a new, bigger kennel which will allow him to have some room to play and start to interact with the other cats. He still tires easily but is going a bit further each time. Overall we are thrilled as he continues to climb the mountain towards healing and the purrfect furrever he is due!
#halostrong #halogetsabath #tireseasily #butisgainingstrengtheveryday#communitycat #nolongerforgotten

July 30, 2018 @ 7:54pm

Here’s a little video of sweet Halo! This is his first expedition around the house…as you can see he remains weak, but is gaining strength, this was a kitten who this time last week his vet was concerned and didn’t think would ever be able to sit-up on his own…look at him now!!! #teamhalo#nevergiveup #fromunabletosituptowalking #milestones#hewillberunninginnotime #unsteadygait #thisismybed

July 30, 2018 @ 10:28am

Halo is still not out of the woods, but every achievement is celebrated! His nose remains swollen and is impairing his sense of smell. Cats are very olfactory sensory motivated when it comes to eating, so while he no longer requires syringe feedings, he’s not free feeding yet and requires coaxing to eat or drink. He remains very weak, during his exercise time, he will walk a few steps, then sit up and watch his surroundings, however, he has started showing interest in toys. He’s also started to groom his front paws after eating. Both of these signs are encouraging and we look forward to the days ahead when he has the strength to become the full spirited mischievous kitten he truly is!
#halostrong #teamhalo #recoverypopcicle #startingtogroom#interestedintoys

July 29, 2018 @ 2:09pm

Halo continues to do well today, we are limiting his activity as he remains in fragile condition. It’s estimated that he is around 12 weeks old due to body size/structure yet his weight which should be around 3lbs or so is a mere 25 ounces! His syringe feeding continues every 4 hours and every ounce he gains is celebrated! We never tire of looking at this sweet biscuit making boy!#halostrong #haloishealing #ouncebyounce #fragilefeline

July 29, 2018 @ 9:35am

Halo continues to do well today, we are limiting his activity as he remains in fragile condition. It’s estimated that he is around 12 weeks old due to body size/structure yet his weight which should be around 3lbs or so is a mere 25 ounces! His syringe feeding continues every 4 hours and every ounce he gains is celebrated! We never tire of looking at this sweet biscuit making boy!#halostrong #haloishealing #ouncebyounce #fragilefeline

July 28, 2018 @ 4:34pm

Little Halo was at Veterinary Medicine and Surgery this morning, he’s gained 2 ounces over the last 3 days!!! Dr. Spilker was impressed that he was able to sit up! They were able to remove some of the crud from his nostrils and currently his nasal passages are clear and he’s able to breath through his nose! He’s still very weak and not interested in eating on his own, but continues to tolerate syringe feedings well. He’s eliminating normally and now that he’s breathing normally, we are hopeful that his activity will increase. He remains a purring, biscuit making machine!
#hecantbreathebuthellmakeabiscuit #halostrong #keepingmakingmilestones#nosebreathing #vms

July 27, 2018 @ 3:52pm

Halo is having a hard day today… the trauma to his nose has left it completely swollen and extremely tender. He’s resorted to mouth breathing which happily keeps his lungs clear, though the effort leaves him weak and without energy, only able to take a few steps before laying down to rest. His bladder and bowels are functioning normally, though he’s too weak to hold his potty posture. Nasal saline flushes have been added into his treatment plan to go along with his wound care every 4 hours to help open his nasal passages. He’s still tolerating syringe feedings and is being supplemented with subcutaneous fluids as well. Even with his pain and as weak as he is Halo is responding to us and begins kneading and purring as soon as he hears someone approaching him.
#hekneadsus #onestepbackonestepforward #HaloThePurrfect#overcomingobstacles

July 27, 2018 @ 9:45am

Though still incredibly weak, Halo is starting to show interest in his surroundings and gets 2 minutes of exercise time before every meal. He is still not eating on his own, (likely in part to his damaged nose), but continues to tolerate syringe feedings well. His wounds are beginning to heal, though his nose remains in rough shape with significant bruising and swelling.
#halo #weakbutgettingstrong #anytimefitness #thenoseknows#workingformilestones #pawsforimprovement

July 26, 2018 @ 1:30pm

Watching Halo sleep, warm, safe and with a full belly, it warms our hearts and brings a different type of tears. He’s transitioning from the pitiful kitten crying for help who with eyes so infected he could barely see, still managed to sprint to his Good Samaritan’s car when she turned back for him and allowed her to scoop him up! Our Halo is obviously a fighter, refusing to give up when all the odds were against him. Now he’s slowly but surely knocking milestones out as he’s turned that same determination and drive to healing! We just got a poop which as you can imagine has caused a flurry of happy dances, especially as that was an area most effected by the myiasis. #halo#happytears #happydance #keepmovingforward #theplumbingworks#aintnocreepycrawlershere #willdanceforpoop#anyonewhoseverbeenhospitalizedunderstands

July 26, 2018

He has a name…we are going with Halo, because that’s as close as he’s gonna get to being and angel! (Plus he’s a little cutie) Little Halo did well overnight, he’s maintaining his temperature and is taking syringe feeding so well we were able to increase his amount ?. With a kitten this critical, we celebrate every achievement, so we are thrilled to announce that this morning he urinated for the first time! He loves his post feeding grooming session/cleaning as it relaxes and comforts him. He’s still sleeping large amounts and by no means out of danger, though he’s started to fuss and with his little nose is so congested it’s hard to tell, he may have offered his first purr this morning. We are waiting for a repeat to confirm, so fingers crossed! His plight has stolen our hearts and we are encouraged not only from his progress, but from the outpouring of support and encouragement! Thank you everyone who is praying and supporting this little guy!
#halo #almostanangel #topurrornottopurr #keepgettingstronger #fighter#nolongerforgotten #peepeeking

July 25, 2018

Update…
We are still kicking names around for this little man, he’s headed back to his foster now for tons of TLC, rest and food ? A war has been waged for this little guy and we are ready to see him through… we have attacked and treated his dehydration, fleas, ear mites roundworms, hookworms, coccidia, wounds, eye infection, low temp, malnutrition, low blood sugar and overall malaise. He is absolutely exhausted, but slowly getting over this mountain and in time we anticipate a playing machine!
#dorito #roadrunner #texaspete #fostergetsnamingrights#wewillfightthiswarwithhim #warrior #fighter

July 25, 2018

This little guy was found by a Good Samaritan who saw him being thrown from a car… He’s in critical condition his little body being ravaged from malnutrition, the trauma of being tossed from a car and Myiasis (infestation by the larvae (maggots) of fly species. The larvae feed on the host’s dead or living tissue, body substances, or ingested food). With hearts burning in anger and bleeding for the injustice of the lifetime of suffering this young kitten has already endured and tears in our eyes, we vow with this little one as we do with each kitty we take in….we will do everything possible to assist him as he fights for his life! He’s now cootie free, been syringe fed as he’s to weak to eat on his own and headed to the vet. We are by no means out of the woods and will continue striving for the opportunity to show this sweet soul gentleness, love and the type of life he deserves! Please join us in prayer for this little one. Donations are our bread and butter, providing the support and resources necessary to be able to save lives! Every dollar goes directly to the care of our kitties.
#tbdname #cootiefree #fightingforlife #makingtheworldabetterplace#1kittyatatime #untiltheyallhavehomes #jointhefight#manmadethisproblemnowwegottasolveit #donatetoday #cataroundtown

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