Dule the Cat: From Dumpster Diver to Gentle Giant
The Dumpster Diving Days: Dule’s Humble Beginnings
It was a hot summer evening in 2014 when my friend found Dule, a stray cat, dumpster diving behind a supermarket. His fur was a sticky mess, and he was visibly unhealthy. But there was something about those eyes – a glimmer of hope, perhaps – that made her pause. She knew we had to help him.
The Tenants: Worms, Fleas, and Lices, Oh My!
Dule was not alone; he had a host of unwanted tenants. From worms to fleas and lices, this feline was a walking petri dish. It was clear that life on the streets had been unkind to him, but we were determined to change that.
The Diagnosis: More Than Meets the Eye
After a trip to the veterinarian, we discovered that Dule’s health issues were more severe than we initially thought. Not only was he anemic, but he also tested positive for feline leukemia virus (FeLV). For those unfamiliar with FeLV, it’s a serious illness that can severely impact a cat’s quality of life. But we were not deterred; we were determined to save Dule.
The Treatment: A Labor of Love
Dule’s treatment was a long and arduous journey. It involved multiple trips to the vet, a cocktail of medications, and a whole lot of love and care. Dule spent a lot of time at the vet, so his photos are mostly from the vet’s office. And even his veterinarians grew fond of him (one of the vets is holding him in the photo above). Slowly but surely, Dule transformed from a scruffy stray into a patient, gentle giant.
The Transformation: From Stray to Stay
After two months of care, Dule was a changed cat. His fur regained its luster, his eyes sparkled with life, and most importantly, he was healthy. Well, almost healthy – because cats with FeVL are never complete healthy. But despite that, it was then the unimaginable happened: Dule found his forever home.
The Happy Ending: A Forever Home for Dule
We couldn’t have been happier for Dule. Given his grey lifetime prognosis, we just wanted him to be safe and lazy for the rest of his life. And he was. Dule had gone from being a stray with a grim future to a beloved pet with a loving family.
Never Give Up
Dule’s story is a testament to the transformative power of love and care. It’s a reminder that every life is worth saving, and that miracles do happen, often in the most unexpected of ways.
So, the next time you see a stray wandering the streets, remember Dule. Remember that with a little love and care, even the scruffiest of strays can find their forever home. And who knows, you might just find a gentle giant waiting to steal your heart.
