homer's story
Homer's award!
💗 In January 2004, a brave fireman rescued a small gray and white cat from a house fire. The cat had sustained extensive third-degree burns on about 60-70% of his body and was suffering from shock and smoke inhalation when he was brought to Dr. Amy MacKay's veterinary clinic. He was immediately adopted by the clinic and was christened "Homer," symbolic of the difficult odyssey which had just begun.
Homer required extensive emergency medical treatment, including IV fluids, antibiotics, and pain medications. In addition, months of topical treatment and bandage changes were performed to address his severe burns. When he was stable enough, he had four separate skin surgeries performed by a specialist surgeon (thank you, Larry!). Throughout it all, Homer always demonstrated an incredible will to live, eating well (especially chicken and roast beef!), purring, and nuzzling everyone who helped with his care.
Homer's recovery was nothing short of remarkable. While he lost most of his left ear, his right thumb, and his tail, the remainder of the burned areas healed quite well, and his fur grew back in very soft, downy tufts. Also, both of his Achilles tendons were damaged, but Homer quickly adapted to walking, appearing to be striding on snowshoes. He eventually learned to run and jump, despite this obstacle. Homer, who by all rights should not have lived, was thriving. He even won an award from the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association, as 2004's "Outstanding Small Animal Survivor"!
Throughout the years, Homer continued to do well, moving into Dr. Amy's house. He took medication daily to help with his constipation issues (as he had also sustained some rectal damage in the fire) but was enjoying his new life with his mom and his kitty brothers and sisters. Eventually, in 2010, he required surgery to have his colon removed, as the medications weren't able to help any further. This procedure was performed by the same specialist surgeon, with good success.
Homer developed episodic pancreatitis in 2012 and diabetes in 2015. In typical Homer fashion, he responded very well to treatment, remaining in excellent health most of the time. He remained as happy and carefree as ever, making the most of his second (third, fourth, etc.) chances. As he got older, his favorite spots were on Dr. Amy's lap (when she was awake) and Dr. Amy's pillow (when she was asleep).
In the fall of 2017, Homer experienced a severe bout of pancreatitis. He rallied as usual, but complications developed, including poor diabetic control and kidney dysfunction. Eventually it became clear that he was not going to have another miraculous recovery. On Christmas Day 2017, at the approximate age of 15½ years old, Homer became a Christmas angel. His mom misses him every day, but she knows just how lucky she was to have him for so many years... and she also knows that he will be with her in spirit, always.
Homer required extensive emergency medical treatment, including IV fluids, antibiotics, and pain medications. In addition, months of topical treatment and bandage changes were performed to address his severe burns. When he was stable enough, he had four separate skin surgeries performed by a specialist surgeon (thank you, Larry!). Throughout it all, Homer always demonstrated an incredible will to live, eating well (especially chicken and roast beef!), purring, and nuzzling everyone who helped with his care.
Homer's recovery was nothing short of remarkable. While he lost most of his left ear, his right thumb, and his tail, the remainder of the burned areas healed quite well, and his fur grew back in very soft, downy tufts. Also, both of his Achilles tendons were damaged, but Homer quickly adapted to walking, appearing to be striding on snowshoes. He eventually learned to run and jump, despite this obstacle. Homer, who by all rights should not have lived, was thriving. He even won an award from the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association, as 2004's "Outstanding Small Animal Survivor"!
Throughout the years, Homer continued to do well, moving into Dr. Amy's house. He took medication daily to help with his constipation issues (as he had also sustained some rectal damage in the fire) but was enjoying his new life with his mom and his kitty brothers and sisters. Eventually, in 2010, he required surgery to have his colon removed, as the medications weren't able to help any further. This procedure was performed by the same specialist surgeon, with good success.
Homer developed episodic pancreatitis in 2012 and diabetes in 2015. In typical Homer fashion, he responded very well to treatment, remaining in excellent health most of the time. He remained as happy and carefree as ever, making the most of his second (third, fourth, etc.) chances. As he got older, his favorite spots were on Dr. Amy's lap (when she was awake) and Dr. Amy's pillow (when she was asleep).
In the fall of 2017, Homer experienced a severe bout of pancreatitis. He rallied as usual, but complications developed, including poor diabetic control and kidney dysfunction. Eventually it became clear that he was not going to have another miraculous recovery. On Christmas Day 2017, at the approximate age of 15½ years old, Homer became a Christmas angel. His mom misses him every day, but she knows just how lucky she was to have him for so many years... and she also knows that he will be with her in spirit, always.
homer's legacy
When Homer first came to Dr. Amy's clinic in 2004, the local news media picked up the story. Over 200 people sent well wishes, many with a donation to help defray the considerable costs of Homer's care. A few local companies also offered support, and the specialist surgeon very kindly discounted his surgical services for us. In addition, over one-third of the clients at Dr. Amy's clinic contributed toward Homer's care. The widespread outpouring of support from our Cleveland cat community was nothing short of amazing.
This generosity of friends and strangers alike, and their willingness to help a cat in need, inspired us to create Homer's Fund. By 2008, we had become an official nonprofit organization, obtaining 501(c)(3) certification. Throughout the years, Homer's Fund has helped nearly 150 cats, giving them a second chance at life. We have held food drives and fundraisers, including the sale of a yearly calendar (for which Homer has often been the cover model!), and are incredibly grateful for each donation that we have received. Every single dollar has been used to care for our fabulous felines. Please visit our donation page if you would like to help!
Homer's influence can be felt strongly throughout Nine Lives Cat Center. Our boarding facility is of course called Hotel Homer, and photos and artwork of our brave boy are dotted throughout the facility. And it's more than just his name and his face that we remember—every resident cat is a reminder of his legacy. Homer symbolizes the privileged responsibility that we have to treat our cats with exceptional care, respect, and love. On a broader level, through both Nine Lives and Homer's Fund, he encourages us to promote the health and welfare of all cats in our community (and beyond), and to raise awareness of important feline issues. Not bad for a little seven-pound cat, right? Rest in peace, dear Homer... you deserve it 💗
This generosity of friends and strangers alike, and their willingness to help a cat in need, inspired us to create Homer's Fund. By 2008, we had become an official nonprofit organization, obtaining 501(c)(3) certification. Throughout the years, Homer's Fund has helped nearly 150 cats, giving them a second chance at life. We have held food drives and fundraisers, including the sale of a yearly calendar (for which Homer has often been the cover model!), and are incredibly grateful for each donation that we have received. Every single dollar has been used to care for our fabulous felines. Please visit our donation page if you would like to help!
Homer's influence can be felt strongly throughout Nine Lives Cat Center. Our boarding facility is of course called Hotel Homer, and photos and artwork of our brave boy are dotted throughout the facility. And it's more than just his name and his face that we remember—every resident cat is a reminder of his legacy. Homer symbolizes the privileged responsibility that we have to treat our cats with exceptional care, respect, and love. On a broader level, through both Nine Lives and Homer's Fund, he encourages us to promote the health and welfare of all cats in our community (and beyond), and to raise awareness of important feline issues. Not bad for a little seven-pound cat, right? Rest in peace, dear Homer... you deserve it 💗